Young SUM members enjoy weekend outing at Detroit-area campground (09/11/05)

Young SUM members enjoy weekend outing at Detroit-area campground

by Roman Los

DETROIT - Nine campers - seven boys and two girls between the ages of 5 and 9 - 5 descended upon the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) Kyiv campground on August 5 for a three-day outing.

For many, it was their first time camping, since in the past several years camp had not been held at this "oselia," or campground, which is located in Whitemore Lake, a suburb of Detroit.

After a late Friday afternoon registration, campers mingled with each other by the campfire as the camp leaders introduced themselves and explained to the youths what they would be doing at camp.

Parents were kindly asked to "stay away" from daily activities so that the youths would learn to be independent. The parents were more than welcome, however, at the evening bonfires. Several Ukrainian camp songs highlighted the quiet night, especially the closing song "Nich Vzhe Ide."

The next morning, after an exhilarating exercise routine prepared by Mike Kryzaniwkyj, campers washed up, had breakfast and had their first formal introduction to an official assembly.

Myron Fedoriw helped explain to the children what exactly a "komanda" (camp command) is, from "oboznyi" or "obozna" to "bunchuzhnyi" and "pysarka," all the way up to his role as "komandant." He also explained the morning ritual of prayer and the raising of both the Ukrainian and American flags while the traditional SUM song "Vhoru Prapory" (Raise the Flags) is sung as a sign of respect for the heritage of our parents and grandparents, as well as to honor the country where live so freely.

The day's program began with crafts, during which the children selected and painted bird houses of their choice. Continuing throughout the day, the program highlights included: a nature walk, camping skills (led by Tanja Kryzaniwkyj), sports, swimming and beach activity, marching, negotiating an obstacle course and an evening campfire. (Special thanks were later expressed to Luba and Danylo Terleckyj for spearheading the marching as well as keeping the campers in order after lights out - it was a daunting task!)

On Sunday, August 7, campers gathered their belongings and posed for several group photos. All gathered at the oselia's chapel for the divine liturgy offered by Father Roman from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warren, Mich. A large congregation of the Ukrainian community also attended, since the Ukrainian Future Credit Union's annual picnic was planned for hundreds of its members that day.

Afterwards, campers had their final assembly. While certificates and badges were handed out to all participants, the community members cheered and looked at the little faces proud of their accomplishments.

The weekend was made possible by a group of volunteers that included: Paul and Anna Bytz (flag poles/camp program), John and Zirka Korbiak (assistance/support of camp), Natalka and Mike Rudnycky (kitchen), and Steve Bytz, Gene Terleckyj, and the Kraj and Hrycaj brothers (bonfires). The outing had been in the planning since February.

When SUM's regular meetings commence in the fall, counselors and volunteers will start planning for an even better camping outing in 2006.

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