Consider the many possibilities at 'Oselia SUM' (05/04/03)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Consider the many possibilities at 'Oselia SUM'

by Peter Kosciolek

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. - "Oselia SUM," the estate and camp center of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM), is situated in a valley between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountains of New York state, just south of the village of Ellenville. Many Ukrainian Americans spent countless summers on the Oselia, found their spouses, had their wedding celebrations in the beautiful banquet room, and raised their children there. Others have passed the "CYM" sign on Route 209, not knowing what lies behind the tree-lined fence along the road.

The estate is the site of summer camps - eight different specialized camps for all age groups - sponsored by the national organization. Twelve years ago a $1.3 million camp, composed of six barracks and a headquarters building, was built in the form of a Sich fort.

The Oselia also offers families a perfect vacation spot or weekend getaway. For some, the tranquil setting of the mountain stream is reason enough to stay; for others it's the atmosphere at one of the social events or the music at an outdoor dance, or "zabava." The mix of young adults, teenagers, parents with children attending one of the many camps and not-so-young adults escaping the hot city summer, gives a newcomer the impression that the resort is a place with something to do for everyone.

The season kick-off during the last weekend of June will be the 3rd Annual Lemko Vatra-Festival, featuring Lemko-Ukrainian specialties and entertainment. The Fourth of July Weekend is geared towards families with fun and games for all ages.

The Quad Grass Volleyball Tournament and Annual Softball Tournament return for another round in August. Together with the Krylati Soccer Club the oselia is sponsoring a soccer tournament during July's last weekend, during which a Ukrainian team from Manchester, England, is competing.

The season finale is the traditional SUM "Zdvyh" and festival during Labor Day weekend, one of the largest gatherings of Ukrainians in the Northeastern U.S.

Favorite bands - including Svitanok, Vechirka, Na Zdorovya, Vorony, Homin and others - will perform during dances throughout the summer. Guests are invited to stay the night in the newly-decorated motel, enjoy a cup of coffee at the new café (grand opening during Memorial Day Weekend), have a bite to eat at the restaurant, take a dip in the Olympic-sized pool or the refreshing mountain stream, make use of the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts or the soccer field, enjoy lots of open space, and catch a movie or bingo night.

Renovating buildings, landscaping the grounds and spring cleaning were the major projects for several planned work weekends, at which many volunteers, both SUM members and non-members, dedicated countless hours. Others have donated much-needed items and funds to the Beautification Fund. The dedication and team work demonstrated during the last two months shows that the Oselia will continue to thrive as the site for some of the best Ukrainian camps in the United States as well as for festivals, vacations, conventions, weddings and other functions.

The SUM estate is located on Route 209 in Ulster County, N.Y., two miles south of the village of Ellenville. For more information call (845) 647-7230, e-mail Ellenville@CYM.org. or visit the website http://www.cym.org/us/ellenville. (Also, look for updates on Oselia happenings on the pages of The Ukrainian Weekly.)

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