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.

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.

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.

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.