Shevchenko's Hromada in Calgary

Taras Shevchenko monument on the Dnipro River near Kaniv
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My fond recollection of singing, performing, reciting Taras Shevchenko's amazing writing spans my entire lifetime. Ukrainian school was a place to form some of my strongest life-time friendships. Today, a Canadian public school student by law may study a variety of languages, and some very fortunate ones in a bilingual Ukrainian and English setting. Studying the great literature of the world, one such Saskatoon young person has also learned to love the powerful, moving works of Taras Shevchenko, the bard of Ukraine. She writes : "When all of the awful events happened there, almost leading to war, I was honestly broken, and it made me think a lot about how Shevchenko fought for the freedom of our people. One night I woke up in the middle of my dream and started writing, it was like I was under a spell, wasn’t sure what I was doing in other words. I wrote a poem called “It’s been 200 years” it both talks to the people of Ukraine and about the 200 anniversary of T. Shevchenko."

Kateryna by Taras Shevchenko 1842

Уже 200 років
Там де калина хиталася з вітром,
трава колихалася скрізь.
Тарас Шевченко, наш милий,
писав нам добрий заповіт.
"Любіть, ви діти Україну,
не загубіть коріння все своє,
також любіть ви матір свою милу,
не забувайте слово ви моє.,,

Не бійтесь люди ви свободи,
скажіть ви ворогам своїм.
Шевченко мав таку уже нагоду,
тепер черга і наша розказати всім.
Пройшло вже 200 років,
але пам'ятати будемо завжди,
Героя, Кобзара, Надію,
напротягом як можна,
по землі свобідно йти!
Написала Оля Пільченко                                       

Canada's remarkable diversity, pluralism, tolerance and opportunity is in stark contrast with the events currently pressing on Ukraine, especially Crimea.  In response, many groups in the international diaspora are spontaneously organizing vigils, prayer groups and other activities in support of Ukraine's right to choose their future - their government - their national priorities, and their neighborhood friends. Heros with a cause, indeed!
Calgary's Ukrainian community is gathering to honor Taras Shevchenko on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall 704-6 STreet NE at 3 PM.  Following the event, the Ukrainian community invites Calgarians of good will to meet for prayer and fellowship in front of old City Hall, where the City of Calgary will be flying the beautiful blue and yellow flag of Ukraine in solidarity with freedom loving people everywhere, especially Ukraine.  Thanks to Canada for its principled stance on the emerging crisis in Ukraine! 

Ukie Summer School 2014!

Polovetsian warrior, Kyivan Rus' era,
Feodosia Museum, Ukraine
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Looking for a hero?  Looking for opportunities to dream, rise to a new plateau of understanding, and aspire to the heights of human experience?  LOOK NO FURTHER!

The creative legacy of  OSVITA, the exceptional summer Ukrainian language and cultural immersion program may be for you! http://www.stjohnsinstitute.com/about-us/programs/osvita/

OSVITA, the exceptional Ukrainian summer school program designed for deep, enriching experiences in inter-cultural understanding, is a superlative way to engage with learning. Immersion activities embedded in the rhythms of folk life, the language, culture, cuisine are but a glimpse into the collective memory, the ancestral ways. And the trajectory of Ukrainian life with its European and global presence is changing by the minute.   With at least 1.3 million Canadians of Ukrainian ancestry, and at least 20 million in the Ukrainian diaspora, and on every continent, each holds the heroes of their ancestry dear. Real people aspiring to overcome challenges in their personal lives, we all marvel at the wisdom and resilience of the ancestral stories.  Change and adaptation are everywhere, but it is clear that promoting pluri-lingualism from within our Ukrainian community is a fabulous way to shape the world, to contribute to world peace.

Innovation and optimism are the by-words for the OSVITA program which has been connecting people and communities for decades.  Building kindred relationships from Buenos Aires, Brazil, Berlin, London, Istanbul, and Chicago, and of course places like Myrnam, Alberta - OSVITA makes Ukrainian relevant in an international way.  Self-aware, optimistic, forward thinking, and incredibly able to enrich young lives with deep and comprehensive ties with the land of their ancestry, OSVITA should be on your young person's summer plan!

Check it out here at http://www.osvitaprogram.com/
ps-my daughter went twice and still talks about her amazing experiences at OSVITA!

Ukrainian Summer Day Camps in Calgary!!

It's time to register the little ones in Ukrainian Summer Day Camp, here in Calgary!

