Easy Camp for Youth from Zaporizhzhia: 9 Days of Learning and Recreation
From July 22 to 30, the East SOS Charity Foundation, in cooperation with the Estonian organization Mondo, held the first session of Easy Camp in Zakarpattia. Designed as a safe space for educational catch-up, support, and recreation, the camp welcomed 50 students, future eighth-graders, from Berdiansk, Polohiv, Zaporizhzhia, Vasyliv, and Melitopol districts in the Zaporizhzhia region. Most participants were internally displaced due to the full-scale russian invasion and the temporary occupation of their hometowns.
“It was hard to leave our hometown, but we’re getting used to living in Zaporizhzhia. My favorite memory from the camp was a History lesson, specifically an archaeological excavation – we dug up bricks and built a fortress. Everything was exciting: the mountains, the waterfall, the guide’s story about the temple near Synevyr, and most importantly, I found new friends here who joke a lot and support me,” shared 13-year-old Danylo from Orikhiv.
For children growing up amidst war, the camp offered a rare opportunity to feel safe and at peace. It was a place to strengthen their knowledge of Ukrainian, English, History, and Math, gather around campfires to sing, showcase their talents, and take part in a day of self-governance.
“Many of our campers are unable to attend their home schools due to destruction caused by russian missile attacks. For them, studying at the camp is a chance to return to school,” said Ukrainian language teacher Dmytro Telpis. “Some classmates hadn’t seen each other since the 4th grade. They recognized each other on the way to the camp and rekindled their friendship.”
In addition to academic learning, the children participated in business games, outdoor crafts, sports competitions, and daily reflection sessions.
“Children arriving at the camp live in the reality of war. It is often challenging for them to understand what is happening around them, how to talk about it, and how to respond to the emotions of others,” said Olha Frolova, a camp psychologist. “During reflection sessions, we help them listen to themselves, notice their ‘good’ and ‘hard’, and share it with others – not through a screen, but in real-life communication that builds trust. This is an important part of inner healing, especially for young people who are just learning to build relationships, accept themselves, and be part of a team.”
Two more sessions are still ahead, during which we will continue to learn and unwind with another 100 children from Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr regions. Follow our updates to witness the unforgettable summer moments of those whose childhood we strive to protect – even amidst war.
The Easy Camp for educational losses is part of the project “Supporting Mental Health through Online Diagnostics and Counseling, as well as Mental Health and Training Camps,” implemented in partnership with the Estonian organization MONDO and supported by the Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV) and Secours populaire français.
Recently, on the eve of the first session, the Easy Camp team held an induction training aimed at enhancing the curriculum, improving leisure-time engagement methods, and strengthening skills for working with young people experiencing prolonged stress.
