Youth Matters Camp: A story of Resilience and Light…

The Beginning.

Preparation began long before participant recruitment or even the grant application. The YMCA Boyarka team debated: is it worth holding a camp in the Kyiv region given the security situation? Ultimately, we decided to go ahead: there were no stationary camps in the Boyarka community, and YMCA is known for its fantastic camps for children and teenagers… So, let’s create an amazing summer camp!

Recruitment began, alongside active training for leaders and volunteers. We met both online and in person to select activities, coordinate with trainers, and discuss crisis response protocols… which turned out to be crucial.

Unfortunately, some parents decided against their children participating because, shortly before the camp started, Kyiv came under heavy ballistic missile attacks.

The Camp.

On the very first day, we established an unbreakable rule with the campers: safety comes first! This meant maintaining complete openness between campers and leaders regarding any uncomfortable situations, as well as taking responsibility during air raid alerts.

By day, it was a typical, lively summer camp – filled with workshops, sports, games, socializing, relaxation, and friendship… But at night, whenever the sirens wailed, we would rush to the shelter in our pajamas, blankets in hand.

What does this story teach us?

Unity and resilience – words often used to describe Ukrainians, and words that ring true. The campers will remember building forts out of mattresses and playing Twister in the shelter, weaving friendship bracelets, and playing D&D for the first time – activities born of necessity when the security situation made a planned excursion trip impossible. They will remember the camp’s final evening and the soulful saxophone melody played by one of the boys. They will

remember the morning the whole camp celebrated a girl’s birthday, and the time they filmed a video that started out as a playful improvisation.

The campers will remember the hugs and tears at the end of the camp. They will remember the unique YMCA atmosphere. They will remember the laughter, support, jokes, care, and friendships – and that is truly the case.

Light shines brightest in dark times. We are certain that these five summer days will remain a cherished memory for the campers and their parents, for the volunteers and leaders – for everyone involved in Youth Matters Camp 2026.

So, is it worth holding YMCA summer camps? Absolutely.

YMCA Artsakh Camp 2026: Building Connections Across Borders

What makes a camp unforgettable? Not the schedule. It’s the late-night conversations, the inside jokes, the feeling of finally belonging somewhere.

From 1 to 7 August 2026, YMCA Artsakh brought its community together once again at Tsitsernak (“Swallow”) Camp in Vanadzor.

This year, 108 participants, leaders and staff members took part in the camp, with 58% young women and 42% young men. They came from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Armenia, Georgia, the United States and diaspora communities around the world. With guests and visitors joining throughout the week, around 120 people were part of the camp.

The camp was organised by YMCA Artsakh with the support of YMCA Europe’s Camp Europe project, in partnership with Armenians Unified, a donor NGO supporting YMCA Artsakh through the Armenian diaspora.

An important part of this year’s camp was seeing young people who had participated in previous years return as leaders. Several participants from the 2024 and 2025 camps joined the 2026 leadership team after completing a three-day leadership training in June. Throughout the preparation and delivery of the camp, they were supported and mentored by experienced YMCA Artsakh volunteers Tatul Bostanjyan and Lusine Vardanyan. This gave young people the opportunity to take greater responsibility, develop practical leadership skills and contribute directly to the experience of others.

The week combined learning, outdoor activities and time for participants to connect. The programme included workshops on public speaking, leadership, CV and LinkedIn development, start-up thinking and first aid, alongside sports, team games, cultural evenings and a city quest in Vanadzor. There was also time for the less structured moments that are an important part of camp life: preparing team performances, sharing meals, exploring the city and spending time together in the evenings.

The international character of the camp created opportunities for young people from different countries and backgrounds to learn from one another. Participants across Armenian communities shared their experiences, cultures and perspectives while working together throughout the week. New connections developed naturally through the activities, conversations and everyday life of the camp.

