Essay and photography for NPR’s The Picture Show:
How Ukrainian scouting culture thrives in the woods of western New York State

This image shows a group of young girls, around ages 7-10, standing outdoors in scout-like uniforms, accompanied by two older teenage girls as leaders. The group is racially diverse, with all members appearing to be female, standing in a grassy area
A group of children and teenagers, mostly of Caucasian descent, are gathered around a wooden structure in the outdoors, appearing to be part of a scouting or camping activity. The group consists of a boy and girls wearing scout uniforms, with one gir
A group of young children, around 8 to 10 years old, mostly boys and some girls, are seated in outdoor scout uniforms. They appear to be of Caucasian descent, focusing on a digital camera held by one of the boys.
A young child, likely a girl, sits on the floor holding a drawing of two figures in front of a heart shaped like the Ukrainian flag. Nearby, another child with light skin and wearing red sneakers is partially visible.
A rectangular beige and green building stands in a forest clearing, with a partially open door. The surrounding trees are lush and the ground is covered in grass, creating a secluded and natural atmosphere.
A wooden sign with red lettering in Ukrainian reads, "We only use the Ukrainian language here," placed in a wooded campsite. In the background, a group of children and adults, of diverse ages, likely participating in outdoor activities, are visible,
A young girl, approximately 7-9 years old, is holding a yellow triangular scarf in an outdoor setting. She appears to be Caucasian, with light brown hair and glasses, dressed in a scout or camp uniform.
Three young women, likely in their teens or early twenties, of European descent, are laughing and enjoying a moment together outdoors. They are wearing traditional embroidered Ukrainian blouses and floral wreaths, suggesting a cultural celebration or
A young adult man, possibly in his 20s or early 30s, is being helped by another young man to adjust his neckerchief in a scout uniform. In the background, a young girl in a scout uniform with a yellow neckerchief watches; all appear to be in an outdo
A priest dressed in ornate gold vestments is offering communion to young girls and boys, who are part of a Ukrainian scout group, in an outdoor forest setting. The children, predominantly white and between the ages of 7-10, are dressed in scout unif
A group of adolescents, predominantly white, stands outdoors in scout uniforms while listening to a female leader in her teens with her back to the camera, pointing forward. The mixed-gender group appears attentive, with trees in the background sugge
ChatGPT The image shows three young boys, approximately 6-8 years old, standing outside after what appears to be a swimming session. They are wearing swim trunks and towels over their shoulders, with goggles in hand or around their necks, suggesting
A group of young boys and teenagers of diverse races run in a single line across a grassy field, with a lush forest in the background. The group appears to consist of boys and girls engaging in outdoor sports or activities.
A group of boys, around 10-14 years old, of mixed races, stands together at an outdoor camp, with a young white male wearing a yellow "Ukraine" shirt leading the group. The setting is surrounded by tents and trees in a forest-like environment.
A group of people, mostly children, sit around a large campfire during twilight in a wooded area. The scene captures a peaceful moment of togetherness in nature, with the firelight illuminating their faces.
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CASSANDRA OTT | ARTIST