Paradise in the Carpathians: a transformative journey of personal growth, confidence, and lifelong friendships through the YMCA Summer Camp, within the Camp Europe Programme Framework.

A camp is more than just a vacation; it’s a chance to discover new qualities within yourself, overcome personal challenges, and step outside your comfort zone.

The YMCA’s Paradise in the Carpathians camp provides a unique environment where children and teenagers can grow, gain valuable experiences, and form lifelong friendships. One of the most inspiring stories is that of Bohdan, a participant whose two experiences at the camp completely transformed his outlook on himself and the world.

“My name is Bohdan, and I participated in the Paradise in the Carpathians camp. I live near Verkhovyna, just two hours away by car. It was my first camp experience, and being a tent camp made it even more challenging. Every day pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I struggled to adapt. A day before the camp ended, I decided to go home because I couldn’t cope with the new environment and routine.

Afterward, I didn’t keep in touch with many campers, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try again. But when I saw the information about the Paradise in the Carpathians 2024 camp, something inside me changed, and I decided to sign up again.

When I returned, everything felt different. I was more comfortable, the other campers treated me with respect, and I felt confident. The previous camp experience had impacted me more than I realized. I discovered new aspects of myself—confidence, lightness, and even a sense of humor. This time, I joined in all the activities, made jokes, dressed up, and even danced. I felt free and saw myself in a new way, and it’s all thanks to YMCA!”

Paradise in the Carpathians is not just a place for relaxation—it’s a space for personal growth and transformation. Bohdan’s journey is one example of how a camp experience can lead to profound change. Each new day at camp offers opportunities for development and self-discovery.

“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.

This year’s Y Leader Camp, organized by YMCA Zdolbuniv with support from YMCA Europe as part of the Camp Europe Programme, successfully brought together 23 children, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable youth.

The camp, held at Sand Lake in Volyn, also included three coaches and two mentors.

The camp provided six days of intense learning and relaxation, filled with memorable activities such as swimming in the lake, leadership training, bracelet weaving, crafting tote bags, water and night quests, team-building games, campfire gatherings, and marshmallow roasting.

The Y Leader Camp created a space for children to learn, connect, and grow, all while enjoying the great outdoors. It helped develop leadership skills, fostered teamwork, and provided a sense of belonging for IDPs and vulnerable youth.

Additionally, the camp offered a chance for young leaders to step up and gain valuable experience in mentoring and guiding others.

With activities designed to engage both the body and mind, YMCA Zdolbuniv continues to make a positive impact on young people, helping them build resilience and form lasting friendships in challenging times.

The feedback from the campers provides a glimpse into the impact and atmosphere of the camp:

Daryna, 13 years old:

“We did so much at camp—making bracelets, playing games, swimming, attending leadership training, performing at the final concert, completing quests, and just having an amazing time. All these moments were memorable because everything was so interesting and accessible. The camp was filled with unique experiences and had a special atmosphere. I am very grateful to the organizers for allowing us to have this unforgettable experience.”

Margot, 14 years old:

“The camp was awesome! The lack of internet didn’t stop us from having a great time. It seems like one day without the internet at home lasts longer than the five days we spent at camp. I would like to thank the organizers for the knowledge they shared with us, the vivid emotions, and the fun and useful games. I’ll always remember waking up the girls in the morning and running together for exercise—this is my best summer memory, and I’ll cherish it for a long time.”

Sasha, 15 years old:

“I was nervous about the YMCA camp, but I knew it would be a great opportunity to make new friends and learn. The camp was filled with games, workshops, and relaxing by the lake, all while building teamwork and learning new skills. Evenings by the campfire were special, creating unforgettable memories. The camp brought joy, new friendships, and a real sense of collaboration in a beautiful setting.”

Anya, 16 years old:

“Spending the summer in Zdolbuniv, I wanted to do something meaningful, so I volunteered as an assistant camp leader. It was a challenge, but the YMCA training helped me feel confident. I loved working with the kids and knowing I could help create positive memories. Later, as a participant in the Y Leader Camp, I stepped out of my comfort zone and improved my communication skills. These experiences helped me reconnect with people, and I’m so grateful for such an exciting and meaningful summer.“

YMCA Moldova proudly hosted its first overnight camp, Dignity Camp 2.0, from August 21 to 30, 2024, under the Camp Europe 2024 framework.

This transformative event brought together 30 Ukrainian and Moldovan participants for an experience that blended fun, self-development, and leadership training in a supportive environment.

With a strong emphasis on personal growth and leadership, Dignity Camp 2.0 featured a variety of educational and mental health-focused activities designed to build resilience and self-awareness among participants. The camp’s goal was to equip children with essential life skills while nurturing their capacity for leadership and self-discovery.

