UNF Camp Sokil’s 51st Summer Season Starts off with Ivana Kupalo

Maestro Victor Mishalov performs his solo bandura programmeBy Slawko Borys

Ukrainian National Federation Toronto  Branch Camp “Sokil” in Hawkestone, Ont., officially opened for this year’s season on the weekend of July 3rd and 4th, (L.-R.): UNF Toronto Branch President Slawko Borys & UWO Toronto Branch President Lydia Lelyk raising the flags at the start of the Ivana Kupalo programme by Camp “Sokil” 50th anniversary marker2010, with the annual Ivana Kupalo festival celebration, and the opening of the Children’s Camp. The weekend was full of activity and a record attendance of just over 2,000 people.

On Saturday evening, the programme was “kicked off” by MC Zenon Chwaluk, who introduced distinguished guests, and invited the Canadian Bandurist Capella to sing the national anthems of Canada and Ukraine. The Capella then completed their 30-minute programme of traditional Ukrainian songs, followed by a martial arts demonstration presented by the UNF Shotokan Karate-Do Academy, and solo performances by young bandurist Yuri Petlura and bandura maestro Victor Mishalov. The evening concert was concluded by the lighting of the traditional bon fire - vatra by two members from the UNF Shotokan Karate group. The Zabava dance music was performed by “Zbruch” and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. 

On Sunday morning, the Boyan Choir took part in the morning Divine Liturgy at Camp “Sokil’s” St. John the Baptist Chapel, whose  name feast day celebration (July 7) was also observed, starting summer Sunday Liturgy Services until the Labour Day Weekend.  The UNF Children’s Camp also opened for another season of fun activities in the sun on the shores of Lake Simcoe.Lighting of the Ivana Kupalo “Vatra”

UNF Shotokan Karate-Do Academy members pose after martial arts demonstrationIvana Kupalo is the first of a number of events taking place at UNF Camp “Sokil” this summer, the next of which is the Annual UNF/UNYF Camp Sokil Golf Tournament, taking place on August 7th, 2010. Proceeds go to support the UNF Sokil Recreation Area and Children’s Camp. Information about the upcoming tournament can be found at the Camp’s website http://sokil.unftoronto.com 


PHOTOS

1 – Maestro Victor Mishalov performs his solo bandura programme

2 – (L.-R.): UNF Toronto Branch President Slawko Borys & UWO Toronto Branch President Lydia Lelyk raising the flags at the start of the Ivana Kupalo programme by Camp “Sokil” 50th anniversary marker

3 –Lighting of the Ivana Kupalo “Vatra”

4 – UNF Shotokan Karate-Do Academy members pose after martial arts demonstration