Camping is an important part of youth education in the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), which is a continuation of the general CYM educational process. Camping is not only a summer vacation in nature, but also promotes physical health, self-confidence, cheerfulness, responsibility, discipline, and friendship through games and entertainment. It is a time of inspiration, development, and strengthening of faith in one’s own strengths and abilities, and of creating unforgettable memories. Camp is always fun—filled with sports, competitions, games, nature studies, various meetings and activities, and of course singing. In addition, CYM camp strengthens the national-patriotic spirit and love for Ukraine in young people.

In the first half of July this year, such a camp took place at the “Zelenyy Bir” settlement in Ukrainian Park on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of CYM, the camp was held under the anniversary slogan “Honor of Ukraine – Ready to Defend!” In addition to the camp team and educational staff, there were 36 campers, most of whom were forced to leave Ukraine as a result of the war and have now found comfort, support, and new friends among the members of the CYM Branch in Winnipeg. The famous weather, rich program, and sincere friendly communication gave the youth the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture, history, language, and traditions. The interesting and varied program included the history and activities of CYM in different countries around the world, Canada Day celebrations, talks and activities about the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the life of the distinguished poet Vasyl Symonenko, a meeting and discussion about God with our chaplain Father V. Goy, practical training in first aid, intellectual and active games, handicrafts (drawing, carving, embroidery), Olympic competitions, a search for Mavka, and much more.  

In short, an unbeatable team and educational staff, a rich program, a sparkling lake, delicious cuisine, and like-minded friends ensured the success of this year’s CYM camp in Manitoba. Long goodbyes, tears, and the reluctance of CYM campers to leave for home are the best evidence of the camp’s success.

Sincere thanks to the camp committee, headed by our friend Marika Diakiv, for the thorough preparation of the camp. We would like to thank the extremely energetic and hard-working team and teaching staff for running the camp and looking after the children: komendant – Markian McColl, bunczuzhnyy – Nykola Beret, pyaar – Ariadna Dlugosh, obozni- Yelyzaveta Savchenko and Polina Kiptenko, vporiadnyk – Sofia Pavlova. The teaching staff included: Hania Bryl-Klymenko, Myroslava Pidhirna, Marika Diakiv, Marusia Kulyk, Lilia Hrytsak, Dr. O. Tsap, and Dr. T. McColl. Anna Kovalenko and Oleksandra Voloshenko also helped as “Camp Moms.”

Myroslava Pidhirnyj

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