This year’s theme at student camp was “On the Heights.” In Ukrainian it can mean a high place, like the mountains; or to improve and be successful.
It’s a little like the phrase “a mountaintop experience.” And camp was definitely a mountaintop experience for our orphaned students!
Thirty-seven youth attended camp in the Carpathian Mountains this year. The group hiked to a scenic view (a literal mountaintop!), went rafting, explored Ukraine’s culture, made pottery, played games, won prizes, and spent time together inside and out.
Our students loved the luxury of having bathrooms in each room. Some live in villages with outdoor toilets, or in dorms without dependable hot water. Many had never been at a retreat like this before.
Camp is also a relational “mountaintop” for orphaned youth.
In the morning, small team meetings allowed students to connect, ask questions, and understand the schedule. All week the teams worked together to win prizes. The winning team received camp sweatshirts, and everyone received messenger bags as a reminder of their camp experience.
The prizes were such a hit, one staff member said that “after camp they’ve been wearing them all the time without taking them off.”
Most importantly, our youth soaked in a whole week of continuous, daily love and care from our staff.
At meetings, the group discussed topics like identity, friends, and salvation. During these vibrant late-summer days, many students encountered the love of the living God. One evening, the staff performed a skit that brought students to tears. Afterward, some asked about God or about praying together. Seven students decided to follow Jesus!
What happens when these students come down from the mountain?
First, they’re not alone. Your generosity provides a community for them all year long. From their dorms and villages, they make their way to the Day Center, where they receive an outpouring of practical help and mentorship. It’s a loving group where they feel they belong.
Their spiritual journey continues in the local church. Our staff represent several churches, and invite those who are interested to attend anywhere they feel comfortable. On a recent Sunday, eleven camp attendees came to church!
We’re so grateful you all were praying. The biggest challenge was that several people contracted a rotavirus. But staff member/nurse Yuliana helped everyone overcome the illness, and the week was still a success.
So many youth drew near to God and our community during this special week. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!
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