Carry on Kozak Christmas Camping!


Komendant Andriy Buniak said "Chrystyna raised the point that when our grandparent's and parent's are gone, they would take with them a wealth of knowledge and skills that haven't been passed on - things like cooking borsch and varenyky, or old kozak songs they were taught that would soon be forgotten." When other third generation Ukrainians agreed and expressed an interest in learning these things, the idea of a three-day tabir (camp) was born. Chrystyna and Andriy were joined by Paul Pszenyczniak and Roman Conrad from Stockport and together formed an organising committee. Across the following year they set about planning the programme and logistics for what was to be a truly unforgettable weekend. Over the three days, a 'work hard - play hard' attitude was embraced by the campers who had come from across the country. On Saturday night the group held a 'Kozartskiy Vechir', complete with a barbeque and bonfire where they performed the 'Boyoviy Hopak' as well as tests of skill and strength to 'Hetman' Andriy Chymera. On Sunday, the day was declared an unofficial 'Svyat Vechir', and with the help of some of the previous generation, they were taught to prepare the entire traditional menu, which of course that night they took great delight in eating! All in all, the camp was hailed a huge success, with suggestions already being made for future events. Hania Szlachetko, member of the National Committee of CYM, congratulated the organisers "It was obvious from the way the prohrama ran so smoothly how much hard work, preparation and organising went in to the tabir. The amount of attention you paid to detail ensured it was very successful. Judging by the buzz from the druzhynnyky they all thoroughly enjoyed it!

Campers relaxing

Learning to make Borshch

Learning Boyoviy Hopak