Finding Hope in the Mountains: How Camps Are Bringing Relief to War-Affected Families
In a time when conflict casts a shadow over everyday life, two camps—DISCOVERY Camp and HAPPY FAMILY Camp—have emerged as beacons of hope and recovery for war-affected families in Ukraine. These camps, organized by Hungarian Interchurch Aid, and financially supported by ACT Alliance, provide not only much-needed respite but also offer psychological support to children and mothers from frontline areas. Through therapeutic activities and a focus on emotional well-being, these camps are changing lives, even in the most challenging of times.
DISCOVERY Camp: A Refuge for Kherson’s Children
From August 15 to 28, 2024, 50 children from Kherson, a region heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, participated in the DISCOVERY camp in Zakarpattia. With support from the Kherson regional administration, the Hungarian Interchurch Aid, and funding from the ACT Alliance, the camp was designed to offer the children not just a physical break from the war, but an emotional one as well.
The camp’s theme, “Problogger,” introduced the children to digital endeavors. In addition to this activity, they also enjoyed sports, team-building exercises, and various workshops that helped them regain a sense of normalcy and confidence.
Psychological support played a crucial role in transforming the initial distress of these young participants into joy and optimism. Parents noted remarkable improvements in their children’s emotional well-being. “Thank you for finding the strength, desire, and love for our children! You have left incredible memories of summer 2024,” expressed one mother, Tatiana, with palpable gratitude.
The camp wasn’t just about learning and therapy—it was about creating memories. Excursions through the picturesque Zakarpattia region allowed these children to experience moments of peace and joy that have been scarce in their war-torn lives.
HAPPY FAMILY Camp: Healing for Mothers and Children in the Carpathians
In parallel, from August 20 to 30, 2024, the Lviv-based NGO “Happy Family” organized a camp in the village of Tukhlia in the Carpathian Mountains. This camp, specifically focused on psychological and social support, catered to mothers and their children, many of whom were displaced or living with disabilities. Like DISCOVERY Camp, this initiative was made possible through the financial support of the ACT Alliance.
Located at the Berehynia tourist center, the camp served as a sanctuary for 50 participants. For women who had endured the physical and emotional toll of war, the camp provided vital psychological training, rehabilitation exercises, and art therapy. Meanwhile, children were engaged in play therapy, team games, and excursions to farms and nature reserves, providing them with a rare opportunity to escape the trauma of their everyday lives.
However, the camp faced several challenges. The heat made it difficult to conduct outdoor activities, and the psychological stress among the participants was undeniable. Special care was required, especially in the case of one woman whose mental health demanded individual attention. Despite these hurdles, the camp succeeded in fostering an atmosphere of support and healing.
Both DISCOVERY and HAPPY FAMILY camps underscore the urgent need for psychological and emotional support for war-affected families. With the financial backing of the ACT Alliance, these camps offered something irreplaceable to those most in need: a sense of community, peace, and the hope for a brighter future.
