Tanya Levchuk M.A. ’25
Graduate Student
Words: Ashley Rydberg Bright ’10
Photos: Isabella Streyle
Tanya Levchuk M.A. ’25
While war wages in their country, Christian parents in Ukraine are still sending their kids to camp. Intrigued by this phenomenon, Tanya Levchuk M.A. ’25, turned to graduate studies in outdoor and adventure leadership. “Understanding how—even if—Christian camping can help our youth deal with the trauma of a war-torn country is very relevant right now,” she said.
The ministry of Christian camping is a lifelong passion for Levchuk. She has dedicated her life’s work to Christian camping and how it influences generations of young believers. When in Ukraine, Levchuk worked full-time for the Ukrainian office of Christian Camping International. While completing her master’s degree and working at HoneyRock, the Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College, she continues to work part-time for CCI. As part of her role, Levchuk develops and teaches courses for counselors and program leaders.
Christian camping gained popularity in Ukraine in the early- to mid-1990s. According to Levchuk, Christian leaders in Ukraine don’t have much original research to draw from in building their programs, most of which are influenced by Western examples. Researching Western Christian camping—and the role it plays in Christian culture—remains an informal process hindered by distance.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Levchuk fled. Through the faithfulness of the Lord, Levchuk found herself on staff that summer at HoneyRock. It became a second home for her, a place where she could connect to camping despite the heartbreak unfolding at home. “I love the mentoring side of our programs at HoneyRock and how we walk alongside young people,” she said of her current role working with Vanguard students. “We’re not providing answers for them, but teaching them how to wrestle with questions.”
Levchuk envisions expanding the Christian camping experience to honor and embody her home country. Ultimately, she feels called to serve in and apply her research among communities in Ukraine, but until she can return, she is committed to faithfully serving those in her current context at HoneyRock. “This time has been such a blessing for me in so many ways,” said Levchuk. “I love my classes. They are so applicable. I love the community of HoneyRock. It has been a very healing experience for me.”
