Summer Camp Recap

Our children’s camp is always a wonderful time to learn more about each other, share personal experiences, and help children learn about God. We study God’s truth and work to embody it into our lives. 

This year’s camp was unique because we were finally able to implement our plan thwarted by the pandemic last year. We decided to bring all the children we serve to one camp—including Stara Basan, Druzhkovka (Donbas), and Kyiv (children of the parents involved in St. Paul’s Church or KSOC). We had 70 children in total, from 6 to 15 years old. 

Our camp took place near Pereiaslav, on the shore of the Kaniv Reservoir (80 km from Kyiv). Since these kids have come from different areas and backgrounds, it took a while for them to adjust. Fortunately, the ''breaking-in period'' was not long.

Ira shared, “I love camps because it is a blessed time to get to know each other, to communicate closely with children. This time it was no exception. No amount of busyness interfered with talking to the children and hearing about their experiences. In camp, you really become friends with them, and they already trust you with their experiences, pains, and joys!” 

It was an incredible journey for the 21 teenagers from Druzhkovka. We wanted to show them new places in our beautiful country! To Ira’s surprise, when she talked to the teenagers, she found out that many were traveling by train for the first time in their lives. Many of them were traveling outside Druzhkovka (war zone with Russia) for the first time! 

It was great for our staff to be with Dima, Lyuba, and Nastya (our partners from Donbas) for two weeks! Lyuba shared how many of the children didn’t have good home situations. “Often, the children saw violence, and the atmosphere was so bad that many wanted to run away from home.” She also mentioned how they don’t always get a chance to learn about the children’s inner world. However, at camp, they all opened up in a different way—we all learned so much about them and became even better friends. Our team believes all the youth became firmly established in their faith in God. We had never heard so many prayers from the lips of children in Druzhkovka!

For the children from Kyiv, we had the chance to introduce them to new places in our Kyiv region. For many, this camp was the first time in their lives where they talked about spiritual truths from God! Some found it challenging to make friends with the other children, but that’s what makes camp so great. We teach them how to understand the Word of God, pray, look at the world with different eyes, communicate with other children, make decisions on their own, resolve conflicts, and take care of themselves.

The kids from Stara Basan at camp are like fish in water. Some of them are here for the fourth or even the fifth time! Everyone knows each other and how the camp goes, but this did not prevent them from discovering new truths and gaining new knowledge, both in the Word of God and in friendships with the other kids! Everything done at camp is an intentional manifestation of God's love, and our love, for every child! The whole program—including a hike, trip to the museum, and swimming at the Kanevskoe reservoir—demonstrates that love.

We did so much at camp! We had: classes, sports (archery, trampoline, tennis, tetherball, zip line, football, volleyball, basketball, floorball, swimming), creative activities (handicraft, music, theatre, board games), Bible lessons, crafts, skits, and a sightseeing trip to Pereyaslav (which is home to many great museums). The mix of children and teens enjoyed swimming and staying on the beach. They were happy to enjoy the sun and water. 

We gathered the children into two sports teams to compete with each other. They learned to be close-knit and rejoice not only because of their victories but also the victories of their rivals. They learned how to accept their own defeats and move forward to become stronger.

As you can see, we had a lot of fun—including interesting evening programs to summarize the day, excursions, dinner on the grass, a circus, and a bonfire on the beach. We showed them how important it is to set aside time for God during the Sunday worship services.

We also gave the children creative group assignments to unite them and teach them to communicate with each other. One good example is how two different girls from different places and families (one from Basan, one from Kyiv) really connected. These girls, Lera and Dana, became such close friends that they started to call each other “sister.”

Our spiritually-focused activity was the daily reading of God's word during the Bible classes, studying it, and applying it to our own lives. They memorized Bible verses, which we believe God will use in their lives.

During the time at camp, the team was reminded how everyone needs attention, warmth, and care, no matter where they live, what language they speak. Thank God for these new experiences and discoveries! The most encouraging discovery for many was their relationship with God! 

For Ira, the camp gave her a great opportunity to get acquainted with all the children we serve. She got a chance to hear their pains and experiences! She also took the opportunity to pray for them and with them. “I am grateful to God for the chance to partially heal their heart wounds with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once healed my heart and continues to heal to this very hour! Glory to Him for the opportunity to serve our future generation!”

For Oksana, “The camp was a huge success and a wonderful time for the children. They were taught about Jesus, played together, learned to help and support each other during sports competitions, and visited different classes. The children became great friends and said ‘goodbye’ with tears.”

Thank you for making this camp possible—from those who worked, prayed, and gave. Thank you for being obedient to God’s call!