This July, in the peaceful village of Nyzhnie Selyshche, twenty teenagers from across Ukraine came together for a special experience — a visual and audio arts camp called Every Person is a Film. Held in the warm embrace of the Carpathians, the camp invited young people affected by war — both directly and indirectly — to look at the world, and at themselves, a little differently.

The camp wasn’t about training future directors or photographers. It was about giving young people the space and tools to see, to reflect, and to express. Through photography, sound recordings, and short video exercises, participants explored how their phones could be not just a way to escape, but a way to look more closely. The lens became a way to ask questions, and the frame — a way to feel in control of how they see their story.

The days were filled with quiet walks, shared meals, deep conversations, and unexpected laughter. At night, they sat in circles reviewing each other’s work, not to judge, but to understand. Some had never before spoken about their experiences of leaving home, losing loved ones, or simply feeling disconnected. Through images and sounds, they found new ways to say what words sometimes cannot.

One boy said, “I never thought silence could be recorded — but now I have a sound file that feels exactly like that morning when I didn’t want to talk.”

Another shared, “I came here thinking I don’t know how to take photos. I’m leaving knowing I can show who I am without saying anything.”

Every Person is a Film reminded us that teenagers don’t just need rest — they need meaning, trust, and creative space. In just eight days, a group of strangers became a community of quiet witnesses to one another’s worlds. And perhaps most importantly, they learned that their story matters — and it’s worth documenting.

In August 2025, a teenage career guidance summer camp was held in Vinnytsia, organized by YMCA Lviv together with Vinnytsia Scientific Lyceum, with the support of UMSA Europe. For 5 days, participants had the opportunity to relax and at the same time think more deeply about their future professions.

The main goal of the camp was to help teenagers see the opportunities that the adult world opens up for them. After all, most young people who are currently studying in senior classes are lost in their choices: they do not always see prospects and do not know what to expect from adult life.

During the program, participants met with experts from various professions, participated in master classes and excursions, were introduced to the best educational institutions of Lviv, and learned how many different professions are in demand in Ukraine. And we also had the time and opportunity to enjoy the summer and rest: we walked around the neighborhood, spent evenings with a campfire and just chatted with new friends.

Here is what the participants say about the camp:

Khrystyna: “I can say that it was the best camp I have ever been to (and I have been to many). I was very surprised when they started us with different cool places such as: UCU, IT STEP, puppet theater, Museum of Science…. There were not very many of us, and we were all one friendly company. We continue to communicate with everyone and are already looking forward to meeting each other.”

Demyan: “The best decision of the organizers was that we had a plan at the same time, but at the same time freedom of action. You visited different interesting locations, and then you can calmly walk, grill barbecue and enjoy the summer.”

Anna: ”I liked the youth leadership training from the YMCA the most, this topic is very interesting for me. And also, the cooking master class, it was informative and fun, and it was even more fun to eat the macaroni that we prepared 🙂 ”

This camp became a place for the participants where they really found friends, received support, better understood their interests and saw opportunities for self-realization!

A total of four days at camp with parents, friends, children of all ages and great weather! At Family Camp we met families from Ukraine that has fled a war but now try to find some sort of regular life in Sweden.

Together with leaders from NGO Sensus they meet regularly in the city but were finally able to come to the countryside and to Brevik. Activities were planned by campers from Brevik camp, specifically guests from Becket and Chimney Corners, YMCA camp in the US.

The campers were at the end of a four-week trip and were practicing their leadership and planning skills, so this provided the perfect opportunity. During camp they sang songs at the campfire, grilled sausages, made arts and crafts, played games, giggled uncontrollably whilst rolling down a big hill and much more.

But nothing seemed to be as popular as Potato Olympics! Originally Orange Olympics (but there were not enough oranges), potato Olympics involves finding your favorite potato, naming it, and giving it a whole host attributes that can be useful in a potato Olympics. And then the games begin! Help your potato jump, run and do all kinds of things. Sounds silly, but this was easily the most popular activity of the camp and it created lots of great memories.

All in all, the camp gave a welcome pause to life in the city and provided a good opportunity for kids to be kids, and for grown ups to find some calm and enjoy a moment of summer. Happy campers all around, and a successful collaboration between our organisations!

 

Written by Adam Westerholm, Operations Coordinator at YMCA Breviks course and camp site

🌿 We spent our summer camp in the world! 🕊️

This summer, children have a unique opportunity to spend time at camp.

Our Peace Camp brought together children who suffered from war and gave them a week of joy, support and recovery.
We lived in nature, by the river, we learned to take care of the environment – we sorted garbage, used reusable dishes, took care of every twig and drop of water.

✨ learned about the history and values ​​of the YMCA global movement
✨ develop soft skills – the ability to communicate, listen to each other, resolve conflicts
✨ talked about non-violent communication, equality, uniqueness of each person, tolerance and diversity of cultures and religions
✨ worked in teams and mini-groups
✨ they did yoga, pilates, played football, volleyball, painted, sang and danced

These were good days, filled with sincere smiles, friendship, conversations by the fire and dreams of peace. I’m sick again.

Thank you very much to YMCA Europe for your support, trust and belief in you, that the children of Ukraine deserve childhood, fulfillment of joy and hope

I ️ We had 2 camp shifts of 5 days each, among the camp participants were internally displaced persons, children from families who were forced to leave their homes because of the war, children from military families, local children. У нас видпочивали children aged 6-12 years, 55 children (25 boys, 30 girls), of them 29% VPO (16 people), 36% children, fathers of military servicemen (20 people), 35% local children. 8 leaders of the organization were involved in the implementation of the camp.

This summer we again held a stationary camp at YMCA Vinnytsia with the support of YMCA Europe and our partners.

