When we give our time and energy for others, the fruits of our efforts are not generally immediately evident, and very often we do not witness the results this side of eternity.  This would have been the case for a group of UYA volunteers this summer as well, but for a chance encounter a little over a week following counsellor training camp in July. The mother of one of the teen participants approached me and explained that, as a result of the camp experience, her child had completely changed their understanding of their identity, not only as a member of the Ukrainian Youth Association, but, even more fundamentally, as a Ukrainian. Camp had opened the eyes of this young person to the undeniable truth of their rootedness in their Ukrainian cultural and national lineage. With tears glistening in her eyes, she asked me pass on her heartfelt thanks on behalf of herself and her child to the komanda of the camp.

Such moments are like pearls for those who invests their physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional energy into educating young people. In unfailing hopes of such an outcome, for the first time in three long pandemic years the komanda of the national counsellor training camp “Today a member of SUM, tomorrow a Ukrainian soldier in the steps of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj” at campground Veselka near Acton, Ontario, set to work. The guidepost for the organizers and komanda of camp was the example of virtue and integrity shown by St. Michael the Archangel, patron not only of the UYA, but also of the Ukrainian armed forces formations historical and modern, as well as of Kyiv and the entire Ukrainian nation. To nurture these qualities in oneself and to set them as a challenge before the participants of camp was both the goal of their work and the framework within which they operated. 

This year’s komanda truly was impressive.  The komendant was Eerka Shust (Toronto), who led the team with her typical level-headed judgment. Under her guidance, it seemed that the Alps themselves would be mere hills on the way. With her customary wisdom, Tanya Choly (St. Catharines) put together and implemented an excellent program with the help of Natalya Schturyn (Etobicoke). The talented and generous-natured bunchuzhnyj Oleksandr Zagirsky (Calgary), seemingly not limited by the ordinary laws of physics, managed to constantly be in several places at once, while always showing patience and good nature to all. His unflagging energy, combined with the tireless cooperation of vykhovyk-obozna Larysa Luszczki (Montreal) and with the assistance of the boys’ oboznyj Mykhaylo Taranko, brought the daily turbulence of camp to successful conclusion each evening. 

Because the program was interwoven with that of the day camp for displaced Ukrainian national children, which simultaneously took place at Veselka and which demanded many volunteers and much concerted effort of both komanda and campers, it was no small feat to manage the intricacies of the project. In mutual support and understanding and with the perfect balance of diligent application and a healthy sense of humour, the stellar group of camp vykhovnyky, Chrystia Dolyniuk (Whippany), Lesia Hrycyshyn (Etobicoke), Andrea Kardasz (Kyiv), Harry Nesmasznyj (Toronto), Hanya Ostapiuk (Hamilton) and Inna Platonova (Calgary), took the campers into their communal care and brought the program to life. 

In general, campers’ lessons fell into one of five categories: theology, Ukrainian studies, leadership, UYA studies and methodology of working with children. Specific topics included but were not limited to “Media smarts and disinformation”, “Ukraine as beehive”, “How to work with children traumatized by war”, “Who are we? Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic faithful”, “368 years of russia in Ukraine”, “How can I help Ukraine?” and “Why does God permit suffering?”, all of which provoked much contemplation and discussion among the teens. A selection of excellent guest speakers from Canada and Ukraine gave the participants an opportunity to better understand current events in Ukraine in their historical context, to appreciate and mature their Christian ethical view, better understand our mother-organization and develop their own personal talents and skills. Canadian guests were Marta Dyczok, Fr. Andrij Figol (chaplain for UYA Canada), Aleksa Gobosz, Fr. Boris Hemon, , Bohdanka Hontar, Petro Schturyn, Andrij Shwec, Iryna Soluk-Figol, Mykhaylo Stechey and Tamara Tataryn (president of UYA Canada). Along with local speakers, camp welcomed Marichka Shevchenko and Volodymyr Viatrovych from Ukraine. 

Ziplining, parade drills, survival training with Yurij Holowacky and Yuri Shust, physical and psychological first aid with Natalia Kardasz, Sophia Sokolowski and Marta Chyczij, Ukrainian embroidery with Marusia Wowk, air gun shooting with Alexander Zelyk, Adrian Lishchynsky and Timothy Fuke, and dance class with Fedir Danylak added to the variety and excitement of camp life. No doubt the best reception was received by a special guest who joined camp from an undisclosed location in Ukraine: one-time Veselka camper Volodymyr Pohorecky, currently serving in the territorial defense corps and living example of this year’s camp name and motto. Each of the campers listened attentively to Volodya’s words; many had clear memories of singing, laughing and playing with him at Veselka not many years back.  

And, just like that, one more counsellor training camp has passed. Thirty-one tired teens from Montreal, Etobicoke, Mississauga and Calgary have returned home. They were the few who were willing to challenge and open themselves to the process of growth which accompanies attending this camp. We know that at least one life, thank God, has been radically changed as a direct result of this openness. On this and on all those hidden yet very real changes in the hearts of the young participants, all hopes remain and all efforts are fixed. 

For the dignity of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!

For more photographs, please visit our picture gallery VYSHKIL – WEEK 1 & VYSHKIL – WEEK 2.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR