60 Ліття
Our dear Spartans!
Sunday was something extraordinary and unforgettable that will remain in everyone's memory forever. We were praised from all sides - Vladyka Gudziak noted that we had not only cooperation, but also friendship and peace - he was very impressed by this! Marta Kuzmovich said how cheerful and hardworking we are. And we left a great impression on everyone. Girls, warm applause and low bows!
Everyone contributed a lot to our success, but I want to single out some who had leadership roles, and also mention the projects that took place this weekend:
Lyalya and Zenya : organizers extraordinaire! Already from last year, they took the lead in the organization and design of our holiday - especially because they anticipated what would be needed and provided for quick implementation, friendly and practical.
Roma and Nestor - wow! BBKyu was prepared so smoothly - everything was ready, in place, a cadre of workers was assigned - we fed more than 400 people - maybe as many as 500 - in two hours! Amazing! Bravo!
Dartsia - for all her support in helping us work with OTK, and for smoothing the way for all our projects this past weekend.
Our boys ! Our heroes! Worked incredibly hard by the fire - And with such a cheerful spirit! Those guys are amazing! Keepers!
Zezya - a special thank you from me, because Zezya always stood by me in every crisis (there are enough of them!) with advice and support
A gift for the house - Darka presented the idea, and Zenya looked for a merchant and bought 10 balls for the batting, 10 for kicking, and 50 for fun - all with the Spartan logo! Zenya also brought and gave balls from the beginning of the camps, and the children used them. There will be a picture.
Exhibit - Kiki, Lida P and NJ group prepared wonderful exhibits and hung them for the performance. "Now I'm a Spartan" was a very funny thing!
Banners : Once again, many thanks to Lyubkova for the generous gift of 3 wonderful banners! They identified us where we were not!
Aprons - Lyalya and Zenya searched for the best prices for our wonderful souvenir aprons and bought and distributed them. They also gave it to the ladies in the kitchen - what an advertisement!
HoChiMinh nature trail beautification - Slava and Luisa came up with the idea of making nature trail tree identification plaques on the trail. Itsia and Yurko searched for the correct names of the trees, Slava made the inscriptions, and Zenya and Lyubko nailed it on Saturday. A "ribbon cutting" opening was held on Sunday with Taras Popyl from OTK. Vladyka Boris noticed the inscriptions when he went to the Youth and told me on Sunday how he liked it!
Publicity / recording- Lida B writes an article for the Weekly, and there were many photographers! Check out our Shutter fly site .
Sincere greetings and thanks to everyone! Spartan rules!
All this
Irka (very proud) chicken
60th anniversary on the Wolf Trail - 7/21/2019
Plastun Day - Spartan women participated in large numbers on the Wolf Trail:
Service of God : On July 21, approximately 35 Seniors and Senior Plastuns celebrated the service in uniform under the flag. Metropolitan Gudziak officiated.
Defilade - chickens marched with the inscription 60 years and a chicken flag.
Fried Lunch - The Spartans presented a delicious lunch to the house right
after the closing of Plastun Day. Lida Prokop and Kiki Zinich edited the announcements - printed the posters - and worked with the OTK to inform
the guests at the residence to participate. More than 25 Spartan women and 10
of their men prepared and served a very tasty lunch of hamburgers, sausages
and side dishes. Roma Maksymovych organized everything in great detail.
All the volunteers wore Spartan aprons and the chef gave the aprons to the ladies in
the kitchen. More than 200 people were fed.
Exhibit and Spartan Woman for the Day - organized by a group from New York - led by Lida Prokop and Kiki Zinich. Very well done - the exhibit had various posters with pictures of the programs organized by the Spartans - VFW, Horse Camp, Winter Walk, Starter Camp, Batting Tournaments, etc. Guests donned
a Spartan helmet and held a sword and shield to pose as a Spartan for the day.