The post-camp survey reflected the importance of these experiences. Participants highlighted teamwork, meeting new people, evening gatherings, cultural exchange and the friendships they built as some of the most valuable parts of the week. Many also described the camp as a place where they felt welcomed and connected to a wider community.

For many participants, the experience is also continuing beyond the camp. A significant number expressed interest in staying involved with YMCA Artsakh as volunteers, media team members, mentors and future camp leaders. In this way, the camp continues to create opportunities for young people to move from participation to leadership and to support the next generation of campers.

As the week came to an end, participants left YMCA Artsakh Camp with new skills, new friendships and stronger connections with a community that reaches beyond one week in Vanadzor. YMCA Artsakh Camp has never been just about seven days. It is about a community that continues to find its way back to one another, year after year.

Camp Europe – So You Are Not Alone.

Camp Europe: Wilderness Bilingual Summer Camp 2026

Camp Europe provided participants with a truly transformative experience, shaped by discovery, friendship and meaningful intercultural exchange. Guided by the motto “Camp Europe – So You Are Not Alone,” the programme created a supportive environment where every young person felt welcomed, valued and connected. Within this safe and inclusive setting, children and young people were encouraged to overcome language barriers, build self-confidence and develop lasting relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds.

For refugee participants, the programme represented much more than a summer camp experience. It offered a sense of belonging, support and active participation, enabling them to feel welcomed, valued and included. Through daily activities, team challenges and shared experiences, participants strengthened their social, intercultural and language skills, while creating positive memories and meaningful connections.

The experience demonstrated that diversity is a source of enrichment and mutual learning, empowering young people to become more open-minded, resilient and confident in their ability to build bridges across cultures and communities. By living the spirit of “So You Are Not Alone”, participants discovered that friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding can transcend borders, languages and individual life experiences.

Camp Donard: Building Community Beyond Borders

This August, Greenhill YMCA welcomed a group of young people and leaders from YMCAs across Ukraine to Northern Ireland for Camp Donard, supported through YMCA Europe’s Roots for Peace programme.

What began as an idea to give young Ukrainians the opportunity to experience a Greenhill summer camp developed into something much bigger. With additional support from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, we were able to bring seven young people from Northern Ireland alongside seven young people from Ukraine, creating a week focused on friendship, shared experiences and learning from one another.

Based around YMCA Ireland’s values of Welcome, Opportunity, Peace and Justice and Wellbeing, the week included hiking Slieve Donard, river bouldering, canoeing, cultural workshops, Irish and Ukrainian dancing, a visit to Belfast, outdoor challenges and our very blue and yellow Colourfest.

But the activities were only part of Camp Donard. The real impact came from the relationships built throughout the week. Young people shared their cultures, talked openly about their experiences, supported each other through emotional moments and, very quickly, became one group rather than two.

For our young people from Northern Ireland, the conflict in Ukraine became about much more than something they see on the news. For our Ukrainian participants, we hope Greenhill offered a place where they could feel safe, have fun, try new things and simply enjoy being young people.

One participant summed it up during our reflections: “I never thought it would be this meaningful to connect, this has definitely been the best week of my life.”

Camp Donard reminded us that community can go far beyond borders. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made the week possible and hope this is only the beginning of many more opportunities for exchange, friendship and partnership across our YMCA movement.

Camp Hope:

The East Jerusalem YMCA recently hosted Camp Europe under the theme “Camp Europe – So
You Are Not Alone,” bringing together 44 young leaders and participants from Ramallah,
Jerusalem, and Beit Sahour for a space of connection, creativity, learning, and fun.
At a time when daily life in Palestine can feel increasingly stressful and uncertain, the camp
provided young people with an opportunity to step away from their routines, connect with
others, and simply enjoy being together. Throughout the camp, activities were designed to
encourage teamwork, creativity and youth empowerment, while creating a sense of belonging
and solidarity.

Some of the most memorable moments came from activities that allowed participants to work
together in unexpected ways. One highlight was the lazy cake competition, where teams
prepared their own creations before presenting them to judges for tasting. The activity brought
plenty of laughter and friendly competition, while encouraging participants to collaborate and
get to know one another.

