Camps that heal childhood

Why it is beneficial for children to go to camps during wartime

When war changes the familiar world of adults, it also changes the world of children.
Constant tension, separation, uncertainty — all of this affects children just as much as it affects us.
That is why vacation for them is not just leisure, but a way to restore their inner balance, make friends, laugh, and feel like a child again.

A childhood worth living brightly

This summer, the Rise of Ukraine team and its partners gave children weeks of adventure at a camp in the Carpathians.
There was no room for sadness here — only mountains, sunrises, rafting, tie-dye T-shirts, laughter until nightfall, Holi paint, and a sense of freedom.
Some tried holding an oar for the first time, some discovered their inner actor or artist, and some simply learned to trust the world again.
The most sincere feedback came from the children themselves: “We didn’t want to go home.”

And that’s when we realized that camp is not just a vacation. It’s therapy disguised as children’s laughter.

New horizons — new memories

In the fall, we continue this tradition — the children go to camp in Poland, in the city of Plonsk.
Ahead of them lies a safe space, a warm team, walks, games, evenings by the campfire, and new acquaintances that often grow into true friendships.
And even though it’s a different country, the atmosphere is the same: care, laughter, and support.

We believe that it is moments like these that help children whose families have been affected by war to gradually regain a sense of joy, confidence, and security.

What the psychologist says
“Such camps undoubtedly provide children with many benefits for their mental health.
The most obvious results are reduced anxiety and stress levels, improved emotional state, and the development of communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Less obvious, but no less important, is the positive reinforcement that there is no need to fear the unknown — after all, the camp program provides an opportunity to gain new experiences in a safe environment.
This positive experience helps children overcome anxiety and openly accept changes in their lives in the future.
In addition, the recreation program promotes the development of creativity, creativity, and non-standard thinking — important skills for modern children.”
— Andriy Kovalik, psychologist of the mobile group of the Czech humanitarian organization People in Need.

When memories heal

After each trip, children return with stories, new friends, and a belief that the world can be a good place.
Their eyes shine, and their hearts are filled with the feeling that “I can do more than I thought.”

And this is exactly the effect for which we at Rise want to continue creating camps — every year, for new children, in new places.
Because even in the darkest times, childhood should remain bright.