Summer Began with Kindness: The First Week of Our Vynnyky Camp

Everyone is looking forward to summer, but we were looking forward to it with a lot of excitement, because for us this summer was special - we were preparing to start our first summer health camp in Vynnyky, a program for children whose lives were touched by war.

A lot of work was done to not only fine-tune every detail of the children's activities, but also to make sure that parents felt completely confident in the safety of their children, leaving them in our care.

Finally, after carefully preparing the schedules of activities and coordinating with volunteers, with the support of local organizations and businesses, and, of course, our sponsors in Philadelphia, the day arrived. Everything was ready, from art and craft sets, play dough, macramé supplies, sports equipment to soft rubber mats on crystal clear washed floors!

Unfortunately, we had to start the first day in a shelter (this is the daily reality for children in Ukraine, with which they, alas, have learned to live). But even an air raid alarm and an hour in the shelter did not prevent us from enjoying life, continuing our activities and being happy.

Almost 50 children visited the camp during the first week starting every morning with brisk jogging, energetic exercises and a delicious breakfast. The children were very busy all week and we followed along while they:

- Invented Fireflies (even wrote comics about them)

- Conducted sound therapy

- Took a plunge in the pool

- Did modeling

- Learned to crochet

- Developed English communication skill

It was a busy week that brought great satisfaction to the camp leaders from the accomplished work. Our soul rejoiced when we saw how children’s eyes lit up, smiles shone, and we saw how happy they were.

We continue to do good deeds for the children in Ukraine!