CYM educational and recreational camp at ‘Zelenyy Bir” in Ukrainian Park

2024-09-16

A one-week CYM youth educational and recreational camp was held at ‘Zelenyy Bir’ in Ukrainian Park north of Winnipeg with the participation of 24 children – 4 Canadian natives and 20 so-called “refugee” children under the CUAET program. The camp was held from June 30 to July 6 under the theme ‘We Grow, We Are the Hope of the People’ and celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Winnipeg Branch of CYM.

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Despite several days of rain, the camp was a huge success There was a lot to do and learn – hands-on CPR training, archery, amulets, Petrykivka painting, swimming in the lake and doing various sports, a walk to neighboring Camp Morton, interesting talks about CYM, the Olympics, the UPA and modern Ukraine, Canada and the first Ukrainian settlers, learning new songs under the almost nightly campfires, and much more. After a week, the campers became stronger and more independent, really bonded and became one loving family.

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On the last day, we planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Winnipeg Chapter of CYM with a chapel service, a joint field dinner and a festive bonfire. A huge rainstorm significantly affected our schedule and we had to brave the elements. CYM chaplain Fr. V. Goy celebrated the Holy Liturgy in the chapel. Afterwards, we moved to the kitchen where we had the Final Appel with the distribution of camp awards and a communal dinner. The young people showed their musical talents to their parents and guests by singing several new and familiar songs. And on the porch of the barracks, creative youth handicrafts were hung for viewing. Although it didn’t go as planned, it was nevertheless successful and fun.

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The children went home happy, although they were sad that their favorite camp was over. We are proud of our youth and rejoice in their success. See you again on the steps of CYM in September.

The Branch Board expresses sincere gratitude to individual donors, CYM Canada’s National Executive and the Manitoba Provincial Council of the UCC for their support of this year’s camp.

Camp team: Commandant – Markian McColl, Commandant – Nykola Barret, Pysar and counsellor – Lilia Hrytsak, Program Director – Myroslava Pidhirna, Counsellors – Yuriy Shchur, Hania Klymenko-Bryl (handicrafts).

Myroslava Pidhirna