March 09, 2020
August 05, 2019
Plastun Day - Spartan women participated in large
numbers on the Wolf Trail:
Service of God: on July 21, approximately 35 Seniors and Senior Plastuns celebrated the service in uniform under
the flag. Metropolitan Gudziak officiated.
Defilade - chickens marched with the inscription 60 years and a chicken flag.
Fried Lunch - The Spartans presented a delicious lunch to the house immediately after the closing of Plastun Day.
Lida Prokop and Kiki Zinich edited the announcements - printed the posters - and worked with the OTK to inform
the guests at the residence to participate. More than 25 Spartan women and 10 of their men prepared and served
a very tasty lunch of hamburgers, sausages and side dishes.
Roma Maksymovych organized everything in great detail.
All the volunteers wore Spartan aprons and the chef gave the aprons to the ladies in the kitchen. More than 200 people were fed.
Exhibit and Spartan Woman for the Day - organized by a group from New York - led by Lida Prokop and Kiki Zinich. Very well done - the exhibit had various posters with
pictures of the programs organized by the Spartans - VFW, Horse Camp, Winter Walk, Starter Camp, Batting Tournaments, etc. Guests donned a Spartan helmet and held a sword and shield to pose as a Spartan for the day.
60th anniversary of Chicago - 2/15/2019
August 05, 2019
Teresa Kuritza organized on February 15, 2019 at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, the night before the debut. It is very appropriate that the first celebration was in Chicago, because that is where the camp started. The Spartans from Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia were present - both seniors and seniors. Teresa Kuritza invited everyone with an invitation and email. The invitation cards for our celebration were enclosed in the invitation to the debut. More than 30 people participated - Spartan women and friends of Spartan women. Delicious snacks were served, along with the famous Chicago-style pizza. It was a great opportunity to catch up with the founders of the club, as well as with the new generation of Spartan women.
Articles and Wishes
Spartanky Plast Sorority marks 60th anniversary
January 24, 2023
AUGUST 30, 2019 4:58 AMby STAFF
Spartanky mark the 60th anniversary of the sorority during the “Den Plastuna” (Scout Day) closing ceremony.
Spartanky mark the 60th anniversary of the sorority during the “Den Plastuna” (Scout Day) closing ceremony.
EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. – Members of the Plast Scouting sorority Spartanky recently celebrated two milestones in their history of service to Plast: the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the sorority’s younger branch and the 25th anniversary of “Pochatkoviy Tabir,” or Beginner’s Camp, a camp founded and led by the sorority since its inception.
For 60 years, the Spartanky sorority has been actively engaged in myriad projects within the Plast and local Ukrainian communities that promote self-discipline, dedication and perseverance in Plast’s youth members by organizing events that promote physical fitness, health and wellness. In addition, the sorority’s efforts include cultural and environmental works held at camps, Plast branches and community centers.
Among signature activities of the sorority are its annual summer volleyball tournament (previously held in Wildwood, N.J., and now at Soyuzivka) and its annual youth ski outing in March where young scouts are able to earn merit badges for skiing and boarding. For the past 20 years Spartanky provided the teenage campers at the Vovcha Tropa campground the opportunity to fulfill the requirements of the Plast physical fitness badge. Ecologically conscious Spartanky have also made it their mission to support eco-friendly practices at Plast campgrounds, including providing the labor to maintain and enhance the Vovcha Tropa hiking trails.
In addition, senior Spartanky partner with their younger sorority sisters to provide yearly assistance in running the Vovcha Tropa campground as medical volunteers in the camp infirmary, and as camp administrators and counselors and leaders.
The Spartanky sorority’s roots date back to 1927 in Ukraine, when the sorority organized sports events and camps in the city of Stryi, located in the Lviv Oblast. Due to historical circumstances – World War II, the prohibition of Plast on Polish-ruled Ukrainian lands and emigration – the activities of these first Spartanky were ended prematurely.
In the fall of 1959, a group of 13 close-knit friends from Chicago resurrected the short-lived but legendary Spartanky from Stryi. By 1972, the Chicago Spartanky welcomed new members from the New York and New Jersey region. Over time, new members joined from cities like Boston, Hartford, Philadelphia, Syracuse and Washington. A Spartanky senior division with members age 35 and older was established in 1994, and has expanded each year since.
On Sunday, July 21, during “Den Plastuna” (Scout Day) at the Plast Vovcha Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y., the Spartanky commemorated their 60th year of activity with a series of events under the coordination of the current sorority president, Irene Sawchyn Doll, and the 60th anniversary committee, chaired by Laryssa Nahnybida and Zenia Olesnycky.
To start the celebration, at the start of the three-week camps, the Spartanky donated 44 sports balls to augment the games and sports programs that take place on the busy Vovcha Tropa campground.
During the 2019 Scout Day (Den Plastuna) weekend, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for a newly enhanced nature trail that leads to the boy scouts’ campsite.
Thanks to the efforts of the Spartanky Ecological Committee, chaired by Slava Hatala, in collaboration with Irene Leush Bihun and her husband, Yurij, Zenia Olesnycky and Larissa Montecuollo, there are now signs along this trail identifying a variety of trees and plants in Ukrainian, Latin and English.
Spartanka Talia Danysh (right) and Roman Lewyckyj are awarded the highest senior Plast rank of “Kerivnytstvo” (Leadership) by Plast Conference CEO Marta Kandiuk Kuzmowycz.
At the formal Scout Day closing ceremonies, two Sparatanky were honored for their tireless dedication and work within Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. Taliа Danish was awarded the highest rank of “Kerivnytstvo” (Leadership) in Plast for her 16 years as president and vice president of the New York City branch of Plast. Daria Patti was awarded the medal of St. George in Silver in recognition of her many years of service as manager of the Vovcha Tropa camp.
Following the closing ceremonies, delighted campers and visitors were treated to a BBQ lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, side dishes and cool beverages served by a team of Spartanky and husband helpers led by Roma and Nestor Maksymovych. More than 400 campers and parents enjoyed the lunch, as well as an afternoon of exhibitions featuring Spartanky activities. Guests had an opportunity for a “Today I’m a Spartanka” photo-op, organized by Kiki Zinych and Lydia Prokop.
Later that afternoon, the sorority commemorated its second major milestone: the 25th anniversary of “Pochatkoviy Tabir,” or Beginner’s Camp.
“Today I am a Spartanka” photo-op with (from left) Roma Temnycky, Lida Buniak, Archbishop-Metropolitan Borys Gudziak and Kiki Zinycz.
For the past 25 years, a one-week Beginner’s Camp for children age 6-7 has afforded them the opportunity to experience an abbreviated Plast camp complete with educational nature hikes, arts and crafts, evening sing-alongs around the campfire, sports and games, and the favorite activity of building secret hideaways in the woods. Petrusia Kotlar Paslawsky initiated this one-week Beginner’s Camp in 1994 because she observed a reluctance among some parents to send their youngest scouts to a three-week sleep-away camp. Spartanky such as Christa Kozak, Chrystyna Mandicz Centore, Oresta Olexy and Ms. Bihun, as well as other Spartanky, were instrumental in conducting 40 iterations of the camp, sometimes running two to three tours in a single season.
Of the 385 campers and counselors in attendance this year at Vovcha Tropa camps, an astonishing 150 had attended Beginner’s Camp as their first camping experience. Many have expressed how this initial camping experience held a sentimental place in their hearts. Over 550 scouts in all have participated in the Beginner’s Camp over its 25 years.
Today there are over 70 members of the Spartanky senior division. These community-minded Spartanky have taken on leadership roles by devoting their time, talent and energy to such organizations as the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and Ukrainian Medical Society of North America (UMANA), as well as other organizations and committees in Ukrainian schools and Ukrainian community centers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois.
Equally impactful are the ranks of the junior divisions of the Spartanky sorority – with the strong presence of active members both in the United States and Ukraine.
The U.S. junior division of Spartanky has an active membership of 30 young ladies with their ranks growing rapidly. Among their signature activities is the testing of older scouts for the requirements of the Physical Fitness Badge at the Vovcha Tropa campgrounds, and the annual volleyball tournament on Labor Day weekend at Soyuzivka Heritage Center. This group is also engaged in philanthropic activities with fund–raising events that include hosting workout classes and an annual karaoke night.
The junior division in Ukraine was established on April 12, 2008, and its current 26 members belong to Plast branches in Lviv and Ternopil. Like their North American sisters, the Spartanky from Ukraine arrange sports events such as the Spartan Games, winter trips called “Hoverliana” and co-organize a vigorous survival skills camp called “Kvest.”
A gathering of 150 counselors and participants at this year’s scout camps at Vovcha Tropa who once had attended Beginners’ Camp.
By Alexandra Zawadiwsky at 5:27pm
Plastovy Slyach: Spartans of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences and Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences celebrate the 60th anniversary of Senior Plastun Kuren - Irena Savchyn Doll, Teresa Kuritza, Lida Bunyak, (we are still looking for an author from Ukraine)
October 28, 2019
For 60 years, both the USP and the Spartanka UPS have been actively involved in engaging and leading educational work at the reservoir authorities. The goal of the club is to foster friendship and physical and athletic spirit in members of every age, and to show joint activity in public works . This encouragement causes personal well-being in everyone through improved self-discipline and general healthy habits .
In the 1920s in Ukraine, in the city of Stryi, Lviv Region, a group of young plasterers created the "Spartanka" smokehouse. The members of the club organized ruhankas and sports events , actively competed in various sports - leschetarsto, tennis, athletics, etc.
Your call: “Sparto, Spartan women”
With the onset of the 2nd World War, the Spartans ceased their activities.
In Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1959, 13 honest young women decided to restore the Senior Plastunsky Kurin "Spartans." They took an active part in educational work in the village , and Lyarisa Eliyashevska was the first chicken girl.
The newly created kurin adopted the number 14 and chose black and gold colors for the handkerchiefs . The chicken badge is a Spartan girl , aka the rallying cry - "With a shield, or on a shield!"
Kuren's activities included : an exhibition of Ukrainian art at the International Folk Festival in Chicago - Navy Pier ; publishing the books "Young Mistress" and establishing long - term smoking habits
In 1972, the smoking area increased with the arrival of a new circle from the New York metropolitan area. "We liked the Spartan theme, which emphasizes physical skill and independence," remembers Talya Danysh, one of that group. .
The group enthusiastically joined the work with the youth, organizing sports tournaments during St. George's Day, athletics competitions for the youth, batting competitions at the popular Ukrainian naval base of Wildwood, N.J., and performed traditional St. Andrew's Eve evenings in the villages.
Friendly work attracted others to smoke, not only from nearby New Jersey, but also from further away Toronto, Philadelphia, and Washington.
Over time, the members developed numerous traditions that cheerfully celebrated the changes in their lives: a bachelorette party for the bride, wedding customs for the bride, and customs for the birth of a child.
With age, these older plastuns moved to sen orat , and continued to belong to the kuren. 24 members joined the new coop, Part 39, Spartanka UPS , which was approved by the Communist Party of Ukraine in 1994, with Roma Maksymovych as the first cooper.
Spartan women-Plastains gradually gained leadership roles in Plastia. Over the past 25 years, there were 14 commentaries in the kuren who led more than 40 camps, and another 20 participated in teams and clubs. According to the towns, the Spartan women include 6 townships, two of which exist to this day, and an additional 30 members had and still have educational and administrative posts. Female members have long-term leading roles in the Communist Party of Ukraine, OTC, and CPC, including the current heads of CPC and CPC of the Vovchai Tropa settlement.