The popular summer day camp program at St Vladimir's Sadochok has fabulous staff, great activities, and a wonderful dedicated Parent Board. Pass the information along to family and friends!

Programs run for the full week from July 8-12 ($250) and July 15-19 ($250), from 8AM til 5PM but if you can only do a drop in they are flexible too.   Call if you are interested in a more flexible schedule.  Crafts, singing, games, cooking and more, including outdoor time as weather permits.  The location is ideal for downtown people, but very accessible otherwise too.  Near Rotary Park, the program often treks to the incredible playground for activities and picnic lunches.  No previous knowledge of Ukrainian is required.   

Contact www.ukrainianpreschool.com  or larissa@groch.net  for more information or to register for Ukrainian Summer Day Camp in Calgary!!  Make your Baba proud!!

Ukrainian Language for Teens, Adults and Seniors

Some of my earliest memories have to do with connecting with family and honoring my ancestors.  By this I mean being Ukrainian in a North American culture, the photographic memory of my life is a tumble of embroideries, dancing, tastes and smells, traditions and events that brought family together. Holidays, embraces of young and old were all opportunities for conversation with and about those who were separated from us by time and distance.  Remembered by name, or by ritual, with laughter or tears, family stories and anecdotes never translated well.  Each time I heard the stories another layer of onion skin was removed as more profound and poignant meaning was revealed.  Simple words, but oh, so much more.

Like many North Americans of Ukrainian heritage, the language has adapted to my circumstance - and it is changing from generation to generation.  Actively engaging with the world, culture, history and tradition, I realize how rich having the language feels.  Communicating better is important for travel, for genealogical studies, for culture awareness, for understanding family and partners in life - and it has its own intrinsic value - it is positive and good.  

The Ukrainian Language Classes for Adults at St. Andrew's is a member of the International Heritage Languages Association.  Their interesting style of instruction, affordable classes, entertaining cultural arts experiences are all designed to improve language learning, reading and writing too.  Register alone, register with a friend,  register with your partner in life - enhance that deep feeling of togetherness with a Ukrainian language class this season! 

There will be approximately 24 classes from September 18, 2013 to March 19, 2014 on Wednesday evenings in Edmonton.  Check the site at www.st.andrews-uocc@telus.net.  or call 780-469-1463.

Sadochok is Growing 2013

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Today made me so happy!  I had the opportunity to attend the year end Father's Day Program of the  capable little participants of Calgary's Ukrainian Sadochok at St. Vladimir's Cultural  Centre!

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In conversation with Larissa Groch I was so pleased to hear that the volunteer board of Sadochok have put in place fabulous decisions which have made Sadochok grow and grow!  In fact, I heard that certain areas of registration for next year are already full, and there is more demand than earlier anticipated.  Clearly there is a pent up desire for quality programming in the Ukrainian community, and Sadochok delivers!

Teachers Pani Olena, Pani Valya and Pani Lesia take such gentle care of the children during their time at Sadochok.  There is structured time, play time, snack, singing, language learning, crafts, even nap time because for some children Sadochok is also partly a daycare.  Sadochok has a lovely working environment because of the professional standards in place, and of course because of the huge hearts involved.




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Today's program was ambitiously planned, and overwhelmingly embraced by all the guests.  The beaming faces,  the little ones dressed in their embroidered finest, just make your heart melt.  And when they began their verses, their songs, their lovely little dance moves, everyone in the audience was smeared in smiles - you just have to believe me.  How could any baba or dido help but be enchanted in this love fest?

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 While the brightly colored visual arts are only a part of the children's Sadochok program, I thought to share these with the readers of ukrainiancalgary in the hopes you would pass the message along.  Sadochok is growing and it is time to register the little ones in Ukrainian language and culture programs offered here in Calgary!

All the ripples created by the Ukrainian community start with small steps - make sure you reach out, connect and pass it on!  Oh, and I really love Sadochok's motto - Make Baba Proud!

www.ukrainianpreschool.ca

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Osvita Ukrainian Summer School 2013

Incredible opportunities abound for learning and travel this summer - for students and grownups!  Once again, Osvita's exciting Ukrainian Summer Immersion Program is offering high school Ukrainian language credit, and a trip to Ukraine for a fascinating, first hand experience in the culture, traditions, and to visit historic sites.  A totally fabulous experience awaits - make sure to contact the numbers listed below.   

