Bobriwka (Private)

No Soup For Me
Bobriwka, Colebrook

Bobriwka is private and likes it that way. My efforts to visit for the good of this site were brusquely rebuffed. I respect that. Still, I think this place is still so interesting that I feel compelled to create a page about it. All three pictures below are from their website.

The Ukrainian name Bobriwka translates to “Land of Beaver”. I was an eager beaver to gain permission to check this place out, but failed. (My intent was to hike its six miles of trails and in so doing, write about this unique place.) The large majority of the trails are actually in Massachusetts, so I feel better about not being able to hike them.

There are all sorts of proud ethnic clubs and museums and outposts in Connecticut. Heck, we even have the incredible Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford. But I have a feeling Bobriwka is pretty special to Ukrainians of southern New England.

Bobriwka was established in 1955 to “Promote and Educate Ukrainian-American Culture, Scouting, Camping and Recreation”.

It is a private campground facility comprised of approximately 340 acres. Roughly 120 acres, including the Main Campus, are located in Colebrook. The adjoining 220 acres cross the border into Sandisfield, Massachusetts.

There’s also a little covered bridge here. And since I weirdly (usually visit) and write about every covered bridge in the state, here you are:

It looks small and functional not all that exciting.

The purchase of Bobriwka was initiated by a group of Ukrainian investors in the early 1950’s for the purpose of creating a Ukrainian campground.

Since the 1950’s, the quiet beauty of Bobriwka has been enjoyed by a variety of groups, most notably, the Ukrainian Scouting Organization ‘Plast’. Hundreds of youths spent their summers here, roughing it in tents and learning about their Ukrainian heritage. Evidence of their summers can be seen in the mess hall, or ‘Kooxnya’, where decades of camp memorabilia adorn the walls.

Alas, I will apparently never see those adorned walls, nor hike a mile of their trails. Which is fine. I will, however, always respect those 1950’s Ukranian investors who bought such a huge swath of beautiful woods and lakes in such a secluded area. Well done.

Bobiwka
CTMQ’s Houses, Ruins, Communities & Urban Legends
CTMQ’s Covered & Other Cool Bridges