Others, doctors and nurses by profession, devoted themselves to medical operations in camp settlements and villages. sKurin is proud of the fact that 25 years ago, with the initiative of Spartan woman Petrusia Paslavska, <starting camp=""> was created, a unique one-week camp for novices 6-7 years old. <we wanted to attract the youngest newcomers to the magic of camping, and to introduce them, and their "parents with the best elements of the novice camp," said pod. Petrusya
With the continued support of the smoker, this popular camp has been held for more than 40 <tours> on the Wolf Trail, and more than 500 newbies have started their layer camping at this camp. We are also proud of the fact that, for 19 years, Kurin has been translating the requirements for the Physical Fitness Award (VFV) for the youth of the <wolf's trail=""> settlement. "Complying with the requirements of the VFV at the camp greatly facilitates the completion of youth trials," writes Natalka Seylyk, a long-time organizer. Spartan women of the UPS are happy that a new generation of Spartan women has taken over and continues this important function.
An <eco-committee> has been created in the camp, which implements ecologically oriented and awareness of a conscious attitude to nature in the camps. Conversations are held, paths around the settlement are cleaned, and garbage is collected for recycling. Thanks to voluntary donations, Kurin gave the house new equipment for the hospital and kitchen, materials for the Primary Camp, sports equipment, directions to the sports field, and funds for the construction of a new swimming pool.
"Since the creation of the UPS chicken coop, due to our constant work and sisterly friendship, our chicken coop has grown by 70 full members," said chicken cooper Irena Savchyn Doll. We confidently believe that we will always find people willing to support new projects.
This year, during the holiday <day of the plastuna=""> at the settlement of Vovchai Tropa, the Spartan women of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and the USP solemnly and cheerfully celebrated the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Spartan women's chicken of the USP. The Spartan women came in large numbers from far away for the Divine Service, which was sent by Archbishop Vladyka Borys Gudziak, himself a platoon of the Crusaders, who spent many camps at this residence. More than 35 Spartan girls marched proudly in the parade, and at the end of the celebration, two Spartan girls were awarded high class awards. Pl. Sen. Talya Danysh was promoted to the rank of Manager, mainly for her work as a station manager in the New York station. But to the square Sen. Daria Patti received the St. Yuri medal in Silver for the leadership of the Vovchai Tropa settlement. More than 500 campers attended the smoke parade in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere children and visitors/parents with a delicious bar-beque lunch. And in the afternoon, the opening of the newly cleaned nature trail took place , where the eco-committee purchased tables that named the trees and plants along the trails, creating an opportunity for botanical conversations.
In 2012, a new generation of girls joined the US Senior-Plastun Club, leading the club with fresh youthful spirit and effort, to the amusement of the seniors. Katria Mysylo and her friends made sure that the USP chicken coop was filled with new members every year. The main interest of young plastunists is sports and educational work, and for that purpose they organize bream walks, sports competitions, and batting tournaments at the Ukrainian settlement in the Catskill Mountains of New York - <Soyuzivka>, which attracts many young people of Ukrainian origin.
It has been two years since Kurin-USP took over the performance of VFW on Vovtsi Tropi. This year, more than 150 youth members passed the requirements of the VFW under the leadership of the Spartan girls - senior plastuns.
Now there are 30 members, with new candidates arriving every year. Smoking activities include charity events where funds are collected for philanthropic purposes.
Spartan women in the USA rejoiced when they learned that a branch of the chicken house developed in Ukraine, starting on April 12, 2008, where Kateryna Vintonyak was the first chicken house. Just like the Spartan sisters in the USA and Canada, girls in Ukraine are interested in sports, educational, charitable, and spiritual work.
Older plastuns organize open <Spartakiyadas> for young people, schools on little-known sports <Spartan games="">, and winter trips <Hoverlyan>. In 2015, they started organizing camps for the children of ATO heroes, joining the organization of actions at the local and regional levels. In 2017, three Spartan women became the organizers of the Jubilee Interregional Plast Meeting <in the middle of the forest> in Germany.