Study Ukrainian Abroad 2013

I have just learned that Ukrainian is the most euphonic language in the world - at least that is what the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv's site says. I know that a while back Calgary hosted a fundraiser for the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv - it looks like their programs are growing!

The Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv are again hosting a summer language program for new learners, and experienced speakers.  Excellent instruction and a location that is safe, culturally rich, and full of enthusiasm for North American learners!  A while back I met an instructor from the program who showed me some of the methods materials, and wow! was I impressed.  Not your typical Saturday School program at all - very good use of international understandings, and very quick to learn conversational scripts - that work!  Highly recommended - maybe for a young person you might know?

 

Sadochok Open House

Calgary is home to a wonderful Ukrainian preschool program! St. Vladimir's Sadochok has grown so positively over its 25 year existence! The program is again making strides in service and excellence in child care programming.

 
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 from 7 to 8:30 they are hosting a visit for fans and newcomers to feature changes that are making Sadochok one of the most sought after preschool programs in the city of Calgary. Sadochok is welcoming ongoing registrations, too.  

Sadochok is located just across the Bow River from Calgary's city core. With excellent parking, open air playground, gym and sunshine filled classrooms, this is a program for native speakers of Ukrainian, and those seeking an embracing introduction to the culture and traditions. They also have an innovative manner of addressing a variety of schedule needs.

For more information check
 http://www.ukrainianpreschool.ca

Living Culture - Ukrainian Style

Learning the language and culture of your ancestral heritage is a precious gift to open! Canada provides top notch public school education, and fabulous Ukrainian Bilingual Programs in many of the large cities, places like Edmonton, Vegreville, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Dauphin and Toronto. The students who are fortunate enough to participate often become polyglots - fluent in many languages - and not only in the languages of their familial ancestry. Elsewhere things are perhaps a bit more complicated.

Fortunately for "elsewhere", there are great opportunities opening up for summer studies in Ukraine. Take for example this L'viv Summer Course offered by the University of Alberta. They are announcing the twelfth annual travel study course hosted by the University of Alberta's Ukrainian Language and Literature Program  in L'viv, Ukraine to take place from May 17th to June 14, 2013.

Ukrainian Through Its Living Culture is an opportunity to explore the culture and local flavour of the Ukrainian world, while practicing your language skills in a living experience. If you are interested in what could be the most memorable experience of your life, you will find L'viv Ukraine is a beautiful city. The program itself is full of educational value, not only the academic kind, but learning from an immersion in the culture and daily life of this vibrant Western Ukrainian city.

A recent CNN article calls L'viv "Little Paris of Ukraine." That sounds like high praise to me, so it's a wonder that so many waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada eminated from L'viv and area - there clearly must be layers of the story we don't necessarily know about in the western world.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/travel/lviv-ukraine-culture-capital/index.html

To make things even more interesting, I have discovered that there is financial support for potential candidates of this program too. Makes it a very worthwhile little detour from the daily grind, eh!

For more information, see the course site at

http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/ukraina/study_in_ukraine/ukrainian_through_its_liv/

or contact the instructors yourself at

Dr. Alla Nedashkivska, Associate Professor
Undergraduate Academic Advisor: Ukrainian
Chair, MLCS Curriculum Committee

Modern Languages and Cultural Studies
University of Alberta, 200 Arts Building
Edmonton, AB T6G 2E6
TEL [general office] (780) 492-4926
FAX 492-9106

Faith, Love, and Generosity

Welcoming the patron Saint of children!   Today's program for Святий Миколай St. Nicholas was a bundle of lessons about the Saint, child centered verses about good behavior spoken with clear Ukrainian diction, cheerful seasonal songs, traditional Ukrainian carols and the traditional hymn of welcome for Sviatey Mikolay!  Such lovely little people, and such lovely little voices, bursting full of love for learning.

The stage at St. Vlad's Cultural Center at 404 Meredith  Road NE Calgary was full of children from three years up to early teens. Children from Sadochok (Calgary's only Ukrainian language bilingual preschool program), Ukrainian Saturday School, and Church school were excited to perform for the guests!  Smiling faces, beautiful embroideries, and sparkling voices brought huge grins of pride from parents, grandparents, teachers and guests.  These enthusiastic Садочок Sadochok, Рідна Школа Ridna Shkola, and Church School children make us all proud!

We all loved the show! Special thanks to Olena Kanevska, Zennovia Haydey and Pani Valia - the teachers whose preparation and care made a visit from the Generous Saint himself, Святий Миколай so welcome!  A gift of faith, love and generosity!

