Toronto – St. Vladimir Institute whirred this summer with the radiance and enthusiasm of kids who were eager to embrace a culture per day. From August 9 to August 18, 2000, Spadina Summer Adventures camp encouraged boys and girls, aged six to 12, to look at the different cultures found in Toronto, and expanded their knowledge of the history and traditions of such cultures.

Apart from exploring other cultures, Spadina campers took an in-depth look at their own history on August 11, with the help of Mr. Stephen Yonka, who guided a tour of "Old" Ukrainian Toronto.

Beginning at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church with Fr. Bohdan Winnicki, who spoke to campers about the church`s history, growth and change, campers moved downstairs to St. Nicolas` hall, where they were greeted by Mrs. Irene Wrzesnowskyj of Future Bakery. Mrs. Wrzesnowskyj kindly offered the more-than-interested campers treats and juice from the popular café as she explained the evolution of Future Bakery.

Soon after, Mr. Yonka guided the Spadina team down Queen Street West, pointing out where Ukrainian landmarks uses to be, such as furniture stores and bakeries. The rousing walk up Bathurst Street was made especially intriguing by Mr. Yonka’s insight into the development of such a vibrant neighbourhood. Mr. Yonka was sure to point out once-Ukrainian sites, including a medical centre and a dentist`s office. Approaching St. Volodymyr Cathedral on Bathurst Street, campers listened intently as Mr. Younka recapped the history of Cardinal Funeral Home and St. Mary`s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Arriving at St. Volodymyr Cathedral, Mr. William Sametz, whose family founded the Cathedral, delivered a fascinating lesson about St. Volodymyr`s interesting and intriguing past and present character.

Heading towards New Pathaway Ukrainian Weekly, Spadina campers greeted Mykhailo Lyakhovych at New Pathway`s College Street location. After posing for a photograph, the tour moved next door to the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress where Mrs. Marika Szkambara introduced the campers to the purpose and function of the UCC. Ms. Lana Maksimishin from the Ukrainian Credit Union showed the Spadina team the vault after explaining the history of the Ukrainian Credit Union.

Arriving safely at St. Vladimir Institute, Spadina campers were given opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt in the Ukrainian Museum of Canada`s Headdresses of Ukraine exhibit, initiated by Mrs. Daria Diakowsky.

Each day thereafter, campers were able to view several different cultures with the same interest and intent as they had exhibited in the previous week: Oriental day allowed the group to create a three dimensional dragon which was later used in the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival parade; Carribean day gave campers the opportunity to make beaded critters with Mrs. Maria Rypan and Mrs. Martha Skrypnyk, and to cook up an island storm with Mr. Steven J. Kolodij.

This two-week long adventure concluded at the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival parade, where campers and counselors marched proudly, holding banners, placards, and, of course, the dragon.

The roaring success of this two-week camp is proven when campers urgently ask when the next program starts!