What is Ptashata?

Ptashata (fledgling birds) is the unique, youngest branch of Plast, where children under 6 years old get their first experience of scouting within a family and community setting. Meetings are organized by parents, with a program adapted for the youngest participants, focusing on play, education, and development. Ptashata build the first bridges to the Plast way of life — with nature, creativity, culture, and Plast values.

Purpose and Essence of activities

The main goal is to foster a child’s upbringing in a Plast environment and gradually prepare them to transition to the Novatstvo branch of Plast.

The program is based on the principles of Plast — life in fellowship, learning about nature, self-reliance, joy of life, and learning through play and action.

Plast’s overall mission is to educate youth to be conscious, responsible, and well-rounded citizens who will become leaders in society; at the same time, the organization is non-political and non-denominational.

What are the requirements?

Children must be enrolled in Ukrainian school (in grade "Svitlychka" or "Pidhotovcha" classes). Parental participation at all events is mandatory; this is not a drop-off activity.

What do Ptashata do?  

Every Saturday, children gather for fun games, singing, sports, arts, and creative activities. Ptashata sometimes also take part in formal ceremonies and nature outings together with Novatstvo and Yunatstvo. Each meeting incorporates themes about the Ukrainian language, culture, history, traditions, and more.

What is the role of parents?

Ptashata are not a drop-off childcare group. Ptashata are the only age group in Plast where children participate together with their parents, who are actively involved in the program. Parents play a key role in Ptashata: they accompany their children at all meetings, trips, and events. Each family is required to organize and lead at least two meetings (sessions) per year.

When/where are meetings?

Meetings are usually held every Saturday after classes at the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies from 1:10 PM to 1:55 PM — in a classroom at Westland Middle School.

What is the cost?

The annual registration fee for Ptashata is $50.

How to register?

Fill out the TeamSnap form at the following link: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/494825/signups

Do Ptashata have a rulebook?

Yes, Ptashata have a rulebook here.