Character traits of a CYMivec 

This year, all the children at the educational and recreational camp “Victory” in the name of Archangel Michaelat camp Veselka”Rainbow”, which took place from July 17 to 30, wore  interesting necklaces made of multi-colored beads. The participants, who numbered more than 90 children, gathered under the tent for half an hour every day, where the teachers awarded them with beads for good character traits or for good deeds or for gaining a skill or experience from the previous day. Educators and organizers watched over the children and if they deserved it, the next day they were rewarded with daily, rare or epic beads.

The campers received the following daily beads, namely:

A dark blue bead for JUSTICE because the camper was kind and obviously just. White for HONESTY, because the camper was truthful and sincere. Silver for TOLERANCE, because the camper respected the opinions of others. Transparent white for CLEANLINESS, because the camper kept order and cleanliness. Pink for HEALTH, because the camper cared about body strength. Bright yellow for CHEER because the camper was cheerful. Purple for CAMP SPIRIT, because the camper showed strong camp spirit. Brilliant red for BROTHERHOOD. Orange for COOPERATION because the camper was cooperative. A bead that glowed in the dark for POLITENESS, because the camper was polite and hospitable. Green for DILIGENCE because the camper was willing to challenge, compete and win. Shiny black for SELF-DISCIPLINE, because the camper was self-disciplined and restrained. Blue for ACCURACY, because the camper was always punctual. Dark purple for RESPECT, because the camper respected elders and authority. Diamond for INGENUITY because the camper had a creative imagination. Yellow for MODESTY. There was a bead called EQUATOR for successfully completing half of the camp, i.e. completing one week of camping. And there was a bead called WINNER for the successful completion of the entire camp, that is, the completion of two weeks of camping.

The beads greatly motivated the campers to be better people. They tried to acquire positive character traitsand they competed with each other to get as many different kinds of beads as possible. A large table with all the beads was prepared so that the campers could follow the rewards themselves and make a conscious decision as to what personality they were willing to display in order to receive the desired beads.

Beads were also issued for certain skills.

The blue bead was called KRASNOMOVETS and the camper received it if he tried to speak Ukrainian. The cream one was called MONAKH and the camper received it if he prayed before going to bed and before going to sleep. The shiny blue one was called SPIVAK and the camper received it if he liked to sing or had a good voice. Grenade was called SWIMMER and the camper received it if he could perform crawl, crawl on his back, butterfly or breaststroke. The black one was called SPORTSMAN and the camper received it if he showed speed, flexibility or dexterity. Cinnamon was called LISOVYK and the camper received it if he respected nature. The round blue one was called KULTURNYK and the camper received it if he kept Ukrainian customs and cherished native traditions and participated in Ivana Kupala or in a camp wedding. The wooden one was called ARTIST and the camper received it if he created a masterpiece. The long white one was called the ARTIST and the camper received it if he performed wonderfully at an event. The red one was called DECLAMATOR and the camper received it if he recited a poem to memory. The bronze one was called FLAGBEARER and the camper received it if he was a flagbearer during the camp. The multi-colored one was called GROUP LEADER and the camper received it if he was group leader during the camp. The yellow one with a smile was called SMIKHUN and the camper received it if he was very funny. The transparent white one was called DUTY and the camper got it if he cleaned the tables in the kitchen. The yellow one was called the BEE and the camper received it if he was stung by a bee during the camp. A bead in the form of a green star was called GROOM and a camper received it if he got married at a camp wedding. However, only one camper received this bead. The bead in the form of a pink star was called BRIDE and only the girl that got married at the camp wedding received it. The chosen bead was called a WEDDING HONOR and the camper received it if he played a role in the camp wedding.

The campers went home and their necklace also served as a reminder of everything they experienced at the camp. And some campers were really great or had an extraordinary experience and so they got the following epic beads.

A transparent greenish bead was handed out for DIGNITY. The camper constantly respected his own and other people’s dignity. The yellow circle symbolizes HELPING YOUR NEIGHBORS. The camper was always ready to selflessly help others. The white round one represented PERSEVERANCE. The camper was always persistent in overcoming difficulties and obstacles. A weighty bead symbolized INTELLIGENCE. The camp worker constantly worked on acquiring knowledge. The bead in the form of a white heart was called SUPER-UKRAINIAN. Campers always cherished everything that was good and familiar. A bead in the form of a black heart was called SUPER-CAMPER. Everyone at the camp believed that the camper was so passionate about the camp that he would be a member of the team in the future. The neon orange one was called SUPER TEACHER. It was received by a member of the group of counsellors who was a notable educator. Beads in the shape of a pink heart were decorated by the CAMP STAR and the komendant gave this bead.

The marking of campers with beads was successful and gave all campers an opportunity to cultivate positive characteristics and therefore a positive mood prevailed at the camp. Campers proudly wore their necklace every day of camp. At the same time, they had a specific memory because each bead represented personal communication with others and some extraordinary adventure at the camp. It is worth continuing this or a similar program at future camps to encourage youth to be beautiful and good people as required by the CYM’scode of conduct book. A big shout out to all the campers for winning beads for their good behavior. It was very nice and sweet to camp with such wonderful children!

Irene Shust

Additional pictures can be found under these links: Album 2022 & Album#2-2022

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR