The all-Canadian Leadership Training Camp (vyshkil) for counselors-in-training of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM) was held on July 2-15 at camp Veselka near Acton Ontario. 31 young people from across Canada attended. The leadership of the camp consisted of Natalia Schturyn, Tanya Choly, Laryssa Luszczki, Michael Zelyk, Eerka Dankowych and Lesia Hrychyshyn.
During the 2 weeks, camp participants heard lessons and participated in activities designed to teach them more about the aims of our organization, which can be summarized by our motto God and Ukraine. They learned about theology, current events in Ukraine, leadership, the Ukrainian community in Canada, child psychology, planning, self-development and more.
Apart from the full-time staff, guest speakers also visited our camp – some in person, others virtually. All lectures and activities helped them learn how to discover one’s strengths and use them for the good of society, how our fellow CYM members are surviving in Ukraine during this war, how they can become more involved in the Ukrainian community here in Canada, how to explain a war and suffering if God is loving and all powerful (human beings have free will!), how to help children with special needs participate more fully in our programming, what are the characteristics of a good leader, how to write a letter to your MP, how to recognize and combat russian disinformation, and much more.
During camp our youth organized a march to the local town of Acton highlighting Ukraine’s bid to enter NATO, and they prepared group projects presenting topics about Ukraine’s historical heroes. They also had a chance to have some fun – there was a trip to Niagara Falls, singing, sports, swimming, nature activities, and two dances!
After a very full two weeks, participants returned to their cities, tired but eager to help with summer camps in their areas and weekly activities at their branches starting in September.
Tanya Choly – program coordinator
Visit our galleries for many more photos: VYSHKIL WEEK 1 & VYSHKIL WEEK 2
