Novyi Sokil, the first Plast campground in the USA, has been hosting various Plast activities, including their popular summer camps, for over 65 years. Situated on approximately 80 acres of beautiful parkland, Novyi Sokil is known for its intimate, friendly, warm and personalized atmosphere. This is truly a camp where EVERYBODY knows your name and cares about you.
Wooded forests, ravines, hills and valleys create a beautiful natural backdrop for summer activities. A large, in-ground pool offers the opportunity for swim lessons in the mornings and recreational swimming in the afternoons. Yunatstvo (ages 12-18) camp in tents, while novatstvo (ages 7-11) sleep in barracks. The camp kitchen prepares meals from scratch, and serves delicious food, four times a day. Sometimes we’re even lucky enough to get borscht and varenyky!
If you’re joining us at camp again this summer, welcome back! If you’re looking for a new camping experience for your children, we invite you to try us this year. We promise you a summer full of wonderful memories.
Our History
Novyi Sokil is more than just a name. It evokes powerful memories and emotions—among those who helped build and maintain it, those who camped and grew within it, and all who cherish the traditions of Plast. For more than seven decades, Novyi Sokil has stood as a living symbol of unity, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian scouting movement in the diaspora.
When Plast members arrived in the United States after World War II, they brought with them the deep desire to continue their mission of educating youth in Ukrainian heritage, values, and leadership. A vital part of this mission was finding a permanent oselia, or center, where camps and gatherings could take place. In 1950, members of the Buffalo Plast branch—Severyn Levytskyi (then Chief Scout of Plast, known as “Grey Lion”) and Marian Borachok—discovered an abandoned 25-acre farm. Though it had no buildings, water, or basic infrastructure, its natural setting held great promise.
A committee was soon formed to raise funds and purchase the land. It included Severyn Levytskyi, Bohdanna Salaban, Mariyan Borachok, Oleksandr Berezhnytskyi, and Bohdan Pashkovskyi. Thanks to their efforts, the property was acquired on April 29, 1951, for $2,500. The Plast branches in Rochester and Cleveland also joined the initiative. Grey Lion contributed his neighboring parcel of land, and a small adjoining tract was added, bringing the total area to 40 acres.
Despite the bare conditions of the newly acquired land, the first major event was held just weeks later. In June 1951, the site hosted its first Sviato Vesny, or Spring Festival—also known as the Festival of St. George, the patron of Plast. With no buildings, electricity, or drinking water, campers carried water by hand and cooked meals over open fires. Still, the energy and determination of those early participants set the tone for everything that would follow.
From July 1 to July 15, 1951, the first full-length camps were held on the property, drawing 76 participants from Buffalo, Cleveland, and Rochester. Led by commandants Malyna Dziuba and Volodymyr Pryimak, this first official Plast camp on American soil marked the beginning of a long and proud tradition. On August 19, 1951, the oselia was officially dedicated and named “Novyi Sokil”—New Falcon—in tribute to the original Sokil in the Carpathian Mountains, a revered symbol of Plast training and spirit.
Thanks to the tireless work of Plast members and supporters from Buffalo, Rochester, Cleveland, and Syracuse, the property quickly began to grow. The first barrack, chapel, and gazebo were built by Yaroslav Hulyk. Engineer O. Krynytskyi designed and oversaw the construction of a large swimming pool, which became a centerpiece of the camp. Marian Stasiuk later designed the dining hall, Orest Iskalo planned a fully equipped basement, and over time, various technical and hygienic facilities were added to ensure the oselia could support high-quality camps and programs. What began as a neglected piece of land was transformed into a vibrant and functional camp.
Like all long-standing institutions, Novyi Sokil faced both triumphs and trials. Over the years, vandalism caused serious damage to the first administrative building, the Novak hut, and the chapel. But thanks to the dedication of Plast members and friends, these structures were repaired and restored. In 2006, a spacious new barrack was constructed, designed by architect Volodymyr Butenko of Syracuse. This project was brought to life by Andrii Chuchula, Taras Popovych, and Taras Tiutiunyk, with the help of many older Plast members and friends of the camp.
In its 75-year history, Novyi Sokil has welcomed well over 8,000 campers. While many came from Buffalo, Cleveland, Rochester, Syracuse, and Chicago, others have traveled from across the United States, Canada, Ukraine, and even from countries as far away as Sweden, Kenya, and South Africa. The camp has hosted countless events: national and regional Plast leadership meetings, educator training sessions, and youth development programs. Specialty camps in areas like horseback riding, water safety, golf, and more have enriched the offerings and created unforgettable experiences for participants of all ages.
On December 9, 2020, Novyi Sokil entered a new chapter in its history. That day, the camp officially doubled in size with the purchase of 40 acres of land adjacent to the original property. It was the first time in over 50 years that land had been added to a Plast USA oselia. This expansion, made possible through generous donations from Novyi Sokil supporters and the broader Plast community, ensured that the land would remain protected from development or agricultural use that might threaten the natural, forested setting of the camp.
Today, Novyi Sokil continues to live out its founding purpose. Each summer, it fosters in new generations of scouts a deep appreciation for Ukrainian heritage, the development of valuable life skills, and a lasting love of nature. It stands as a testament to what can be built through vision, community, and unwavering dedication—and it remains a cornerstone of the Plast movement in North America and beyond.