To balance its educational focus, the camp also offered a wide range of recreational activities, ensuring the children had a joyful and memorable experience. From sports competitions and swimming to singing and dancing contests, the camp was filled with excitement.

Highlights included a lively disco, which created a festive atmosphere and left participants with unforgettable memories.

By merging meaningful development with fun, YMCA Moldova created a dynamic and enriching space for both local and Ukrainian youth, fostering valuable skills and deepening connections that will last a lifetime.

This milestone marks a pivotal achievement in YMCA Moldova’s commitment to empowering youth through inclusive and impactful programming.

Previously, in 2023 and 2024, YMCA Moldova organized a series of day camps under the Dignity Camp banner, offering support to both local children and Ukrainian refugees.

Held at YMCA Shepherds Field from the 1st to the 4th of  August 2024, Camp Hope provided young people in Palestine a space to unwind and connect, organized by the East Jerusalem YMCA within the framework of YMCA Camp Europe program to offer vital support for participants facing daily challenges.

Overview

In a region where challenges are a daily reality, Camp Hope emerged as a beacon of light for young people across Palestine. Held for the first time at the YMCA Shepherds Field in Beit Sahour, the camp provided a much-needed safe space for more than 50 young people from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, to release their stress and find solace among peers.

Historical Background

Camp Hope was born out of a unique collaboration between the East Jerusalem YMCA and YMCA Europe within the framework of Camp Europe Program. This partnership was essential in creating a program that supports the youth in Palestine, offering them a place to breathe, express themselves, and build resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Program Highlights

Camp Hope’s program was designed to address the needs of its participants, inculding those with reduced mobility. Activities included stress release exercises, team-building activities, and creative arts sessions such as painting. These activities encouraged self-expression, fostered connections, and promoted mental well-being.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The success of Camp Hope was made possible through a strong partnership between the East Jerusalem YMCA and YMCA Camp Europe. Their collaboration ensured that the camp was not only a retreat but also a transformative experience for all who attended.

Impact and Outcomes

Though brief, the four-day camp left a lasting impact on its participants. The combination of structured activities and a supportive environment enabled young people to reconnect with themselves and others, leaving them better equipped to navigate the challenges of their daily lives.

In conclusion, Camp Hope exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the East Jerusalem YMCA and YMCA Camp Europe Programe empowered young people in Palestine to build resilience and forge stronger connections. The impact of this initiative will continue to resonate with participants long after the camp, offering hope and strength as they face future challenges.

How YMCA Camp Europe Shaped My Path to Lead Camp Harmony 3.0, Fostering Peace and Unity Across Borders.

My history with camps started many years ago and I want to tell you how it ended up with me as a camp director of Camp Harmony 3.0

I was sent to camps by my parents when I was a little kid. As a kid, I was a camper and then I grew up and step by step I became a young leader. Still, these camps had nothing to do with YMCA camps. In 2018 Alina, the Secretary general of YMCA Romania asked me if I can be a facilitator in a camp training held by YMCA Romania, and I said yes.

Here I met Patrick, Dragos, Laura and many other young leaders who came to learn how to lead camps. One year before, Alina asked me as well, but I decided to send other volunteers from Arad, so Stef and Didi had this opportunity.

After these experiences, these kinds of camps went deep down into my heart and my mind. A seed was planted. In 2023, Alina called me again and said the magic words “Ruben, can you do your magic with games and sports in our Camp Harmony 2.0?”. So I had to say “wait a minute to ask my wife if she is coming too”. So we both accepted the challenge.

Here I meet again Laura, as a Head of camp counselors. I met Nikolia who went to the first Campacity, and Ana as well. We had a dream team and after a week full of support and challenge so well balanced, Camp Harmony 2.0 was a real success.

In October Alina called me again and she said “Ruben, you did a great job this summer, and we have a proposal for you: would you go to MACC this year?” And I said again “wait a sec to ask my wife” she said yes, again. Long story short, after MACC I was motivated enough to participate at Capacity where I set my goal: to become a camp director.

Here I met my new friends from MACC and I made new ones as well. I was looking further to create relations and collaborations for Camp Harmony 3.0 and I told this to Maryna from Ukraine but not only.

So after Campacity, I settled up the team and started to prepare the program, the activities and everything. I asked for camp professionals and they said yes. So I had Didi, Tudor, Patrick and Stef who went to camp training held by YMCA Romania, and Sandra who was 6 months pregnant.

Also From Ukraine I invited Maryna and she brought Anastasia and Kate. From Moldova I invited Lidia and she came with Viorica. Also I was so glad to hear that Peggy and Bobby would come from The YMCA of the USA.

