Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, CYM Summer Camp at Werchowyna 2014

            Two elements were evident in this summer’s youth camp for 12 year olds and younger at Camp Werchowyna, north of Montreal, Quebec, and they were educational and recreational in nature. All the components were in place: fresh air, excited campers, an incredible team of councilors, good friends, a sparkling lake, delicious food and a chapel at the base of the hill that quietly and gently watched over the little, and not so little, people running past. From such a great arsenal, great things can be created.

            Powerful statesmen and heroes have appeared in every generation of the Ukrainian nation, and the same continues today. It was important to remind our youth of this through themed discussions and lessons including the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko, 100^th anniversary of the creation of the Ukrainian Rifleman and 100 years from the start of the internment of Ukrainians in Canada. Without doubt, these events gave the young campers a greater awareness and familiarity with some Ukrainian heroes. Fresh accounts of last winter’s rise of the Euromaidan brought to light many examples of heroism for the campers. It was heart-warming to hear the children sing songs dedicated to the events of Euromaidan.

            One of the most interesting projects at camp was the “Werchomaidan” production, which paid tribute to the fallen Heavenly Hundred and really to all who stood for weeks or months on the Maidan Square in Kyiv for a better future for Ukraine. The performance began with the children carrying tires and chairs into the hall to reenact the building of a barricade on Maidan. This was followed by a very moving and emotional program, which included songs and recitations of poems. All were a tribute to the heroes of Kyiv’s Maidan.

            Although educating our youth takes precedence, we also needed to fulfill the second element of the camp, which was to allow these young bodies to rest and relax, especially from the electronic gadgets of the 21^st century. The councilors played an important role in providing the children with activities in crafts, music, nature and sports. Whether it was the Werchowyna Soccer Cup Tournament, horse-backing riding, hikes through the woods to learn about nature, creating unique treasures, scavenger hunts, Werchowyna’s version of “Jeopardy”, Ukrainian music and dance appreciation or the simple joys of interacting at a dance/zabava; these children had no time to be bored.

           The concept of education joined with recreation, regardless of age, promotes physical, spiritual, intellectual, moral and psychological growth in everyone. It is most important to nurture this in the younger generations for their personal benefit, the benefit of family and nation. The appeal of CYM has not changed. We are proud to be a part of, and to witness the great growth of Ukraine.

Natalka Schturyn