And thanks to St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker who must be very busy tending the hearts of many vulnerable children the world-over during this season of peace, love and hope!

St. Nicholas Program 2012 (St. Vlads)

And who, who, loves St. Nicholas!  Put a little sunshine into your life and come to see the children - they do!

St. Nicholas the Wonder-worker is the patron of children.  On Sunday, December 16th the children in St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Bilingual Sadochok and the Ukrainian School (Ridna Shkola Рідна Школа) and the Church School will all join in singing for St. Nicholas.

There will be a short program on Sunday, December 16th at noon at St. Vladimir's Cultural Center. The Sadochok parents are graciously bringing coffee fellowship snacks, and after there will be a sweet little program of singing and verses in honor of Svyatey Mikolay Святий Миколай!

All children are welcome to come and join in honoring the Saint!
Thanks to the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, Calgary Branch for supporting this event.  

And to help you get in the mood, sing something special with this karaoke version for Mikolay!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYGHgAWWNAY

and for the grownups - - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4cNnZgMW18

Growing Interest in Ukrainian Language Classes

With all the recent political discussions around Ukraine's new language policy, it is interesting to me when people pop little discussion issues on your lap.  Just as recently as Sunday, a person asked whether Calgary is hosting Ukrainian language classes for Adults again.  Then another person sent me information about one Alberta community's Ukrainian Language Classes - and wow was I floored.  Can you imagine that there are (to date) 59 adults registered in their Ukrainian language program?  With that number of people registering, they are now needing a few more teachers!

So, what is happening?  Well, I have a theory.  When I was studying language acquisition theory in university (yes there was such a course in the olden days), one of the points that caught my attention was the issue of assimilation.  Turns out that the first new Canadians try so hard to acclimatize themselves to the new English language and culture that there is scant time to think.  Then their children get the notion that their ancestral language is of less value (and I suppose it is for a short time when you need to speak English well at work and school).  So the children are not encouraged to maintain the language, they grow up and then they are in a quandry.  With "old" people modeling the "old" language, and the "younger" people developing less fluency, the "youngest" people almost have no options.  Either they look for a community of language models, or they lose their opportunities to acquire their ancestral language.  (Well at least that is the theory in shorthand.)

So, now I understand.  The generations of Canadians who worked hard to establish themselves, gain employment,"fit in" in Canadian society, did their best.  Then their children tried to respect their "elder" tongue.  But their grandchildren, upon their early retirement years, who probably never had a chance to better their linguistic fluency, now have the time and desire to "catch up".  Bravo for them!  Bravo for programs which foster ancestral languages!  Bravo for leaders who recognize and honor this "pent up" desire to reconnect with "home" (including geneology).

Our most tender feelings, our earliest prayers, our folklore, traditions and our subconscious-most vulnerable selves are captured in the language of our earliest homelife.  The "net" of understandings creates who we are, at the very beginnings of who we are.  It is said, that there is no sweeter sound than the "mother's tongue".

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/06/adult-ukrainian-language-classes.html

Ukrainian School - Ridna Shkola in Calgary

via Marusia Buranich on Facebook

Well it is September again, and time to register the children in Ukrainian language programs - such a rich and rewarding gift of culture and family tradition!!  So I spoke with Olena Kanevska, one of the teachers at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian School recently.  She was excited to tell me about attending the Ukrainian School Teacher's Conference in Toronto earlier this summer!  I guess a lot of people are on the same page, programs growing, changing, adapting, all with the intent of supporting families in their desire to pass on the best of ancestral traditions to their children! A lot of teachers from across Canada participated this year!

 

So Olena told me the conference was a few days long.  On the first day, they discussed introducing a program called"Sonechko",  to help kids get to learn a lot of Ukrainian songs.  The new methodology is designed teach songs and poems to help with memory and language fluency.  On the second day, there were two sessions.  The one Olena participated in was excellent.  Teachers shared their experience in reading Ukrainian fairy tales to children for education purposes that can be used in Sadochok and especially for students who love literature. Olena says the materials and knowledge acquired during sessions 2 and 3 were very helpful and supportive of Ridna Shkola growth.  On day three, Olena says she was thrilled to see her favorite methodology for language teaching was being celebrated. "We always use a lot of games during our classes but I learned more games that will add fun and interest to our activities."

