SPJST YOUTH SECTION

SPJST Summer Camp registration opens February 15

The deadline for Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Send your news and photos to:

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503

Email: vestnik@spjst.org

Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo

Questions? Call 800-727-7578 and families to attend camp regardless of their ability to pay.

Donating to Camperships

State Fraternal Director, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503-0100. After you have been approved for a campership, you may register online with your financial deposit.

For more information about SPJST Summer Camp, visit spjst.org/camp or contact State Fraternal Director Frank Horak at frankh@spjst.com or 254-7751575, ext. 177 or Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at tammym@spjst.com or 254-773-1575, ext. 164.

voucher for food and drinks in the park. A parking pass will also be included for each family.

Sign Up by April 18

Complete the Google form using the QR code on the flyer to sign up. We will no longer take sign-ups after April 18.

Go, Space Cowboys!

Hope to see you there! Go, Space Cowboys!

SPJST will host one state camp session this summer beginning Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas. The session will be open to SPJST members and non-members, pending availability.

SPJST youth members who will be in first through 12th grade as of September 1, 2023, are eligible to attend. Activities will be age-specific for both teens/leaders-in-training and juniors, and programs will run parallel during the camp session.

Registration for members opens on February 15 and closes when filled or on May 1. Camper slots are first come, first served and a waiting list will be created, if necessary. The fee for youth members is $335. The fee for youth who have attended at least seven lodge/youth club meetings between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, is $125, which includes a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Fees will be prorated for youth who have attended less than seven meetings.

Pending available slots, camp registration for non-members will open on March 15. The fee is $450, which includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee.

All fees must be paid by June 1. Fees (except non-refundable registration fees) are refundable until June 6.

Camperships (Camp Scholarships) What are Camperships?

Through the generosity of our donors, SPJST is able to offer camp scholarships (camperships) to individuals and families in financial need. The Campership funds make it possible for children

Will you help us make this the best summer ever for an SPJST camper this year? Lodges and members are encouraged to help youth in need experience a fantastic summer opportunity. There are several ways to give to our campership program: donate online at spjst.org/camp or send your donation to SPJST c/o Summer Camp, PO Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

Applying for a Campership

Financial assistance is based on the United States poverty guideline. The application form may be found at spjst.org/camp or contact the State Fraternal Director at 254-534-0681. Mail your completed application to SPJST

—SPJST— District Five youth to host night at the ballpark on May 13 in Sugar Land

Dear Readers,

Are you a fan of our nation’s favorite pastime, baseball?

Come join District Five Youth Club, and enjoy a night at the ballpark on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Constellation Field in Sugar Land will open at 5 p.m. Join us for an evening of food and fun. This event is for any youth club member and young-at-heart.

Complimentary Admission

You will receive complimentary admission into the game and a $15

Kristen

Jones District Five Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club shares February scenes

Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Saturday, February 4, 2023. In 2022, the youth were challenged to write Vestnik letters and the member who wrote the most was to receive a prize. The Vestnik

Letter Contest grand prize winner was Kalynn Ryan who submitted 11 letters! She received $5 for each letter she wrote which was a grand total of $55. Congratulations, Kalynn! We colored the Souper Bowl project page and talked about Camp Kubena. Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST— color.

PHOTO

Lodge 47, Seaton youth visits library, bookshop, café

Dear Vestnik Readers

Happy February! February is the month of love, happiness, and chocolate. February is also Black History Month.

On Tuesday, it will be Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is about love and chocolate. Tonight, we have our Valentine’s dance at Seaton Star Hall. The band that is playing there tonight is really good.

Going back to January though, my birthday was good and fun. One of my friends came over, and we had a sleepover. Then, a lot of my family came, and we ate good food. I had fun.

The other day, I went on a bluebonnet field trip to the Armstrong Browning Library then to the Fabled Bookshop and Café. I had fun, and I even bought a book. The best part was that I got to skip school. I guess reading pays off. Have a great month.

Fraternally, Travis Ordogne, age 11 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth promises not to dance

Dear Vestnik Readers, I have to go to a dance tonight. I do not want to go. I mean, what am I supposed to do? I promise to all of you reading this, I am not going to dance with a little girl – because I am only 7!

NO! My mom will try to make me, but not today . . . well, not until I am 13, 14, 15, 16, and on until I am 100 or 85. But not today! I’ll make sure I tell you next time if my mom makes me dance! Bye! Wish me luck!

Fraternally, Andrew Ordogne, age 7 —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on upcoming activities

Dear Readers,

The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas joined the mother lodge for their monthly meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Together, we brought our contributions of soup for the SPJST Souper Bowl community service project. We also learned about making authentic Czech rosettes which we enjoyed for our svacina after the meeting.

Youth Leader Lynda Novak reminded us about continuing to complete our Vestnik projects (now called Caring Challenges); the upcoming State Youth Showcase on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 in Temple; and online camp registration. She also presented the third place youth merit point awards to Ryan and Megan Ruzicka.

It was a fun afternoon. Don’t forget to watch for details about Lodge 84 joining with KJT Society 111 and KJZT Society 108 on Sunday, March 19 at Sokol Dallas for a Sunday Fun Day Easter Party. It is sure to be a blast.

Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 13 —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth receive merit point awards

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Leader Lynda Novak presents the third place merit point awards from the 2021 youth year to youth club members Megan Ruzicka and Ryan Ruzicka.

—Submitted by Anne Scott Cowan Reporter

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Youth Deliver valentines

Lodge 40, El CampoHillje Youth Club decorated valentine cards to be delivered on Valentine’s Day to the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Center in Hillje. Lodge 40 youth NayEli Garcia was appointed to make the special delivery for the youth club. She is pictured with the Senior Living Center director and two residents who were very happy as you can tell by their smiles.

—Cathy Garcia Youth Leader