Youth Section

SPJST Youth Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to: SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

Lodge 47, Seaton youth excited about summer

Dear Vestnik Readers,

It’s May! School’s out in one week! I am super excited for summer. We get to go to Ralph Wilson Youth Club in June. I am super excited because there are lots of things to do there.

In July, we get to go on vacation to Galveston. I can’t wait to go there.

Today, we had our SPJST Lodge 47 pork loin drive-through lunch. We got to all help out. I think we sold a lot of plates and had a very good turnout.

I can’t believe that the temperature will be in the 90s for the next few days. I cannot wait till the pool opens.

Anyway, I guess I’ll see you in June. I hope you have a good day, and I hope you have a great summer. Fraternally Travis Ordogne, age 10 —SPJST—

State Queen Megan earns medal at state prose interpretation contest

Dear Vestnik Readers,

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, I went to Waco and participated in the TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) state competition for prose interpretation. I read “Going Grapefruit” by Ian Richards. I placed second at state and received a medal for my performance. This was extremely exciting as this was my first academic competition in high school. Sincerely, Megan Ohnheiser, age 15 Lodge 185, New Braunfels —SPJST—

Every summer, you set out on an exciting adventure while developing life skills at summer camp. Even after school is out for summer, you have plenty of choices to learn new skills, start new adventures, and have lots of fun. Summer camps can bring all this and much more for you. While at summer camp, the benefits are teamwork, independence, making new friends, getting to know the outdoors, building confidence, and discovering new hobbies. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun?

Summer camp focuses on a wide variety of physical, social, and characterbuilding skills that you will carry on

SPJST June Věstník Project

This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Merit Point System. To complete the project questions to earn 1 point in the SPJST Merit Point System, scan the QR Code below, or go directly to spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/

Why Summer Camp is Important Camp Kubena Ledbetter, Texas

long after summer camp is over. SPJST summer camp is focused on team-related activities such as low ropes activities, organized mass chaos, and canoeing. These are a few activities that help you build teamworking skills.

By going to an overnight camp, you will be spending some time away from home. It can be tough for everyone, but it’s an important part of developing your independence. Camp staff and chaperones will teach responsibility and independent thinking. It can help you discover who you are and help you learn to speak for yourself, without mom or dad helping you.

Summer camp is full of boys and girls who have the same interests as you. Fun activities will help you make new friends. You will connect with other kids over common goals. You will all work together to solve challenges and from this, friendships are made.

Summer camps take advantage of warm temperatures and beautiful surroundings. SPJST Camp is full of outdoor, physical activities, and sports. There will be no shortage of time to head outside and use up all that energy. Swimming, volleyball, gaga ball, nine square in the air, and disk golf are just a few activities you will get to do.

Confidence is important to your development. What is confidence? The more confidence you have, the more you will try new things, ask questions, learn from mistakes, express yourself, and help learn about yourself.

Finally, camp will help you try many new activities and a fun setting where you can learn new skill levels. Come out to SPJST camp and find out more about yourself. Register online today at spjst.org.

—SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth visits zoo

Dear Vestnik Readers,

May 21 is my birthday. I’m really really, really excited. I will have fun. I cannot wait to know what I’m going to get for my presents.

Soccer has ended. My last game was Saturday. I have not gotten my trophy yet. We will get it at our soccer party. It is going to be at Treno Pizzeria.

Today, I went to the zoo for a class field trip. It was fun. I saw rhinoceros, stingrays, bears, giant tortoises, leopards, and lions. The lions were all female though. My favorite was the giant tortoises. That’s all folks, Andrew Ordogne age 6 (almost 7) —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas youth readies for summer activities

Dear Readers, The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas met for the monthly meeting on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Youth Leader Lynda Novak reported on teen (LIT) camp and summer camp dates. She recommended that we try to attend if we are eligible, which we are! She also reminded us to get our Flag Day essays submitted to State Fraternal Director Frank Horak by the May 31 deadline.

Youth Leader Lynda then told us that she and Assistant Youth Leader Vicki Sims will be attending the youth leader workshop on April 22 and 23, and they will be bringing lots of new and fun information back to discuss at our next meeting. Lynda also reminded us of the District Three Annual Meeting at Lodge 92, Fort Worth and to be sure and bring our decorated rock entry.

We then adjourned and enjoyed the rest of our day! Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 12 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis youth collect tabs for Ronald McDonald House

LEFT PHOTO: Kalynn’s sister Kenley and cousin (Jerrod’s daughter) Lily helped Kalynn put can tabs into plastic jars. RIGHT PHOTO: Kalynn with two jars of can tabs. Dear Readers,

My Meme (Margaret Krajca), Babi “Babicka” (Laure Krajca), and uncle Jerrod helped me save can tabs for Ronald McDonald House. Fraternally Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST—

DISTRICT SIX YOUTH HUNT FOR EGGS AND DECORATE ROCKS

Sunday, April 10, 2022 • Taiton Community Center

LEFT PHOTO: Bethany Baker, Grant Bubela, and Luc Marcaurele sell tickets for the youth drawing. PHOTOS 2-5: Youth open their eggs.

YOUTH DECORATED ROCK CONTEST WINNERS: PHOTO 1: Grades Kindergarten to 2. Third place - Ella Garrett, second - Grady Lange, first - Case Janssen. PHOTO 2: Grades 3 to 5. Third place - Hudson Riha, second - Abigail Garrett; first - Millie Garrett. PHOTO 3: Grades 9 to 12. Third place - Bethany Baker, second - Brooke Bacak, first - Grant Bubela. —Submitted by Kirby Lange, Assistant Youth Leader

40 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Kids

by Jessica Sager parade.com

1. Honor the true meaning of the holiday.

Many people don’t realize the difference between Memorial Day, which honors troops who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty, and Veterans Day, which honors all those who have served. Note the difference and explain it to the younger ones.

