Children Fleeing Russian Invasion Find Community in Ukrainian Scouting Organization in Canada

In Squamish, British Columbia, Ukrainian Plast has emerged as a vital community hub for families displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Following their relocation from Ukraine to Canada in 2022 due to safety concerns amid the invasion, Maria, 9, and her family settled in Vancouver, leaving behind their home in Lviv. Maria's mother swiftly connected with the local Plast branch, seeking continuity in Ukrainian traditions for her daughter and family.

"The Spring Festival this year focused on resilience, which to me means not just physical strength, but also mental fortitude—the ability to stand firm and persevere," Maria reflected, proud of the four camps she has participated in since arriving and the badges she has earned.

For Maria and others, Plast offers more than skill-building and badge collection; it fosters a sense of community, learning, and unity among young people preparing to navigate life's challenges. This year's Spring Festival in Squamish drew participants not only from British Columbia but also from across the United States, highlighting Plast's role in connecting Ukrainian diaspora youth.

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Kalyna Durbak, 37, leader of the Seattle Plast branch, has a deep-rooted connection to Plast despite being born outside Ukraine. Her Ukrainian grandparents' heritage, combined with upbringing in Chicago's Ukrainian community, instilled a strong affinity for Ukrainian culture and language. "I lived a dual life—American on weekdays and Ukrainian on weekends," Kalyna recalled. Her fluency in Ukrainian aids her in mentoring young Plast members, many of whom have joined in recent years due to the war.

While Kalyna celebrates Plast's growth, she mourns its necessity arising from conflict. "It's bittersweet because I'm grateful to support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters," she remarked. The increasing number of Plast members in Canada prompted collaboration with neighboring branches for events like the Spring Festival, emphasizing unity across borders.

Anastasia, 39, and her children, Sofia, 9, and Lev, 5, recently joined Plast in British Columbia after relocating from Odesa, Ukraine, in search of peace amid ongoing conflict. "We want our children to maintain ties with the Ukrainian community, learn our culture, and support it wholeheartedly," Anastasia expressed. Adjusting to Canada has been challenging for her children, transitioning from familiar surroundings to a new country and language.

Lida Slobodian, a veteran Plast member of over 30 years, now leads the Vancouver branch, ensuring her youngest child can partake in Plast as she did in her youth. She noted that half of the branch's members were involved in Ukrainian Plast before emigrating, while the rest joined in Canada to preserve their heritage and connect with the Ukrainian community.

For Lida, Plast is not only a cultural preservation effort but also a vital educational platform, teaching leadership, teamwork, and practical life skills in a multicultural Canadian setting. The Spring Festival provided opportunities for children to engage in Ukrainian language activities, outdoor survival skills, and team-building exercises, reinforcing Ukrainian identity amidst new surroundings.

Kalyna and Lida both emphasized Plast's role in nurturing leadership and self-discipline among youth, empowering them to navigate challenges with resilience and integrity. As Plast continues to grow in Canada, it serves as a beacon of Ukrainian heritage and community spirit, bridging generations and borders in a time of upheaval and displacement.

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