In 1974, the Ukrainian Cultural Immersion Camp “Selo” concept was developed by Roman Onufrijchuk, Walter Dlugosh, and Vasyl’ Balan of the National Executive of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (CYMK). The summer camps were organized as a cultural immersion experience and designed to appeal primarily — though not exclusively — to young Ukrainian-Canadians between the ages of 15-20.
For three weeks every year from 1974 to 1985, during the month of August, young people from across the country gathered in a natural rural setting, removed from the distractions of everyday life, where they were immersed in a learning experience, which sought to provide meaning and understanding to Ukrainian Canadian identity.
Nadia Cyncar was born in Ukraine. She came to Edmonton in 1948. Nadia studied Ukrainian language and literature, History of Textiles and Ukrainian Folklore at the University of Alberta. She graduated with B.A. (Honours) in Slavic Linguistics in 1978.
Nadia Cyncar is an honourary Life Member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Since 1963, member of the Eparchial UCWLC Museum Committee, served as secretary, a chairperson and a curator since 2009. Designed and conducted the embroidery of the “Unity Rushnyk” for the 65 Jubilee of UCWLC. She organized exhibits of Ukrainian Folk Art, contest and fashion shows, held workshops on Ukrainian Arts & crafts, costumes for dancing groups, led seminars on Ukrainian tradition and customs; was involved to judge various contests. Nadia designed costumes for opera “KUPALO”, historical costumes for the float and Ukrainian theme designs for Papal Visit Banners. In 1977-1982 she served on the Advisory Board of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.
Nadia Cyncar is a co-founder of Edmonton Plast (Ukrainian Scouts Organization) in 1948, held various executive positions at the organization, and for the last several decades served as an Archivist/Librarian.