The last few months in Ukraine have been especially difficult. Temperatures soared to more than 100 degrees in many places, and frequent power outages left people to suffer without fans or air conditioning. The constant threat of air attacks forced people to crowd into shelters and basements. Our summer camps provided a lifeline for many families. Children and their parents enjoyed air-conditioned rooms, nutritious meals, and many fun and engaging activities. The camps provide a sense of normalcy in addition to opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment; in stark contrast to daily life filled with fear and uncertainty.
The camps were held in many cities around the country. In the Carpathian Mountains more than a hundred children came from areas hardest hit by the crisis including Kharkov and Sumy. Another camp hosted participants from Kyiv along with internally displaced people from the Kherson and Donetsk regions. The largest event was in Dnipro, with more than 400 men, women and children attending.
Many participants expressed their gratitude for the physical escape from the harsh realities of daily life; they also appreciated the much needed spiritual and emotional support that was rejuvenating and inspiring.
We are grateful for the many local leaders, staff and volunteers who worked countless hours to make the camps possible and create a memorable experience for all participants.