2. Write letters to troops.

Though Memorial Day is a day to honor fallen troops, recognize the heroes who are still fighting for us every day. Support Our Troops, Operation We Are Here, and Any Soldier are great resources to send thanks to the men and women who keep us safe.

Lodge 25, Ennis youth visits Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty

Dear Readers,

I went to Ellis Island, and I sat on a bench like my great-great-greatgrandpa did. I walked around and listened to stories about how people came to America. The Statue of Liberty is a gift from France. Fraternally yours, Garrett Wyatt, age 5 —SPJST—

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club honors graduating senior Faith Korenek

Lodge 30, Taiton had its meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. We met at Lonestar Cafe as part of the celebration for graduating senior Faith Korenek.

We voted to continue our contract with the highway cleaning. All members were reminded to register for Camp Kubena. The theme for the camp party is ‘Saddle Up!’

District Six Youth Achievement Day will be Sunday, July 10 at Taiton Community Center. Keep an eye out for details here in the Vestnik!

We wished Grady Lange and Brett Bacak a happy birthday this month and enjoyed a catered meal and cake celebrating our graduate, Faith Korenek! Hudson Riha, age 8 Vanessa Riha, age 8 Reporters

—SPJST—

3. Write letters to families of fallen troops.

If you know a family or spouse of a fallen military member, write them a thank you letter to let them know you’re thinking of them during what may be a difficult time.

4. Call a spouse or loved one of a military member in your community.

If you have a military family in your community, call them! This is especially kind if the military member is deployed.

5. Make care packages for troops.

Organizations like Operation We Are Here, Operation Shoebox, Operation Gratitude, Hero Box and Any Soldier are great resources to send what troops really need and want overseas to show you care. Rather donate cash to help military families? The Gary Sinise Foundation is an amazing resource.

6. Honor veterans—and work towards a scholarship—with the Veterans Heritage Project.

The Veterans Heritage Project connects students with veterans and gives them each a sense of purpose and pride, while preserving veterans’ stories. The Veterans Heritage Project also has scholarship opportunities available to student members. 7. Donate to provide homes for heroes.

Many troops and veterans live in poverty or cannot afford housing that suits their needs, especially if they have disabilities. Organizations like Building Homes for Heroes and Homes for Our Troops help provide homes for military families and veterans. 8. Volunteer for Operation Gratitude.

Operation Gratitude welcomes virtual volunteers more than ever to raise awareness and give thanks to troops.

9. Listen to a great military soundtrack.

This can be a great history lesson for all ages.

Lodge 20, Granger youth club hosts spjst float in lakefest parade

Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club hosted the SPJST Float in the Granger Lakefest Parade on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The youth club earned the first place float award. Pictured are, left to right, Kathy Turner, Gabe Daulton, Aubrey Marshall, Grace Daulton, Emilie Tischler, Braxton Henley, Brenna Bohac, Sterling Marshall, Brita Bohac, Sebastian Goodman, Bridget Bohac, and Maxx David.

10. Watch Civil War films.

Lincoln is a great Civil War film for older kids and teens (determine if you think it’s appropriate for your children; rated PG-13); and The Red Badge of Courage is appropriate for elementary school kids and up.

11. Watch Megan Leavey and Max.

These films focus on canine heroes, with Megan Leavey rated PG-13 and Max rated PG.

12. Watch Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero.

Have young kids? Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero is an adorable animated feature for little ones that’s based on a true story of a very good boy.

13. Become a social ambassador for Hero Box.

If your kids are attached to their phones anyway, let them put their social media skills to use for a good cause as social ambassadors for Hero Box.

14. Volunteer to leave flags on military members’ graves at a local cemetery.

Always check with cemetery directors before proceeding, and be mindful of the proper placement for flags.

Baseball Support

“Thank you to District One Director Donnie Victorick for coming to watch a little baseball when we were in his ‘neck of the woods’ College Station,” says Amber Bartek of Lodge 47, Seaton. “I love how SPJST goes beyond just each district, but supporting across the state!” Director Victorick is pictured above with Camdon Bartek, left, and 2020 SPJST State Duke Everhett Bartek, both of Lodge 47, Seaton. 15. Make DIY red, white and blue decor. Wreaths are a fun, simple craft, and the DIY confetti launchers are a lot of fun for kids (and for you, if you’re not the one who’s cleaning up the confetti!).

16. Make patriotic art.

Celebrate with sidewalk chalk murals. 17. Make your own Memorial Day poppies.

These pretty poppies hold a significant meaning.

18. Rock DIY patriotic tie-dye.

Get festive, crafty and stylish all at once.

19. Make a festive, refreshing dessert. 20. Make delicious, patriotic ice.

Put strawberries and blueberries (or just blue and red sports drinks or juices!) into your ice cube tray and freeze. Toss them in punch or sparkling water, and voila.

21. Hang a flag—and learn the proper care and keeping of one, too.

2022 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

4-day, 3-night summer camp opportunities for both SPJST members and non-members enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grades

Teen Camp

8th through 12th grades as of 2021-22 school year June 23-26

Junior Camps

Kindergarten through 7th grades as of 2021-22 school year Session 1- July 7-10 Session 2 - July 14-17

Non-Member: $350 SPJST Member: $250

SPJST Active Youth Club Members may be eligible for discounted rate. See youth leader for details.

All camps are held at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas. Visit campkubena.com to view the camp.

Register online at spjst.org/camp

Camp registration deadline is June 7, 2022. For more information, contact Frank Horak at 254-534-0681 or frankh@spjst.com