This summer, an extremely exciting hiking camp took place, which will remain in the hearts of all its participants forever. From July 30 to August 10, 2025, 17 young men and women from Calgary, Edmonton, London (Ontario), and Etobicoke gathered to spend 12 unforgettable days in the majestic Rocky Mountains. They were supported by a strong team of 10 experienced leaders: Vitaliy Kshetsky – komendant, Andriy David – bunczuzhnyy, Anna-Maria Zahirska – pyaar, Danylo Musienko – head of the organizing committee, Oleksandr Melysh, Marichka Manchenko, Marko Senayko, Katrusia Brechun, Markian Feculak, and Oleksandr Zahirsky – vykhovnyky.

The camp began in Calgary, where the young people got to know each other and formed a friendly group. From there, they traveled to Banff National Park, settling at Tunnel Mountain Campground. The first evening was spent getting to know each other around a warm campfire.

The program for the first five days was very intense and included a hike up Sulphur Mountain (2,451 m), where incredible panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains opened up from the summit. The campers also visited the majestic Banff Springs Hotel and the picturesque Bow Falls, and spent the evening in the town of Banff. They traveled to Parker Ridge, saw the mighty Athabasca Glacier and the emerald waters of the famous Peyto Lake, which resembles a wolf’s head in shape. The youth also had a lecture on map reading from the komendant, druh Kshetsky. We took a trip to the Nakiska resort to test our strength and courage on the Via Ferrata route, but thunder and lightning forced us to turn back. However, instead of disappointment, we discovered Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks, as well as a museum of the Ukrainian internment camp from World War I. In the following days, we visited Yoho National Park: we hiked to Sherbrooke Lake and Paget Lookout, where an old fire station greeted us at the top, offering a magnificent view of the mountain valleys.

After five days in Banff, we tried again to conquer Via Ferrata: one group managed to complete most of the route, but a thunderstorm interrupted the challenge once more. Then we moved to Macleod Meadows Campground in Kootenay National Park. It was a quiet, picturesque place — no cell service, no internet, but complete harmony with nature. In the evening, the Radium Hot Springs awaited us, providing warmth and relaxation after our busy days.

The next five days were no less eventful than the previous ones: a trip to Wapta Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Yoho – the noise and spray created a real storm around us. And then – an unforgettable rafting trip down the turbulent Kicking Horse River! Adrenaline, teamwork, and the smiles of the young people made this day one of the best. No less exciting was the visit to Golden Skybridge Park, where we walked across a suspension bridge at a height of 130 meters, did tree-top trekking, flew on a zipline, and the most daring tried the mountain roller coaster – a real American roller coaster built into the mountainside! On the way, we visited the monument to interned Ukrainians in Yogo, walked across a natural bridge and the enchanting Emerald Lake. In the last few days, we had the opportunity to relax: ice cream in the town of Radium, a walk to Paint Pots and Marble Canyon, and a visit to the continental divide, where rivers separate their paths – some flow to the Pacific Ocean, others to the Atlantic. On the way back, we stopped at the Bow Valley Parkway viewpoints, including the monument to internees at Castle Mountain (opened 30 years ago).

Back in Calgary, we enjoyed a tour of the river valley, a walk across the Peace Bridge, and a visit to Canada Olympic Park, where the young people learned about Canada’s Olympic history and even competed in speed karting. The camp finale took place at Domivka with a farewell party, official closing ceremony, and singing together. Early on Sunday morning, we prayed together at the Liturgy at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Organizing such a camp would have been impossible without the help of many people. We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the camp, namely: Christine Musienko, Halya Haridzuk, Oksana Davyd, Ivona Gomenyuk, Olena Grytsova, Olena Hladun, and Iryna Zahirska. We also thank the Organizing Committee consisting of Danylo Musienko, Katrusia Brechun, Markian Feculak, and Harry Nesmasznyj.

The 2025 hiking camp was not only an adventure among mountains, rivers, and forests, but also an important educational step toward strengthening our community. In the year when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Youth Association, this camp proved that the ideals of “God and Ukraine” live in the hearts of a new generation that is ready to build the future with pride and faith.

Danylo Musienko & Anna-Mariya Zahirska

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