Soyuzivka to host children's day camp (07/18/04)

Soyuzivka to host children's day camp

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - This year's Chemney's Children's Day Camp at Soyuzivka will be held during the weeks of July 17 and July 24. Each five-day program is designed to educate and entertain 4-7 year old children of Ukrainian descent.

"Whether your child speaks Ukrainian, understands Ukrainian, or is simply just proud to be Ukrainian, Soyuzivka's half-day camp will enable them to learn more about and take greater enjoyment in their Ukrainian heritage," said Bohdanka Puzyk, the day camp's coordinator. "All are welcome."

The theme for this year's camp - "Pisnia Ukrainy," or "Melodies of Ukraine" - will be woven into their daily activities of group songs, crafts and games.

Andrij Oprysko is returning as the Ukrainian dance instructor for both sessions. For children who do not participate in a Ukrainian dance group in their hometown, Mr. Oprysko provides an excellent introduction to basic Ukrainian dance steps. However, for those with greater Ukrainian folk dance experience, this will be an opportunity to broaden and refine their skills.

The children will work with Natalka Junas on various crafts projects during the first week, and with Dycia Hanushevska during the second week. In keeping with the musical theme of the camp, crafts will include making the children's own versions of traditional Ukrainian instruments, such as the trembita or the bandura. The children also will make their own "vinok" (for girls) and "toporets" (for boys) for the popular Hutsul Night held on Wednesday evenings.

Nadia Kruchowa will lead the children in various outdoor playground activities and structured games, all of which are designed to encourage age-appropriate fun, self-exploration and adventure. Tania Sawa-Priatka will join the campers for both weeks to teach the children new and well-known Ukrainian songs. Children will perform these selections during the bonfires and at the farewell concert, which will take place on both Fridays during Soyuzivka's Odesa Night. New to the program this year is the fact that Children's Day Camp participants have been invited to participate in bonfires with the older children enrolled in other Soyuzivka camps.

As has become a custom for Soyuzivka campers, there will be a field trip to nearby Kelder Farms, where campers will take a hayride, pick blueberries and enjoy interacting with the animals at this working farm. Tuesday nights are designated as "Movie and Pajama Party."

Finally, during the first week, Mrs. Puzyk will enchant the campers with stories of thrilling adventures, famous Ukrainian royalty and the daring Kozaks; Olenka Bilyk will thrill campers with equally exciting "kazky" during the second week of camp.

For questions about the program or the schedule of this year's Chemney's Children's Day Camp, contact Soyuzivka at (845) 626-5641.

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