Together we made Camp Harmony 3.0 a safe space for 55 participants, young campers and international leaders from 4 countries (Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and USA). Because this year we wanted to build in the present and in the future at the same time. So the activities involved building peace and creating harmony for a world where we do no harm.

And about this, i just found out that the fact i was involved in this camp was not a random invitation. My great grandfather died in the first world war. Then my grandfather was declared a hero after world war II. During the pandemic, I applied to become a professional soldier in the Romanian army, but they called me after I asked my wife to marry me, so I decided to refuse. This made me realize that fighting is not the answer. Love is the answer and that’s why I chose Camp Harmony and YMCA.

Camp Europe Project by YMCA Georgia: a week of friendship and healing.

Amidst the immense challenges of conflict, displacement and despair, Camp Europe project has emerged as a true beacon of hope for children from Ukraine in 2024. This initiative, designed to foster integration and provide much-needed stress relief, has already been a transformative experience for hundreds of young people from Ukraine in their own country and across Europe.

Held at YMCA Georgia Camp Orange on August 15 – 21, 2024 for 15 Ukrainian and 15 Georgian peers, the activity “Together… Stronger!” offered a safe and supportive environment where children were able to escape the hardships of their daily lives.

One of the primary goals of Camp Europe initiative in Georgia was to promote understanding and tolerance between Georgian and Ukrainian children. By sharing their unique experiences and perspectives, participants learnt to appreciate the diversity of own and each other’s cultures and to break down stereotypes.

Through a variety of activities, including outdoor adventures, creative workshops and cultural exchanges, participants had the opportunity to connect with each other, explore the nature, discover their talents and build lasting friendships.

For many children from Ukraine, the camp session at Camp Orange provided a much-needed respite from the trauma and anxiety associated with conflict and displacement. Through counseling sessions, group activities and peer support, participants managed to process their emotions, develop adequate coping mechanisms and gain a sense of resilience.

Camp Europe is more than just a summer camp support measure, it serves as a catalyst for change. By fostering integration, promoting healing and empowering young people, the initiative is helping to build a brighter future for a new generation of Ukrainians in partnership with the local communities.

And as the world continues to grapple with the challenges of war in Ukraine, Camp Europe project offers a powerful example of how much the relevant initiatives and proper partnerships can do to support those in need. By providing a safe and nurturing environment across Europe, the camps are helping to heal the wounds of war, foster understanding and inspire hope for a more peaceful future.

Camp HarmonY: a journey of youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and cultural connections through international summer camps within the framework of “Camp Europe” programme.

“My name is Peggy, and I work as the Day Camp Director at YMCA Camp Duncan, one of the greatest summer camps in America (although I may be a little biased, as I attended Camp Duncan for 10 summers growing up). Camp Duncan is part of the Metropolitan Chicago YMCA Association, and we are located in Volo Illinois, about an hour outside of the city in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs.

Camp Duncan hosted the first Campacity in 2023, and I was lucky enough to be asked by Bobby, our Executive Director at the time and one of the many amazing people who organize Campacity, to help drive the camp bus downtown to the Y-USA office and pick up the participants for the first year. This was my first introduction into international YMCAs, and the amazing work that the Y does across the globe.

I was instantly inspired by how much other YMCAs do, especially after learning that internationally and especially in Europe, the YMCA is dependent on volunteers to be able to run their programs. I think that Campacity is important for the growth of camps and camping in Europe and the US, by sharing ideas, expanding networks, and giving and receiving feedback on what we can all do better to make camps and camping continue to have a positive impact on youths and in youth work.

At Campacity in 2023, I met many of the leaders that mademake Camp HarmonY happen, and spent the next few months asking Bobby daily to send me to Romania so that I could be a part of the Camp HarmonY team. In 2023, I attended Camp HarmonY 2.0.

This was an experience like no other, and I was so grateful to be able to not only share some of my knowledge on camps and camping, but to take home so many lessons about how much you can achieve with minimal supplies when you have volunteers who are dedicated to inspiring young people and building the next generation of leaders.

Camp HarmonY opened my eyes to the potential that camp has to be utilized to inspire, engage, and uplift young people with programming that is not only fun but also intentional. The activities are not limited to games, arts & crafts, and recreational activities, but also include lessons on bridge-building, crossing borders and fostering cultural understanding, and learning about leadership and teamwork.

I find it inspiring the way that YMCA Romania, in partnership with YMCA Moldova and YMCA Ukraine, use their summer camps and Camp HarmonY specifically as a trauma healing mechanism for war affected youth. Many of the campers at Camp HarmonY come from Ukraine, and their camp week starts with what I can only assume is a difficult journey across the border, but once they arrive at camp, they can just be kids again.

