An Unforgettable Summer: CORE Supports Sleepaway Camp for Ukrainian Teenagers

For many kids and teens around the world, summer camp is a staple of the season; no school means more time to get outside, meet new friends, and make lifelong memories. In Ukraine though, opportunities to escape the daily reality of war are rare and more important than ever. 

This summer, with support from CORE, local organization Kids of Ukraine hosted an eight-day sleepaway camp for Ukrainian teens in the Carpathian Mountains, a sprawling mountain range that reaches into the westernmost part of the country. The camp welcomed teens impacted by the war, including those who’ve been displaced or had loved ones serving in the military. 

At camp, they could rediscover what it means to just be kids. In addition to the usual summer activities—crafts, swimming, rafting, hiking—the camp also facilitated safe spaces for the campers to get to know one another and open up about their experiences over the last three years. Psychological support sessions, social integration exercises, and team-building games gave them tools to accept emotional support, learn coping skills for their stress and anxiety, and overall strengthen their trust in themselves and others.  

One camper, Anita (13), shared: “I really liked camp. It was simply incredible, especially the mountain views and the rafting. I had a sea of unforgettable emotions, made new friends, and the team leaders were just the best. I’ll remember these amazing moments for the rest of my life.” 

Explore the gallery below to see what these campers got up to this summer!