In July, a week-long camp for 68 children aged 5 to 16 years was held on the territory of the Butterfly SPA-Hotel recreation complex in the picturesque village of Sadove. Every day was filled with activities, creative workshops, games and sports competitions, creating a safe space for development and recovery after the war experience.

The children lived in comfortable rooms, ate 4 times a day according to the “Swedish line” system, and there were pools and a forest nearby, where you could enjoy nature and relax. The camp program combined creativity, physical development, team games and spiritual meetings aimed at increasing self-esteem, forming leadership skills and patriotic values.

Entries of participants:

Milana, 10 years:
«I never thought I could perform in front of such a large group. Tut I overcame my fear and found new friends!”

Karina, 10 years:
«I liked it very much, because we danced, painted and danced. This feeling of unity was incredible!”

Pavlo, 10 years:
«Here I learned to work in a team and help others. I feel confident and strong!”

Stepan, 12 years old:
«This camp gave me faith that even in difficult hours you can be happy and enjoy life. I will remember this whole life!”

During the week, children took part in quests, sports relays, creative and intellectual games. Заключним акордом став путуковий вечер, where «Мис и Мистера табору» were chosen, and the children were able to demonstrate their talents, creativity and new skills.

The support of partners, among whom the charitable organization “I help children”, ДСНС of Vinnytsia region, art studios and local craftsmen, allowed to organize a safe, fulfilling and complex holiday for children.

Camp “Give your child a piece of your heart” became not only a space for recreation, but also a source of faith, inspiration and recovery for children growing up in the realities of war.

What happens when you bring together diverse young people to live, learn, and lead side by side for a whole week?

At YMCA Boyarka, this question found its answer during the summer camp Youth Matters Camp – a week full of growth, friendship, and hope.

The stationary camp gathered different youth from Boyarka community. Each of them came with their own story, yet shared the same desire – to develop as leaders, to make new connections, and to experience a sense of belonging that YMCA creates.

Throughout the week, participants took part in leadership exercises, team-building challenges, and creative workshops that encouraged communication, responsibility and empathy. Every activity was designed to empower young people to discover their strengths and to believe that their voices truly matter.

The camp took place in a peaceful natural setting, surrounded by mountains and fresh air – a much-needed space of calm in times when many Ukrainian young people live under the constant pressure of war.

For many participants, Youth Matters Camp became a place to rest from daily stress and frequent shelling, to finally sleep peacefully, and to simply be themselves again.

> “Of all the camps I’ve ever been to, this one is the best”

> “I didn’t even have time to look at my phone”

> “This was the highlight of my summer”

Beyond the games, hiking, and campfires, Youth Matters Camp reminded everyone that leadership starts with connection with others, with nature, and with ourselves.

At YMCA Boyarka, Youth Matters Camp was not just a summer program. It was a space of safety, inspiration, and the belief that young people matter – today, and for the future of Ukraine.

This summer, the YMCA Starý Plzenec has hosted two remarkable camps, “Adventure Under Sail” and “Harry Potter Camp,” bringing together children from both the Czech Republic and Ukraine. These camps were designed not only to foster joy and connection through play and creativity but also to support English learning in a natural and immersive way, with most activities being bilingual (Czech and English). 

“Adventure Under Sail” – July 1st to 4th at Orlík Dam

The “Adventure Under Sail” camp kicked off with a delicious pizzeria lunch and a visit to the Orlík aquarium, followed by a relaxing stroll through the castle park. The group then boarded a steamboat to the Podskalí campsite. After settling into their cabins, the children embarked on their first sailing adventure on three boats: Captain Ron, Korkorán, and Sea Devil. The day concluded with swimming and a cozy lakeside barbecue.

The second day involved a longer journey across the lake to the Trhovky campsite, filled with calm and joyful sailing. Upon arrival, the kids cooled off with a swim and enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon saw everyone enthusiastically trying paddleboarding, many for the first time. The day was rounded off with ice cream, laughter, and more bonding time around the evening grill.

On the third day, the children began to learn real sailing skills, practicing raising sails, steering boats, and utilizing the wind. Their quick learning and mutual encouragement were inspiring. Later, the group focused on fishing, showing great excitement. A calm return to camp was followed by more swimming and quiet moments to enjoy the surroundings.

The final day brought great success in fishing, with two large asp fish, each around 60 cm, caught to the thrill of the entire group. Everyone admired the catch before a final swim. It was then time to pack up, bid farewell to the boats, and head home, full of cherished memories, new friendships, and a little more sun in their hearts.

 

“Harry Potter Camp” – July 7th to 11th in Starý Plzenec

The “Harry Potter Camp” began each day with movement and music, featuring warm-up and dance sessions to songs inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the week, children will engage in team games, creative workshops, and sports activities, all linked to the story’s universe.

On the very first day, children received their letters from Hogwarts and officially began their journey as young witches and wizards. The Sorting Hat placed them into the four Hogwarts houses, where they will earn points for their teams by demonstrating helpfulness, creativity, bravery, and fairness throughout the week.

Together, they established a set of camp rules, learning that breaking them could lead to house points being deducted, a fun and engaging way to build shared responsibility. Later, they ventured into the forest on a quest to find their own magic wands. After lunch, the children personalized and decorated their wands, transforming natural branches into unique magical tools.

To conclude the day, a short excerpt from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was watched to set the mood, and the children began writing a script for their very own theatre play based on the story. Their imagination and enthusiasm are already shining, promising more magic to come.

It is worth mentioning that YMCA in the Czech Republic is preparing two more sessions of Camps within Camp Europe 2025.

Written by Kristina Volkova, YMCA Starý Plzenec