Another particularly meaningful activity was the five-minute video challenge. Working in teams,
participants had just an hour and a half to come up with an idea, film, and edit a five-minute
video. The challenge gave them the freedom to think outside the box and express their
creativity, while strengthening teamwork and bringing them closer together.

For many participants, the most meaningful part of Camp Europe was the balance between
learning and having fun. In a challenging and turbulent context, the camp offered young people
a much-needed space to release stress, build connections, and feel supported by their peers.
Camp Europe was more than a two-day gathering. It was a reminder that even in difficult times,
young people can find strength in one another, create moments of joy, and build hope
together.

YMCA Europe Campacity 2026 Conference Narrative Report

We are thrilled to announce that the narrative report for the YMCA Europe Campacity 2026 held at Camp Brevik, Sweden, last April is finally here!

For the duration of four intense and action-packed days, the conference served as a high-intensity collaborative space. Bringing together the long-standing traditions of North American camping and the diverse, more mission-driven approaches of European YMCAs, the event fostered a unique exchange of experiences and fellowship.

Curious to learn more? The full report is now available for everyone to dive into:

This Summer 20 Camp Europe Projects Will Take Place All Over the Continent And Beyond

The application and selection process for Camp Europe 2026 has now been completed, marking another important milestone in preparing for an exciting year ahead.

This year’s selection process reflected Camp Europe’s continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people affected by conflict and displacement. One of the key requirements for applicants was that at least 50% of the beneficiaries of each proposed project should be of Ukrainian origin or come from other conflict-affected regions in Europe and its neighborhood. This criteria ensured that the program remains focused on supporting those who can benefit most from inclusive, high-quality camping experiences while fostering resilience, connection and hope.

The response to the call was inspiring, with organizations submitting a wide range of creative and impactful project proposals. Following a thorough evaluation process, 20 applications from 9 different countries were selected by YMCA Europe Management Team. This represents a significant achievement, expanding the geographical reach of Camp Europe to a new level with activities ranging from Beit Sahour, Palestine to Setubal, Portugal and from Greenhill, Northern Ireland to Vanadzor, Armenia – strengthening the network of organizations working together to make camping accessible to young people across the region, with a total number of potential direct beneficiaries reaching up to 700.

The diversity of the selected projects demonstrates the growing momentum of the Camp Europe initiative and the shared commitment of partners to building stronger, more inclusive communities through offering camping experiences.

As we move into the implementation phase, we are excited to support our partners in bringing these projects to life. We are looking forward to another year of creating meaningful impact, building lasting friendships and of course, tons of fun together!

“CAMP EUROPE” CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2026

YMCA Europe is announcing a fourth round of funding opportunities within the framework of “Camp Europe” project initiative for 2026.

INTRODUCTION

The overall aim of “Camp Europe” is to build resilience amongst children and young people affected by the violent conflicts ongoing in and around Europe (Ukraine especially considered), to this end offering a safe space through YMCA summer camps for relief and rehabilitation, trauma-healing and integration.

In 2023 YMCA Europe launched the pilot initiative which saw 16 projects across Europe supported. And in 2024, 17 projects (out of which 10 in Ukraine proper) made sure that hundreds of kids in the different corners of our continent received quality care and support in activities that fostered engagement, entertainment and growth. The year of 2025 was no different with 16 partner YMCA organizations (12 from Ukraine; Czech Republic; Georgia; Romania & Sweden) organized 22 camp sessions for 546 participants, not counting the camp leaders and counselors.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

YMCAs in Europe that demonstrate capacities in relief and rehabilitation, trauma-healing and integration services for war affected children and young people are invited to apply.

All proposed interventions are required to fall within the above mentioned overall aim of the “Camp Europe” initiative and are to be held in the form of residential (only!) summer camps.