 

St. Vladimir's Ukrainian School will probably start September, 21 or 28. The administration expects at  least two groups - younger and older, and the program will be growing, including Ukrainian, History and Geography.  They anticipate the continuation of another teenagers group to complete their Ukrainian 10, 20 and 30 too. (Nice when the children can achieve their high school credits for Ukrainian lessons here in Calgary!!)

Congratulations to Olena and the Ridna Shkola (Ukrainian School) Teachers at St. Vladimir's Saturday School for adapting the program to Calgary needs! Thanks to Calgary UWAC for supporting Ridna Shkola again. 

 

Time to register the children!  Call Michelle at 403-264-3437 for further information!!  

Osvita Ukrainian Summer Immersion Program

Baba's Kitchen at Osvita 2012
recognize the Calgarian?

Calgary has a lovely Ridna Shkola program that includes history, culture and language, even Ukrainian 10, 20 and 30.  But at the time when my daughter was in Ridna Shkola, to finish her high school credits she needed to go to Edmonton for the Osvita Summer Immersion Program.  Without reservation, it was a good choice.  She met new friends, discovered a few things about living away from home, accomplished some academic learning and generally had a great time.  Many of the friends have become what she calls "forever friends".  It's like having Ukrainian friends puts them into a special category - beyond going for coffee, or seeing a movie together, it's a part of your extended family.

You may not know about St. John's Institute in Edmonton but it is a great Canadian success story that should be shared!  Way back in 1918, St. John’s Institute was organized under the name M. Hrushewsky Ukrainian Institute (named after a great Ukrainian historian, writer, and statesman, Mykhailo Hrushwsky-1886-1934). An autonomous institution with its own character, St. John's Institute is affiliated with the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada known as S.U.S. Almost a hundred years later, it has lived up to community expectations and is a leading Orthodox Christian and Ukrainian-oriented residential centre fostering youth and their development.

St. John's Institute has continued the great SUS traditions and produces wonderful educational, spiritual, cultural, and outreach programs while operating a student residential centre for the Canadian and Ukrainian community.

One of the Institute's prize programs, Osvita,  had another successful program this summer 2012 in Edmonton.  From the pictures it is obvious the participants enjoyed learning in such a supportive environment.  The newly renovated St. John's Institute is simply top class, but the old Institute vibe is still there, warm hearted and embracing, a family away from home, your Ukrainian family away from home! 

Osvita 2012 participants from BC to Ontario improved their fluency in Ukrainian, cooking, dancing, singing, bandura lessons (with Andrij Hornjatkevyc) and more! Special events included fieldtrips to the Edmonton Holodomor Monument, the Vegreville Ukrainian Pysanka Festival, Alberta Branch of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Castle Mountain Internment Camp and Banff. Guest speakers included the former Premier Ed Stelmach, and Ukrainian radio announcer Roman Brytan.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone at Osvita - see you all next year at Osvita 2013!! 

Adult Ukrainian Language Classes

How fortunate I have been to have the ability to speak in Ukrainian!  I am one of those Ukrainian Canadians with several generations of family born on Canadian soil, yet my family was able, because of great community programs, to ensure that I could speak well in Ukrainian.  I have to admit, my language is not contemporary Kievan, however most people from Ukraine know Canadian Ukrainians are doing a good job when they try to speak.  It has been a priority for my family.  It has also been important for my children, both of whom speak well.  Thank heavens for Sadohock, Ukrainian School, at both Assumption and St. Vladimir's (ridna shkola) and Plast Ukrainian Scouts in Calgary!

Having said that, I know that many families have not been so blessed with opportunities for themselves and their children.  Thank heavens the mind continues to be flexible, eager for new challenges, no matter what age a person may be!  That is why it is so fortunate for Calgarians that St. Stephen's Ukrainian Catholic Church is offering these language classes for adults and young people this coming year. 

If you need basics, if you need conversational language, if you are growing your confidence, this is the program for you! 

Other similar Ukrainian language programs have been offered in Calgary before.  Several years ago the UWAC at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church had Adult Ukrainian classes.  Also, did you know that in Edmonton, St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the UWAC there has sponsored Ukrainian language learning for adults for many, many years!!  I understand that there were 40 students registered last year, in several classes!  With folk singing, discussions about interesting historical artifacts, and the opportunity to build community using Ukrainian language, it has been, and continues to provide great instruction for all their students.

