“Grow from Roots” served as both the title and guiding theme of a residential camp held in the Zhytomyr region, organized within the framework of the YMCA Camp Europe 2024 programme.
Young people in Ukraine—children, teenagers, and young adults—are currently facing constant stress. Living under the threat of war, many wake and sleep to the sound of sirens. The camp’s primary goal was to offer these young participants a respite from the pressures of daily life by providing them with a peaceful environment away from the city.
The Zhytomyr region is home to a cultural treasure, the Cultural-Art Centre “Poliska Khata,” an ancient Ukrainian estate that features traditional houses and historical artifacts. This venue became the ideal location for the camp’s second goal: helping the youth reconnect with their cultural roots, which serve as a foundation for building their futures and fostering personal growth.
With support from YMCA Europe Camp Europe Programme, the “Grow from Roots” camp provided an enriching experience for 30 participants.
Camp attendees enjoyed four guided tours: to the Poliska Khata, the Trypillia Culture Museum, the Red Mountain—an archaeological site with traces of ancient inhabitants—and the house of renowned Ukrainian artist Yurii Kamyshnii, whose work was deeply inspired by the local landscape.
Participants also engaged in a variety of cultural activities, learning four Ukrainian folk songs, three traditional dances, and performing four ancient summer folk ceremonies: Leading the Bush, Seeing Off the Mermaids, the Reaping Ceremony, and Curling the Birch.
In addition to the cultural immersion, six workshops were organized for the children, which included crafting amulets, painting on textiles, making magnets, weaving flower wreaths, playing traditional percussion instruments, and creating lavender sachets. An art therapy session was also held to help participants explore their cultural roots and discover pathways for personal growth.
Surrounded by nature and domestic animals, the camp provided a peaceful setting that fostered both physical and emotional well-being. Each day began with morning exercises, followed by traditional YMCA devotions and evening candle ceremonies.
The camp concluded with a final quest featuring prizes, where participants completed various tasks and contributed to volunteer efforts. The goal was to create an environment where children felt safe to trust their mentors and peers, and where they could openly share their experiences and emotions regarding the hardships they’ve faced since the onset of the war. Special candlelit discussions took place each evening, focusing on themes like kindness, personal values, and overcoming challenges.
Physical activities and board games were also incorporated into the program as another means to support mental health, providing both younger and older participants with a positive outlet. The blend of traditional, nature-based activities with recreation and leisure offered a truly unique experience for the participants.
“During the camp, it was evident how the children became calmer and more open-hearted,” said YMCA Zhytomyr camp leader Anastasia Nesterova. “They formed friendships and communicated freely with one another, but it was clear how much they also craved adult attention. Many of the children have been separated from their fathers due to the war, and their mothers are often too overwhelmed to engage fully. We hope the camp provided the participants with the support and care they needed.”
The camp’s diverse activities helped distract participants from the war, air raid alarms, and daily stress, contributing to the improvement of their mental health.
For YMCA leaders, the camp also proved to be a valuable experience, enhancing their professional skills and fostering teamwork. It served as an opportunity for growth and inspiration for future projects aimed at supporting youth in the region.
