This year’s St. Volodymyr Eparchial Youth and Children’s Camp was an extraordinary blessing for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. As we celebrate the Jubilee Year and the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, our Camp became a shining moment of spiritual renewal, community, and joy for the younger members of our Church.
Held for the second year in a row at the beautiful Tulahead Camp near Princeton, BC, this week-long adventure brought together over 60 children, youth, volunteers, and clergy under the inspiring theme of the Jubilee Year:
"Hope will not disappoint" (Rom. 5:5).
With hearts open and spirits lifted, we journeyed together as “Pilgrims of Hope,” diving deeply into the foundations of our Christian faith through the lens of the Nicene Creed.
Faith That Inspires: Catechism and the Mystery of the Trinity
One of the spiritual highlights of the Camp was the Catechism program, offered over three enriching days. Divided into age-appropriate groups, the children explored the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the individual roles of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Despite the theological depth of the topic, the young participants were fully engaged, many even calling Catechism their favorite part of the day! The seeds of faith were clearly planted in good soil.
Prayer, Play, and Purpose
Every day at Camp was joyfully structured, beginning with morning exercises, prayer, and the ceremonial raising of the Canadian and Ukrainian flags, accompanied by both national anthems.
The children then moved through a full day of activities including:
- Arts and crafts
- Swimming and canoeing
- Team games and sports
- Campfire singing and storytelling
- Daily reflections and evening prayers
Each day was also marked by special devotions and Molebens, connecting the campers to the life of the Church in a deep and tangible way.
A Sacred Encounter: The Pratulyn Martyrs and Living Witnesses of Faith
A profound spiritual moment came on Wednesday with the Moleben to the Pratulyn Martyrs, led by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk, the Spiritual Director of the Camp.
He movingly shared the story of the Pratulyn Martyrs—laymen of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church who were martyred in the 19th century for defending their parish against Russian imperial oppression.
The children were given the rare opportunity to venerate a sacred icon and first-class relics of these heroic witnesses to the faith. It was a powerful moment that touched the hearts of all present.
Sacraments and Saints: A Grace-Filled Conclusion
On the final day, the Camp culminated with an invitation to the Holy Sacrament of Confession. By the grace of God, nearly every participant—children and chancellors alike—received absolution and then gathered around the altar for the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy in concelebration with Fr. Sakvuk and Fr. Pavlo Myts, pastor of our parish in Kelowna.
During his homily, Fr. Mykhailo spoke about the inspiring life of Carlo Acutis, a modern-day teenager soon to be canonized as a saint on September 7th, 2025. This powerful testimony reminded all present that holiness is possible for everyone—even the young.
Gratitude and Grace: Our Unchanging Team of Leaders
We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who made this Camp such a remarkable success:
- Jennifer Sawka, Camp Director
- Iryna Dzobko, Assistant Director
- Dr. Vitaliy Kubatskyi, Camp Physician
- Alina Novitska, Catechist
- Christina Roth, Arts and Crafts Leader
- And our amazing team of 18 teenage counselors, who served as outstanding role models of faith, leadership, and joy.
A Fire Ignited
Following the Camp, we received an outpouring of gratitude from parents who shared how their children returned home transformed, uplifted, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Many families said their homes were “ignited by grace,” as their children shared stories of prayer, friendship, and the joy of Christian community.
Every single camper expressed the same wish:
“I can’t wait for next year’s Camp!”
Join Us Next Year!
This year’s Camp was not just a week of fun and friendship—it was a genuine Christian experience, touching both soul and body. It reminded us all—children, teens, and adults—that we are Pilgrims of Hope, journeying together in faith, love, and joy.
So mark your calendars and spread the word:
Come and be part of next year’s St. Volodymyr Camp.
You won’t want to miss the grace, the laughter, and the Spirit that fills this special place.
Hope does not disappoint.
Come and see for yourself!