So, Calgarians, your time is now!  I hope you take the opportunity to improve your Ukrainian language - our Ukrainian educational leaders at St. Stephen's can help!!





Alberta's Ukrainian Summer Camp Season 2012



life.nationalpost.com

Summer camp as a Ukie kid in Alberta was always an interesting experience.  The excitement of going to camp with your friends really overshadowed the fact that the whole summer was summer vacation!  Packing involved leaving all the trappings of "living in a house" and meant roughing it a bit.  Have to admit that the "biffy" days are over for kids these days, but there is still a lot to be gained from the outdoor summer camp experience.

For one thing, there are never enough hours to tell the stories of summer camp. Once you start telling camp stories, you might just as well .....well, maybe it is time for your children to experience the Ukie camp thing in Alberta - here are a few to choose from. 


youth.edmontoneparchy.com

The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy has their Annual Eparchial Children's Summer Camp again this year at Camp Oselia on Lake Wabamum.  This year's children's camp will take place from Sunday July 15 to Saturday July 28 and is programmed for children ages 7-14.  A safe, positive program based on Christian living, creative lessons about faith, complete with lake activities, canoeing, swimming, archery, camp fires, scavenger hunts, crafts and fun activities awaits.  The program is based on the teachings of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, but children do not need to be Ukrainian Catholic to attend.  Please make your interest in the program known at oselia.camp@gmail.com  or call 780-426-4176.     The cost of the program is $350 which includes accomodation, meal, and a t shirt.. 

Camp Oselia also hosts a Teen camp from July 30th to August 3rd, for teens ages 13-18.  Contact Namisha at 780-554-8543 or oselia.camp@gmail.com
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uocc.ca

Alberta’s beautiful Pigeon Lake, offers a quintessential overnight camp experience in a Ukrainian Orthodox setting from July 8-21, 2012 . Children 8-14 will enjoy a wide variety of cultural, sporting, religious and recreational activities, throughout this fun-filled, 2-week summer adventure!
Camp Bar-V-Nok is the perfect way to get the most out of summer and make lifelong memories from lake-side activities, off-site excursions, and unforgettable “vatra” (bonfire) and “zabava” (dance) nights. Campers will spend their days and evenings participating in:
Traditional Ukrainian arts and crafts workshops Ukrainian dance classes Swimming and canoeing Folk singing and music classes Religion lessons and services Guest presentations (various themes) Theme nights, talent shows, friendly competitions, beach activities, zabavas, vatra nights, and much more!
Camp Bar-V-Nok’s programming focuses on elements of the Ukrainian language, culture, traditions, and the Orthodox faith, in a Christian environment. Indoor and outdoor recreational activities allow children from across Alberta to interact and learn about one another’s communities.
All staff live on-site at Camp Bar-V-Nok, including the chaplain, director, co-director, counsellors and volunteers.
CAMP FEES: Camp fees include room and board, all camp activities, supplies and a camp t-shirt. Members* 1 child: $375 2 + children: $350/child Non-members: 1 child: $425 2 + children: $400/child    programs@stjohnsinstitute.com   or www.stjohnsinstitute.com  (780) 439-2320 or 1-800-439-2320.

Kiev's-K-Hi Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Camp

Summer camp offers a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls to enjoy happy character building summer days in the great outdoors near lakes and the woods. Boys and girls will receive Ukrainian Orthodox Christian religious instruction, conversational Ukrainian and a fundamental knowledge of the Ukrainian culture. They will have the opportunity to swim, dance, do crafts, participate in sports and enjoy the fun of hikes, campfires, cookouts and singsongs. All this will be accomplished in an atmosphere of friendship, trust, kindness and fun.

Camp starts July 8 for 6 - 8 yr olds       July 15 for 8 - 10. $160       July 22 for 9 - 12. $160

July 29 for 9 - 12. $160       Aug 5 for 12- 15. $190       Aug 12 for 15 - 17. $190      

All sessions run Sunday to Sunday          For more info please contact:

Linda Boser 780-826-4935       Camp Phone 780-635-2384

Language Classes

If you haven't planned for the summer yet, St. John’s Institute in Edmonton is pleased to offer Osvita, their Ukrainian language summer immersion program again this year. It's a unique way to make friends and through their accredited program, kids ages 14-17 can get UKR 10, 20 or 30 credits while also enjoying cultural programming and educational excursions.

An on-line application for students and parents is available at www.stjohnsinstitute.com for the convenience of those who are interested.