The maximum sum requested should not exceed 6 000 Euros. A contribution of at least 10% of the total budget is required from the applicant organizations operating in conflict affected countries and at least 40% of the total budget from the applicant partners based elsewhere in Europe.

Volunteer time and in-kind contributions will be considered as eligible and must be agreed beforehand.

A minimum 50% of direct beneficiaries of proposed projects must be war affected children, young people or IDPs (internally displaced person) living in/around war zones (e.g. Ukraine or neighbouring countries) or refugees.

For integration activities, the participation of the host community participants is anticipated and welcome, as long as their number does not exceed 50% of direct beneficiaries.

Eligible costs: board, lodging, transportation, activity costs, materials & supplies, expertise & facilitation, administration (maximum 10%).

CONTRACTING CRITERIA

Disbursement of the project funds is subject to a formal agreement to be signed between YMCA Europe and partner organization, assuming the following responsibilities for the recipient entity:

★ As part of the contracting process to provide YMCA Europe with implementation plan, timeframe and budget breakdown of granted project.

★ Upon the completion of the project to provide YMCA Europe with a narrative report, including the list of participants, summary evaluations (if available), and visual (video, photo, publications, etc.) materials.

★ Upon the completion of the project to provide YMCA Europe with financial reports, incl. the proofs of expenditure (receipts, checks, etc.) and/or audit resolution.

★ Ensure the visibility of the project with the YMCA Europe logo, as well as with the reference to YMCA camp Europe initiative to appear on any document, publication, website, etc. linked to the project.

DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE

★ 80% of funds will be provided upon the signature of the contract and prior to the start of the project.

★ Remaining 20% of funds will be provided upon the submission and approval of financial and narrative reporting.

No cash transactions are allowed.

APPLICATION, ACTIVITY & REPORTING TIMEFRAME

★ the deadline for applications is May 31, 2026. “Camp Europe” application form is provided as an attachment to the call and is available for download.

★ Applications must be sent in electronic format to campeurope@ymcaeurope.com. selection will be carried out by YMCA Europe task force. contracting process is to be completed by June 30, 2026.

★ All projects must be finished by August 31, 2026.

★ All narrative & financial reports must be submitted by October 31, 2026. “Camp Europe” narrative & financial report forms will be provided upon project approval.

Attach 2026 Application form – Camp Europe Application Form

Campacity 2026: Call for Participants

We are pleased to announce that YMCA Europe is now accepting applications from interested YMCA organizations for the “Campacity” Camp Capacity Building Conference in 2026. The event forms part of the broader “Camp Europe” project and will be hosted in Sweden this time.

You can find the full conference details and the application form below.

The YMCA Camp Europe “Campacity” Conference is a collaborative effort between YMCA Europe and the YMCA of the USA. Hosted by YMCA Sweden and Camp Brevik, Its primary goals are to:

Capacitate YMCA Camp Europe with human resources able to offer relevant and innovation-led ideas on forms and contents of camp programs, whereby they are focused on trauma-healing or mental health, life-skills or resilience development, refugee rehabilitation or integration, conflict management and transformation, etc.
Build capacity for the YMCA Camping Movement to work with war affected young people and families in Europe – with a focus on, but not exclusively limited to Ukrainian IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) and refugees.
Bring together camp professionals to discuss, share and collaborate on topics related to camps, camping, outdoor education and adventure-based learning- with a focus on exchange of knowledge, professional development and regional and global networking.

With up to 60 leaders expected to attend from YMCAs in both the U.S. and Europe, participants will have the opportunity to: :

Provide a safe space to share practice and experience for those YMCAs working with refugees or youth affected by conflict.
Strengthen their capacity as camp program leaders to deliver relevant and innovative programs focused on trauma-healing, development of life skills, conflict management & refugee integration;
Gain practical tools, skills and resources for camp management;
Become a catalyst for deeper strategic cooperation within camping program in Europe;
Build a network of camp peers between Europe and the United States.

