April 29, 2016

UAYA camps provide invaluable growth experiences for Ukrainian youths

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“Vyshkilnyi Tabir” at Oselia Beskyd in Baraboo, Wis.

The Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA, or “CYM” in Ukrainian) is part of a global network of Ukrainian youth organizations that strives to provide opportunities for Ukrainian youth of all ages to affiliate, grow and identify as members of one large Ukrainian community. Thus, an important aspect of UAYA’s mission involves the planning and organization of youth camps at various sites around the country. UAYA offers a variety of camp experiences for children age 2-17 at five different sites (oseli) across the United States: Oselia CYM in Ellenville, N.Y., Oselia Beskyd in Baraboo, Wis., Oselia Kholodnyj Yar in Fillmore, NY, Oselia Khortytsia near Cleveland and Oselia Kyiv near Detroit.

Participants of “Vyshkilnyi Tabir” meet with the Ukrainian rock band Lama on the UAYA grounds in Ellenville, N.Y.

Participants of “Vyshkilnyi Tabir” meet with the Ukrainian rock band Lama on the UAYA grounds in Ellenville, N.Y.

The “Huseniata” half-day camp for children ages 2-3 introduces children to the Ukrainian camp experience and provides early learners a developmentally appropriate Ukrainian discovery experience within a supportive and playful environment. This camp is offered exclusively in Ellenville and runs in two consecutive week-long sessions. Parents may enroll children for one or two weeks.

Two consecutive sessions of the more advanced “Sumeniata” day camp for children age 4-6 run in Ellenville during the same two weeks as “Huseniata” camp, and are designed to introduce children to Ukrainian camp traditions, Ukrainian stories and crafts, and nature trail experiences. Week-long “Sumeniata” camps are also offered at Beskyd and Kholodnyi Yar.

For older campers, there are opportunities to take part in more traditional sleep-away camps, sports camp, arts camp and youth leadership camp. In addition, a week-long transition camp or “Perekhodovyi Tabir,” is offered at both Oselia CYM in Ellenville and Oselia Beskyd for children who have outgrown “Sumeniata” camp, but are not quite yet ready to spend an entire week away from their families. Children age 6-7 who attend this camp participate in all regular camp activities but spend three nights with their parents and then the final two nights at sleep-away camp.

The commemorative bonfire during recreational camp in Ellenville, N.Y.

The commemorative bonfire during recreational camp in Ellenville, N.Y.

For children age 7-12, UAYA offers several traditional two- to three-week camp experiences in a nurturing environment that facilitates the development of good character and Ukrainian identity. These are held at all five UAYA oseli. Children who attend these camps sleep in cabins or tents, and partake in a variety of organized learning experiences. Recreational camps include opportunities for swimming, sports and hiking. Specialized sports camps involve the development of specific skills, while arts camps engage children in traditional Ukrainian art forms including embroidery, pysanka-making, bandura instruction, and beadwork (“gerdany”-making).

For teens age 13-17, the focus of UAYA camps includes the opportunity to develop specific interests and outdoor survival skills, and to develop leadership abilities that will allow youths to become counselors and future leaders. In particular, the “Vyshkil,” or Education Camp that takes place annually in both Ellenville and Baraboo, and is open only to UAYA members age 15 and older who have already attended camps for younger members, have demonstrated their commitment to the organization, and have a desire to learn more about Ukrainian history and culture, as well as basic child development and pedagogy.

“Huseniata” camp in Ellenville, N.Y.

“Huseniata” camp in Ellenville, N.Y.

Campers who attend Vyshkil have opportunities to work with younger UAYA members both during the summer months and in their home chapters during the school year. Those who successfully complete three years of Vyshkil typically become youth group leaders in the organization and eventually organize camps and activities for future generations of Ukrainian Americans.

The Ukrainian American Youth Association was founded in 1949 by Ukrainian Americans who strived to raise their children in community contexts that nurture the development of a strong Ukrainian American identity. The organization operates 21 youth chapters across the continental United States and provides year-long opportunities to foster greater understanding of Ukrainian history and current events, develop a love of Ukrainian culture and language, and promote Christian ethical principles. The organization operates under the motto “God and Ukraine.”

For more information on UAYA camps visit www.CYM.org/US.

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