UNA Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp at Soyuzivka geared toward children age 4-8

by The Ukrainian Weekly | Mar 15, 2019 | Community event

Campers and counselors at the Friday night closing program of the UNA Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp.

KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Soyuzivka Heritage Center will host its popular UNA Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp again this summer during the weeks beginning on Sundays, July 14 and July 21. This weeklong camp is geared toward children age 4-8 and families who have a desire for their children to learn more about their Ukrainian heritage. 

The camp is held with the sponsorship of the Ukrainian National Association.

The theme this year will be farms and farm animals. Past themes from recent years include characters from Ukrainian folklore, the Black Sea and “Lys Mykyta.” 

Children stay at the resort with their caretakers and enjoy a half day of activities, which include Ukrainian dancing, singing, arts and crafts, stories and games. While the children enjoy camp, moms, dads, grandmothers or aunts are free to enjoy some time to themselves at the resort or venture out to the local attractions in Ulster County. Some of these include mountain climbing at the majestic Shawangunk Mountains, hiking at Lake Minnewaska, shopping at the Woodbury Common Outlets or touring nearby vineyards. 

As the 2019 theme will be farms, the children will learn about animals and food that grows on a farm. This year’s camp will feature a cooking challenge with some of the vegetables campers harvest with “celebrity” judges offering their critiques. There will also be an afternoon scavenger hunt, the kids’ favorite Water Olympiad and special surprise guests.

Campers and their families enjoy the Thursday night bonfire.

The afternoons are perfect for family time at the pool or playground. Returning favorites include the popular Tuesday night movie night/pajama party, Wednesday night’s singing concert and Hutsul night dinner, during which guests enjoy showing off their best vyshyvanky. On Thursday nights after dinner there is a bonfire during which families participate in fun skits and songs with plenty of marshmallows to go around. The fun week culminates with a Friday evening dance and song recital by the children followed by an Odesa Night dinner. 

By Friday night, all have made new, dear friends and gained knowledge about their Ukrainian culture. The older generation is able to rekindle old friendships and memories that are unique to a Soyuzivka vacation. 

The Ukrainian cultural heritage is so special, and the aim of UNA Ukrainian Heritage Camp is  to help a new generation discover the Ukrainian part of themselves, make lifelong friends and perpetuate traditions.