SEVENTH ANNUAL NEW KIEW KIDS CAMP

The seventh annual New Kiew Kids Camp was held on July 11-13, 2007. There were approximately 40 children ranging in age from 2 to 14 in attendance over two and a half days.

The theme of the 2007 camp was Christmas. The children learned about the meaning of Christmas and the various Catholic traditions associated with it. They had an opportunity to complete several crafts, including a notebook containing information about Christmas and various Christmas ornaments, and constructed either a bird house or model sailboat. Each child received a hooded sweater as a keepsake of the 2007 camp.

Camp began with a divine liturgy at New Kiew Church. Then the children worked on crafts, sang songs and participated in various activities. The program continued the second day and concluded with a traditional Christmas Eve supper consisting of twelve meatless dishes. Special guests and family members enjoyed the supper, which was followed by a play and Christmas carols celebrating the bith of Jesus. The audience was then treated to a special visit from a young Christian Spiderman who spoke of the importance of the Church and faith in their lives. Camp 2007 wound down with a sleepover and breakfast Friday morning. Everyone involved with the camp left with renewed friendships, stronger faith and many happy memories.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to ensure the camp's success. Teresa Mackowecki organized the camp with the guidance of Rev. Justin Ewaschyshyn. Several youth graciously volunteered their time to assist the children with the crafts. These included Amy, Amanda, Christina, Eric, Justine, Karissa, and Nicole. Thanks are also extended to Bridget Yaremko for the singing lessons and Andrean Van Yken for her time and talent with the dancing lessons and performance. We are particularly grateful to the New Kiew Ukrainian Catholic Women's League members for donating and preparing the delicious food for the Christmas supper. Also, thank you to all who donated towards the camp and everyone else who helped in any way.

We look forward to another successful camp in July 2008. All children are welcome, regardless of religious denomination.

Kathryn Cymbaliuk