On April 2, 2017, the consecration of the chicken flag of the Spartan Women in Ukraine took place in the Dominican Cathedral in Lviv. Kurin has members in the towns of Lviv and Ternopil, as well as in Ivano-Frakivsk and Kolomyia. The hen has 26 layers, and new candidates are being recruited all the time
Spartan women are big fans of Plast, and we are happy to find a common zeal for Plast ideals with our younger and older girlfriends, near and far in America, Canada and Ukraine. We hope that we will be with such strength and desire to create for the common good for another 60 years or longer!
Many thanks to Spartan Lida Buniak for her necessary help in preparing this article.
By Alexandra Zawadiwsky at 6:36pm
Wishes
October 28, 2019
Dear Spartans!
I congratulate all the members of our club with congratulations for the exemplary performance of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Spartan Girls Club and the 25th anniversary of the Boot Camp!
Sincere praise to all those who prepared the project of this holiday, fulfilled the task of ideas, and organized the possibility of a successful investigation. Despite the unbearable heat, I thank everyone who could come to the house to be proud of the achievement of our camp: during the service and parade with their numbers, and afterwards to satisfy the thirsty and hungry campers and their parents.
Sincere thanks to our smoking Irishman, smoking team, all committee members, and all participants of our holiday.
SCOB!
Lida
The greatest credit goes to our very hard-working smoker, Irca Savchyn.
Thanks to her energy, effort and dedicated work during the last 8-9 months, our Spartan Jubilee was perfectly organized and perfectly executed.
Three times Glory to our Chickens...
Patron Saint Day!
Patron Saint Day!
Patron Saint Day!
By Alexandra Zawadiwsky at 6:34pm
Ukrainian Weekly Article: Spartanky Plast Sorority Commemorate 60th Anniversary & 25 Years of “Beginner’s Camp” - By Lida Buniak
October 28, 2019
East Chatham, NY. Members of the women’s Plast Scouting sorority “Spartanky” recently celebrated two milestones in their history of service to the Plast Scout organization: the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the sorority’s younger branch and the 25th anniversary of “Pochatkoviy Tabir” or Beginner’s Camp, a camp founded by and led by the sorority since its inception.
For 60 years, the Plast sorority Spartanky has been actively engaged in a myriad of projects within the Plast organization and local Ukrainian communities that promote self-discipline, dedication, and perseverance in Plast’s youth members by organizing events that promote physical fitness, health and wellness. In addition the sorority’s efforts include cultural and environmental works held at camps, urban branches and community centers.
Among signature activities of the sorority are its annual summer volleyball tournament (previously held at Wildwood and now at Soyuzivka) and its annual youth ski outing in March where young scouts are able to earn merit badges for skiing and boarding. Beyond such broad community events, for the past 20 years Spartanky provided the teen age campers at the Vovcha Tropa campgrounds the opportunity to fulfill the requirements of the Plast physical fitness “Відзнака Фізичної Вправности” (ВФВ) badge. Ecologically conscious Spartanky have also made it their mission to support eco-friendly practices at Plast campgrounds, including providing the labor to maintain and enhance the Vovcha Tropa hiking trails.
In addition, Senior Spartanky partner with their younger sorority sisters to provide yearly assistance in running the Vovcha Tropa campground as medical volunteers in the camp infirmary, camp administrators, and camp counselors and leaders.
The Spartanky sorority has its roots dating back to 1927 Ukraine, when a predecessor Plast Spartanky sorority organized sports events and camps in the city of Stryi, located in the Lviv Oblast (region). Other Plast members would greet them with: “Attention! The Spartans are coming!” Due to historical circumstances – World War II, prohibition of Plast in Poland and emigration – the activities of these first Spartanky were ended prematurely.
In the fall of 1959, a group of 13 close-knit female scouts from Chicago resurrected the short-lived but legendary Spartanky from Stryi. By 1972, the Chicago Spartanky welcomed new members from the New York and New Jersey region. Over time, new members joined from cities like Boston, Hartford, Philadelphia, Syracuse and Washington. A Spartanky senior division (seniorky) with members 35 years of age and older was established in 1994, and has expanded each year since.
