The camp took place July 15th thru the 24th of 2007 on the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) campgrounds in scenic Baraboo, Wisconsin. The opening ceremonies ended with a surprise visit from Hetman Ivan Mazepa (aka druh Volodya Popowych) who passed on two golden “bulavy” to the counselors. In his address he enumerated the admirable qualities of a member of SUM.

The themes of the first week of camping were Hetman Mazepa and the Cossacks. Campers prepared for a Cossack dinner – the boys making burlap belts and Cossack hats while the girls wove flower wreaths for their heads. A beating timbrel called all to dinner. The smiling Cossacks escorted the lovely Ukrainian girls to their seats. After a delicious dinner on the grill, the campers enjoyed a Cossack dance. During the week parents and guests were also invited to the “Cossack Games”. To the beat of the timbrel, the campers marched around the grounds inviting parents and guests to watch the competitions which included tug of war and races of two campers in one pair of “sharavary” (Cossack pants).

During the second week campers remembered the victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. During the day campers refrained from purchases from the snack shop. Just before dusk, together with the counselors, staff, parents and guests, they prayed for the souls of the victims. A wreath of mourning was placed on a tree near the chapel and each camper tied a black ribbon on a branch. Father Basil Salkowsky led the prayer. The solemn manner in which the campers participated was particularly touching.

Father Basil was the chaplain during the second week of camp. He had several discussions with the campers and joined in on all their activities, including the building of the “vatra” (bonfire). Father had a special lively discussion with the campers about St. Mary the Protectress, after whom the newly built chapel takes its name. In Ukrainian history, the princes, the Cossacks and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army all called upon The Blessed Virgin to protect them.

The second week of camping was also dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the rising of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The campers learned about the underground life of the soldiers. With lunches packed in knapsacks decorated with symbols of Ukraine and Ukrainian heroes, they spent a day of activities, concluding with dinner fireside.

Besides the special events of the camp, campers participated in different lectures, crafts, sport activities, swimming, outings, campfires, bonfires and singing.

In a friendly and happy atmosphere the campers truly exhibited some of the most desired characteristics of a true SUM member. The final bonfire, of a difficult geometric design, seemed to symbolize that amid the darkness of assimilation, burns a healthy fire in the hearts of this next generation!

podruha Chrystya Wereszczak