Participant Profile

The Conference targets individuals who are, or have been, in the following roles/situations:

Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide services or intend to do so for beneficiaries affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide camping services (day or overnight) or intend to do so in the near future.
Camp staff that are primarily affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that have existing international (US – Europe) partnerships or are willing to establish them.
Decision makers, camp directors, program leaders or team members eligible to assume the responsibility for development and enhancement of camping programs in Europe and the United States.
Competent and willing to share their knowledge and experience in camp program management to the other participants of the Conference.
In a position to transfer the knowledge gained during the Conference to respective sending organisations and the teams carrying out camping activities.
Previous experience in camping programs and/or the motivation to develop their competencies and skills in the camping field.
Committed to attend the full duration of the Conference.
Able to communicate and work in the English language.

Candidates fulfilling the specific profile outlined above are welcome to apply to the Campacity Conference. We welcome applications from all individuals, without regard to gender, disability, marital/parental status, origin (racial, ethnic, social), religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Conference Date: April 15 – 19, 2026

Conference Location: YMCA Camp Brevik, Östra Ny, Brevik 610 29 Vikbolandet. The campsite is situated 38 KM away from the city of Norrkoping. Exact location is provided here.

Conference Participation Fee: € 300 per participant

Number of Subsidized Participants per National YMCA: Maximum 2

Participant Age: Twenty-one (21) & Above

Travel subsidies may be available upon request for applicants from specific countries and regions, including:

Ukraine
South Caucasus
Western Balkans

Additionally, funding may be offered to applicants from organizations that have previously partnered with the YMCA Camp Europe project.

Full participation is mandatory. Please DO NOT apply if you are unable to attend all four working days of the Conference.

To be considered, Application Form must be received by January 31st, 2026. Thank you for applying!

Camp “Side by Side”: A Space of Support and Recovery for Children and Youth

This summer, YMCA Poltava held the next stage of its project supporting children and young people affected by the war in Ukraine. From July 25 to August 4, in the picturesque village of Shevchenkove, Kotelevskyi district, Poltava region, the “Side by Side” camp brought together 21 children aged 9 to 17. The main idea of the camp was to create a safe environment where children could recover emotionally, make new friends, develop their talents, and receive support during these challenging times.

The program was rich and diverse. Every day participants took part in thematic activities aimed at developing communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Sports, outdoor quests, creative workshops, and evening reflections helped children to recognize and express their emotions while bonding with peers. Special attention was given to psychological exercises for emotional stabilization, as many participants were from internally displaced families or had directly experienced the impact of war.

Importantly, “Side by Side” was not only about rest but also about learning. Children took part in self-expression workshops, discussions, and interactive games, all of which helped them feel part of a bigger community. These activities fostered confidence, strengthened cooperation, and built mutual respect.

Here is how some participants described their experience:

“It was my first time here, and what I loved most is that we were all together — like one family” (Sofiia, 9 years old)
“I made friends with a boy from Kharkiv, and we already agreed to stay in touch after the camp. We have so much in common.” (Platon, 13 years old)Parents also shared their impressions:
“My child came back completely different — smiling and calmer. In times like these, this is priceless.”

For YMCA Poltava, this project had special meaning. It proved how important it is to create such supportive spaces for children and young people, especially in times of uncertainty. The camp was made possible thanks to a dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers who not only organized activities but also built a warm atmosphere of trust and care.

One of the volunteers said:

“I have been to many camps, but here you feel that what you are doing truly matters. When children start playing again and trusting adults — that is the greatest reward.”

“Side by Side” is not just a camp. It is a symbol of unity, mutual support, and belief that even in the most difficult times, we can still find strength for joy, growth, and friendship. Children returned home with new knowledge, experiences, and inspiration, while for us as an organization it became another confirmation that our work truly changes lives.

The camp was implemented with the support of YMCA Europe, whose contribution made it possible to create this unique space for the children and youth of Ukraine.