Camp can be such an amazing place to create bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime, while teaching kids how they can become the next generation of peace builders and harmony creators. Throughout the week, it was so cool to see campers from Romania and Ukraine teaching each other words in their language, bonding over how to say please and thank you amongst many other things, while also becoming more confident in their ability to speak English.

If you asked me what my favorite part Camp HarmonY was, I would findfine it nearly impossible to choose just one. I loved working with the volunteers and seeing their passion for youth work, watching campers step out of their comfort zone and learn that camp is a place where you can truly be yourself, and seeing young people learn that it is okay to fail and try again.

I loved seeing the growth over the last year in campers that attended Camp HarmonY 2.0, and creating friendships and bonds with campers that were new this year. I loved seeing campers conquer language barriers and create lifelong friendships.

I guess if I really had to choose just one part of camp that was my favorite, it would be the opening and closing campfires, and seeing campers break out of their shell on the final night of camp to lead a song, share a story, or remind us all that at the end of the camp week we don’t say goodbye, we just say see you later.”

Camp Europe is a YMCA Europe signature programme aimed at building resilience among people affected by the violent conflicts ongoing in and around Europe.

During the summer of 2024, YMCA in the Czech Republic hosted three main camps within the Camp Europe programme, all planned and implemented with great creativity, hard work and effort. Of course, behind this success was a dedicated team whose unwavering commitment made it possible.

One of the organisers and a camp counsellor, Kristina, shared her story with us:

“I received all the materials for this camp, thank you so much, great job,” Kristina smiled as she read these lines from YMCA Camp Europe staff team member Irina Berdzenishvili. The words “thank you very much, great job” are often heard in different languages by this 16-year-old girl from Ukraine, who volunteers at summer camps organised by YMCA Plzeň-Starý Plzenec.

Her colleagues speak to her in Czech and English, while the children who attend the camps speak Czech, Russian and Ukrainian. Kristina is therefore fluent in four languages. “I’m also learning German, but I need to improve it to the level of the other languages, there’s never enough time,” she complained. “But next year I’ll get better at it, I promise.”

Kristina learned to set goals and confidently achieve them through dance. Her mother took her little, energetic girl to the nearest dance studio at the age of four, not knowing that this exact studio would produce champions, and that her daughter was not only agile but also talented and musical. Kristina was also hardworking and energetic.

Year after year, she learned new styles and techniques. At the age of nine, Kristina became a three-time world champion in the junior category in hip-hop, house dance and dancehall styles. The next step was mastering freestyle and participating in battles.

This determined girl confidently climbed the dance ladder and took her rightful place in the Ukrainian dance community until the war suddenly interrupted her. “I can’t dance when explosions are going off and people are dying in my country,” Kristina said, a little embarrassed. “Others can, but I can’t…”

After leaving her hometown, which had become as dangerous as the rest of the country, Kristina found herself in the Czech Republic. On her very first day, she applied to a local school. When the school principal asked her how she was going to learn if she didn’t speak Czech, she confidently replied that she would learn. And indeed, in less than three months, she was speaking Czech with her new friends and classmates, expanding her vocabulary every day. She received straight A’s on her report card, and when asked where she wanted to go after finishing school, she replied that she wanted to attend gymnasium.

That year was incredibly difficult for Kristina. War had broken out in her country, and her beloved father stayed behind. Kristina was in her last year of primary school in the Czech Republic, while simultaneously completing her final year at a Ukrainian school online.

At that time, no one knew how long the war would last or if there was any hope of returning soon, so Kristina continued her Ukrainian schooling. On top of all that, she took three additional courses to prepare herself for entering gymnasium and… she got in. At both gymnasiums she applied to, she topped the rankings.

She chose a language-focused gymnasium, though she still remains friends with mathematics. “All the wars in the world happen because people can’t get along or understand each other. I want to help them with that, which is why I need to know many languages. I hate wars…”

Now Kristina has completed her first year at gymnasium, still maintaining straight A’s. As a way of showing gratitude to YMCA Plzeň-Starý Plzenec for supporting her in her preparation for gymnasium, she now works closely with the organisation.

Helping with summer camps is one form of this cooperation. Despite her young age, she successfully takes on adult tasks and manages them with ease. She has found friends and like-minded people at the YMCA and Camp Europe. Here, she is given space for self-realisation and the opportunity to interact with team members from other countries.

Kristina feels needed here and is already practising her ability to help people understand one another. She also enjoys being with the children, and they love to give back. She plays with them and helps them to learn. Perhaps one day, her body will respond to music again, and she will feel the desire to dance once more. And maybe she’ll even share her knowledge of dance culture with others, opening up the world of dance she once called home.