Cultural Appreciation Day Camp - Lucas County
Staff Involved: Jenny Snook-Hall, Pat Swartzlander, Joyce Lash, Donna Donald

Problem:
Over the past 10 years families from the Ukraine moved into Lucas County. Currently there are approximately 100 families living in Chariton and the surrounding countryside. The Ukrainian families first come to the U.S. via church sponsorship and reside in metropolitan areas. Over time they are moving to rural areas like southern Iowa because it is similar to their homes in the Ukraine. They like the quiet, peaceful countryside, and the trust and feeling of belonging they experience with the people. While the newcomers are welcomed, it takes specific actions to help them truly become integrated into the community.

Response:
Extension service educators had limited interaction with Ukrainian mothers through the Nest program. One thing they noticed was the lack of mixing between Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian mothers. The educators planned a day camp to introduce Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian mothers and their children to each other. A Ukrainian woman assisted with the planning, recruited the Ukrainian families and helped with the day camp. Ukrainian children had not previously participated in any of the day camps offered by the Lucas County Extension Service. The children participated in a 6-hour cultural appreciation day camp exploring the African, Australian and Mexican cultures. At the same time the mothers spent about two hours together at the beginning of the day. There were two objectives: introduce the mothers to each other and learn more about each other’s cultures – similarities and differences; and familiarize the mothers with Lucas County Extension staff and educational services.

Impact:
Participation in the day camp and mothers’ gathering involved 9 families – 16 children (10 Ukrainian and 6 non-Ukrainian) and 7 mothers (4 Ukrainian and 3 non-Ukrainian).

The mothers became acquainted while painting flower pots. Conversation flowed easily as they drew questions out of a flower pot and responded. A couple of sample questions are, “what is a family tradition and how do you observe it?” and “who do you talk to when you have questions about raising your children?” The mothers found they had children who are friends, have interests/hobbies in common, and all value the specialness of living in a small town. It was noted all shared a commonality about the time spent with their families and they could relate to the responsibilities of a mother. One mother said, “I’m so happy the Ukrainian families are moving into Chariton. They add so much to the richness of the community.” Another remarked, “I may not remember names, but I will remember faces. I am glad to know you better so when I see you, we can talk.” Several of the mothers asked if there could be a morning like this every week!

The children participated with the day camp activities with no hint of “we” and “them.” They talked with all three adults facilitating the children’s activities – sometimes in English and sometimes in Russian. At the conclusion of the day, one Ukrainian family signed up for three more day camps.

Future plans include recruitment of Ukrainian youth for day camps and 4-H club membership, and implementation of Project R.E.A.D. for the mothers and their young children.

Contact:
Donna K. Donald
Family Life Field Specialist
Iowa State University Extension
309 North Main, Leon, IA 50144
Phone 641-446-4723; Fax: 641-446-6142
Email ddonald@iastate.edu