2007 Winter Camp Wrapup

Over 100 volunteers, The Berthoud Fire Department,  Subway, Jon Doughs Pizza, Grace Place, Walmart, The Berthoud Surveyor and donations from around the community helped to make this years Cultural Exchange Camp a huge success!  Thanks to everyone who contributed.  UOO hopes you were also blessed by the experience! Below is a daily account of all activities the children from Ukraine participated in.   We had so much fun…


December 5th – Wednesday
Children arrive at DIA the evening of the 5th.
December 6th – Thursday
Wilder ness Adventures BBQ’d a fantastic lunch for the kids on a private ranch where we were able to cut down a Christmas tree.  This was followed with Ukrainian football, frisbee football and roasting smores over a camp fire.  The weather cooperated for a great day in the mountains.  That evening the kids performed Silent Night at Grace Place Church in Berthoud.
December 7th – Friday
The girls had “salon day” with haircuts, styles, manicures, make-up and a photo shoot.  The boys had a tour of a local dairy farm and went bowling.  That evening we made Christmas ornaments, ate dinner provided by Subway and had popcorn and a movie – all at First Presbyterian Church in Berthoud.
December 8th – Saturday
Rock climbing, foosball, pool and video games at Five Stones.  Lunch provided by The Berthoud Fire Department along with t-shirts for all the kids.  The Community Christmas Party was also held at Five Stones Saturday afternoon.  Despite a winter storm, there was a great turn-out.  The children decorated their Christmas tree, shared Ukrainian Christmas traditions and each received a donated Christmas gift.
December 9th – Sunday
The children preformed short bell and puppet performances at two local churched before enjoying a lunch at the Teravest’s house.  A trip to Walmart was next.  The kids (along with a chaperone/helper) were able to spend a donated $25 gift card on whatever they wanted.  The girls chose a lot of clothes and dolls; the boys bought soccer balls, music, remote control cars and tools.  Pictured below are the kids preparing a huge Ukrainian meal at the Berthoud Community Center.  On the menu was Borscht, cabbage rolls, perogies, cabbage salads and Ukrainian Christmas bread.  The dinner was fantastic and enjoyed by over 200 people.
December 10th – Monday
On Monday we enjoyed some down time at each host’s home.  These kids love being in a home where they are part of the family!  After a lunch, provided by Crestview Church in Boulder, we all swam for hours at the Longmont Recreation Center.
December 11th – Tuesday
The kids and their accompanying chaperones/translators were packed and ready to go.  There was a very tearful goodbye at DIA with lots of hugs and promises to write.  By 1:00 pm they were gone, but definitely not forgotten!