Summer camp is an essential tradition for CYM youth. Since the early years of the revival of CYM in the diaspora, the idea of retreating from the distractions, worries, and noise of everyday life to strengthen character and deepen one’s understanding of God and our ancestral homeland has been the foundation of the camp experience. Except for the global disruption during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, hosting the annual summer camp at the “Verkhovyna” oselia has remained a top priority for the Montreal branch of CYM.

As is customary, from July 13 to 27, 2025, more than 60 children aged 6 to 13 gathered for the educational and recreational camp “In Unity and Harmony,” named in honor of Mykola Pavlushkov, held at the Verkhovyna oselia in Quebec. Most campers came from the Montreal branch, but a large group of children, along with a strong contingent of vykhovnyky and adult leaders, also joined from CYM’s newest initiative group in Quebec City.

The leadership team was composed of experienced CYM youth educators. The first week was thoughtfully and attentively led by podr. Natalia Protsikevych as komendant, while podr. Dania Schturyn confidently took over during the second week. The holovna vykhovnytsia was podr. Laryssa Luszczki, while podr. Melania Schturyn faithfully served as bunchuzhna, and podr. Daryna Radovenchyk fulfilled the duties of pysarka by reading the daily morning announcements. Also joining the team were obozni podr. Bohdanna Olyva, who led the first week and was later replaced by podr. Adela Azamee-Sydor, and druh Danylo Radovenchyk. The vykhovnyky also included podr. Vassylyna Molodtsova, druh Victor Kuzyshyn and Timothy Kutash. As well, a spirited team of vporyadnyky and volunteers helped supervise the energetic youth. Program enrichment was provided by podr. Alina, podr. Vira and podr. Valentyna, who contributed through music and creative activities. Podr. Olya served as the camp nurse. Parallel to the main camp, a daytime camp for sumenyata (youngest members ages 3-5) took place under the enthusiastic leadership of podr. Oksana Marchyshyn from Quebec City. It is important to note that the camp could not have taken place without the kitchen staff led by pani Tamara, and the maintenance team headed by druh Ivan Kushnir.

Each morning, the reading of the daily schedule during apel brought new and exciting surprises for the children. In addition to hutirky, sports, singing, crafts, and swimming, the camp program featured special events such as a themed bonfire night inspired by the film Mavka, an Olympic Games competition, a flag capture challenge across terrain obstacles, a talent show, and a soccer tournament. Two excursions added extra excitement: a tree-top trekking course in the first week, and bowling during the second week, giving campers the chance to bond and overcome new challenges together. The celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist or Ivana Kupala, during which campers searched for the mythical fern flower, concluded with a playful camp “wedding” of the lucky pair who “found” the rare plant on the final night.

On the first day, as they said goodbye to their parents, some campers may have felt the days ahead would stretch on endlessly but, as always, the end came far too quickly. New acquaintances soon grew into lasting friendships that were not easy to leave behind. The farewell was bittersweet, but the children left with joy, knowing that this happy camp will return next year.

We look forward to seeing you at Verkhovyna!

Melania Schturyn

Additional fotos can be viewed here, Week 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CQqVXzg2Ct1gF6pn8 and here Week 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3x8epTKZopgRRECs6  

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