On Sunday, July 21st, 2019, during Den Plastuna” (Scout Day) at the Plast Vovcha Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y, the Spartanky commemorated their 60th year of activity through a series of events, under the coordination of the current sorority president (kurinna) Irene Sawchyn Doll and 60th anniversary committee members, chaired by Laryssa Nahnybida and Zenia Olesnycky.
To start the celebration, this year, at the start of the 3-week camps, the Spartanky sorority donated 44 sports balls to augment the games and sports programs that take place on the busy Vovcha Tropa campground.
During the 2019 Scout Day weekend, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place for a newly-enhanced nature trail that leads to the older boy scouts’ (yunaky) camp site.
Thanks to the efforts of the Spartanky Ecological committee, chaired by Slava Hatala, in collaboration with Irene Leush Bihun and her husband Yurij, Zenia Olesnycky, and Larissa Montecuollo, there are now signs along this trail identifying a variety trees and plants in Ukrainian, Latin and English languages.
At the formal Scout Day closing ceremonies, two Sparatanky were honored for their tireless dedication and work within the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. Taliа Danish was awarded the highest rank of “Kerivnytstvo” (leadership) in Plast for her 16 years as President/Vice President of the New York City branch of Plast. Daria Patti was awarded the medal of St. George in Silver in recognition of her many years of service as manager of the Vovcha Tropa camp.
Following the closing ceremonies of Scout Day, delighted campers and visitors were treated to a BBQ lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs, side dishes, and cool beverages, served by a team of Spartanky and husband helpers led by Roma and Nestor Maksymovych. More than 400 campers and parents enjoyed the lunch, as well as an afternoon of exhibitions featuring Spartanky activities. Guests had an opportunity for a “Today I’m a Spartanka” photo-op, organized by Kiki Zinych and Lydia Prokop.
Later that afternoon, the sorority commemorated its second major milestone – the 25th anniversary of “Pochatkoviy Tabir” or Beginner’s Camp.
For the past 25 years, a one-week Beginner’s Camp for 6-7 year has afforded young Scouts the opportunity to experience an abbreviated Plast camp complete with educational nature hikes, arts and crafts, evening sing-alongs around the campfire, sports and games, and the scout favorite activity of building “krajivky” -which are secret hideaways in the woods. Petrusia Kotlar Paslawsky initiated this one-week “Beginner's Camp” in 1994 because she observed reluctance among some parents to send their youngest scouts to a 3-week sleep-away camp. Spartanky such as Christa Kozak, Chrystyna Mandicz Centore Oresta Olexy, and Irene Leush Bihun, as well as other Spartanky, were instrumental in continuing to conduct 40 iterations of the camp, sometimes running two to three times a season..
This year, of the 385 campers and counselors in attendance at the Vovcha Tropa 3-week camps, an astonishing 150 had attended Beginner’s Camp as their first camping experience. Many have expressed how this initial camping experience held a sentimental place in their hearts. In total, over 550 scouts have participated in the Beginner’s Camp over the 25 years.
While these two celebrations marked a history of accomplishments by the Spartanky sorority on behalf of the Plast organization, the future of the sorority and its contribution to the Plast community is equally bright.
Today there are over 70 members of the Spartanky senior division. These community-minded Spartanky have taken on leadership roles in the Ukrainian diaspora by devoting their time, talent and energy to such organizations as the UNWLA Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and Ukrainian Medical Society of North America (UMANA), as well as other organizations and committees in Ukrainian schools (Ridna Shkola) and Ukrainian community cultural centers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois.
Equally impactful are the ranks of the junior divisions of the Spartanky sorority – with the strong presence of active members both in the Unites States and Ukraine.
