This wasn’t just a trip. It was a powerful chance for a normal childhood — even if only for a few weeks.
It was an opportunity for children to see the Carpathians for the very first time — real, majestic, and alive; to hike along trails to waterfalls and fill their lungs with clean mountain air; to swim in rivers and soak up the sun, to take part in sports competitions, creative workshops, and songs around the campfire; to make new friends, learn teamwork, listen and trust — and most importantly, to sleep peacefully. No sirens. No shelling. No shelters.
For many, it was their very first experience like this. Their first camp. Their first morning waking up without a caregiver nearby. Their first “I can do it myself.”
But we know: this is where something truly important begins — self-belief and the feeling that the world can be kind.
And while our children were enjoying their time at camp in Zakarpattia, little Artemka, who couldn’t go due to age restrictions, also had a wonderful summer experience. He spent time in Pereiaslav region, in a village where he discovered a completely different, simple, and fascinating life: meeting farm animals, helping harvest crops, tasting the freshest produce straight from the garden, and enjoying real homemade food that warms not only the stomach but also the heart.
Fresh air, open space, slow days, and new discoveries — that’s the kind of summer our Artemka had.
We thank everyone who helped make this trip possible — from packing suitcases to processing documents, from finding the right supplies to offering kind words before departure.
