Be a voice, not an echo

“CAMP EUROPE”
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2023

YMCA Europe is announcing this pilot Call for Applications within the framework of its new “Camp Europe” Initiative.

INTRODUCTION

Building upon the YMCA Europe Response elaborated in the immediate aftermath of the eruption of a full-scale war in Ukraine; guided by the extensive experience and know-how in conflict transformation work, the “Roots for Peace” project especially considered; and In its pursuit to meet the emerging needs of those affected by the wars in our continent, with a particular focus on children and young people – YMCA Europe is announcing this pilot Call for Applications within the framework of its new “Camp Europe” Initiative.

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 safe-space through YMCA summer camps for relief and rehabilitation, trauma-healing and integration.

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. Substantial experience in conflict transformation work will be considered as an added value.

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 summer camps.

The maximum sum requested should not exceed 10 000 EUR. Own contribution of at least 10 % of the total budget is required. Volunteer time and in-kind contributions will be considered as eligible.

Minimum 50 % of direct beneficiaries of proposed projects must be war affected children and young people, living in war zones (e.g. Ukraine) or refugees. Within integration activities the participation of the host community representatives is anticipated and welcome, as long as their number does not exceed the percentage indicated above.

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 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, 2023. “Camp Europe” Application form is provided as an attachment to the Call and is available for download here.
★  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, 2023.
★  All projects must be completed by September 30, 2023.
★  All Narrative & Financial Reports must be submitted by November 30, 2023. “Camp Europe” Narrative & Financial Report forms will be provided upon project approval.

Attached files

 Camp Europe Application Form

Roots at the “Campacity” – A Capacity building through camps

On February 26 – March 04, YMCA Camp Duncan, USA hosted 23 participants from various US YMCA Camps and six European YMCAs for “Campacity”, International Conference organized by YMCA of the USA.

Camps have always been a vital part of the YMCA movement. Camps that have changed the lives of thousands. The “Campacity” project is focused on building capacity for YMCA camping movement in Europe, with a focus on Ukraine.

The participants took part in different theoretical and practical sessions delivered by YMCA camp directors and professionals from different parts of the USA. Network, learn and share – that was the main purpose of the event. Thematic workshops by representatives of YMCA Camps and presentations from YMCAs of the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Georgia, Spain and Ukraine created a great atmosphere and solid platform for mutual learning, sharing and growth.

Roots staff Rezi Shavladze and Lika Zakaryan were a part of the meeting and presented the Camp Europe Project, which was one of the main topics of discussion, as a platform for future cooperation and partnership with YMCA of the USA and YMCA Europe. The presentation of the Roots work made sure that participants got the full grasp of our remarkable journey in the past and the impact we aim to make in the future.

We are very  happy and privileged to partner with YMCA of the USA in this endeavor – exciting things are going to happen and we are keen to experience them together with you, peacemakers out there in Europe, across the Atlantic and beyond!

More to come!