The United States junior division of Spartanky has an active membership of 30 young ladies with their ranks growing rapidly. Among their signature activities is the testing of older scouts for the requirements of the Physical Fitness testing (ВФВ) badge at the Vovcha Tropa campgrounds, and the annual volleyball tournament on Labor Day weekend at the Ukrainian resort Soyuzivka. This group of ambitious young women are very engaged in philanthropic activities with fundraising events that include hosting workout classes and an annual karaoke night!
The junior division in Ukraine was established on April 12, 2008, and are members of the Plast branches in Lviv and Ternopil. Like their North American sisters, the Spartanky from Ukraine arrange sports events such as the “Spartan Games”, winter trips called “Hoverlyana” and co-organize a vigorous survival skills camp called “KVEST”. To date, the Ukrainian Spartanky have 26 members, with an estimated 5-7 candidates joining yearly to become a part of this vibrant Plast sorority.
Having 60 years of service is indeed an accomplishment, however knowing these strong, hard-working Spartanky and the already busy next generation of members both in the United States and Ukraine, one can safely say that they are just getting started. As evidenced by the Spartanky sorority greeting: "With the shield or on the shield!"
By Alexandra Zawadiwsky at 6:28pm
60th birthday - on the Wolf Trail - 7/21/2019
October 28, 2019
Our dear Spartans!
I'm sorry I couldn't send it sooner, but my computer crashed and it's very difficult for me to use my mobile phone 🙃
Sunday was something extraordinary and unforgettable that will remain in everyone's memory forever. We were praised from all sides - Vladyka Gudziak noted that we had not only cooperation, but also friendship and peace - he was very impressed by this! Marta Kuzmovich said how cheerful and hardworking we are. And we left a great impression on everyone. Girls, warm applause and low bows!
Everyone contributed a lot to our success, but I want to single out some who had leadership roles, and also mention the projects that took place this weekend:
Lyalya and Zenya : organizers extraordinaire! Already from last year, they took the lead in the organization and design of our holiday - especially because they anticipated what would be needed and provided for quick implementation, friendly and practical.
Roma and Nestor - wow! BBKyu was prepared so smoothly - everything was ready, in place, a cadre of workers was assigned - we fed more than 400 people - maybe as many as 500 - in two hours! Amazing! Bravo!
Dartsia - for all her support in helping us work with OTK, and for smoothing the way for all our projects this past weekend.
Our boys ! Our heroes! Worked incredibly hard by the fire - And with such a cheerful spirit! Those guys are amazing! Keepers!
Zezya - a special thank you from me, because Zezya always stood by me in every crisis (there are enough of them!) with advice and support
A gift for the house - Darka presented the idea, and Zenya looked for a merchant and bought 10 balls for the batting, 10 for kicking, and 50 for fun - all with the Spartan logo! Zenya also brought and gave balls from the beginning of the camps, and the children used them. There will be a picture.
Exhibit - Kiki, Lida P and NJ group prepared wonderful exhibits and hung them for the performance. "Now I'm a Spartan" was a very funny thing!
Banners : Once again, many thanks to Lyubkova for the generous gift of 3 wonderful banners! They identified us where we were not!
Aprons - Lyalya and Zenya searched for the best prices for our wonderful souvenir aprons and bought and distributed them. They also gave it to the ladies in the kitchen - what an advertisement!
HoChiMinh nature trail beautification - Slava and Luisa came up with the idea of making nature trail tree identification plaques on the trail. Itsia and Yurko searched for the correct names of the trees, Slava made the inscriptions, and Zenya and Lyubko nailed it on Saturday. A "ribbon cutting" opening was held on Sunday with Taras Popyl from OTK. Vladyka Boris noticed the inscriptions when he went to the Youth and told me on Sunday how he liked it!
Publicity / recording- Lida B writes an article for the Weekly, and there were many photographers! Check out our Shutter fly site .
Sincere greetings and thanks to everyone! Spartan rules!
All this
Irka, (very proud) chicken
By Alexandra Zawadiwsky at 6:28pm