We work with children aged 6 to 16 from Mariupol who have experienced the trauma of war. Priority is given to children:
– who have lost their parents or loved ones
– from incomplete or dysfunctional families
– with pronounced signs of psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders)
– who are in refugee centers without sufficient support
Parents or guardians fill out a questionnaire, after which our psychologist conducts a preliminary interview. We accept ALL children in Mariupol who need help, regardless of their family's social status.
Yes, absolutely free. All expenses are covered by donations:
– Accommodation and meals at the camp
– The work of psychologists and specialists
– All activities (art therapy, sports, excursions)
– Medical support
– Transportation (in most cases)
We understand that families from Mariupol have lost everything. Our task is to relieve them of their financial burden and give children the opportunity to recover.
Safety is our top priority:
Physical security:
– The camps are located in safe regions of Ukraine (the Carpathians, western regions) far from the front line.
– Fenced, guarded area
– Adults on duty around the clock
– Medical personnel are always on site
– All premises comply with fire safety regulations
Psychological safety:
– Proven specialists with experience in treating childhood trauma
– Adult-to-child ratio of 1:5
– Clear protocols for responding to triggers and crisis situations
– An individual approach to each child
Staff verification:
– All volunteers and specialists undergo an interviews
– Request for recommendations and background check
– Mandatory training on working with traumatized children
No, absolutely not. We accept all children from Mariupol regardless of their family's religious affiliation.
Here's how it works:
– There is a spiritual component to the camp—evening Bible stories, songs, and prayer before meals.
– Participation in spiritual events is entirely voluntary.
– We never force children to pray or accept faith.
– We respect the choice of every child and their family.
Our approach:
We show God's love through actions, not pressure. If a child wants to learn more about faith, we are happy to answer questions. If not, we simply love them and help them heal.
Many parents who are not Christians entrust their children to us because they see that we are here for the children, not for religious propaganda.
Yes, but with some restrictions:
Camps are often held outside Ukraine.
Open House:
– If possible, we will organize a day for parents.
– Parents can come, see their children, and talk to psychologists.
– It helps parents make sure that their child is doing well.
Why not permanently:
– Children need time to adapt to a new environment without parental anxiety.
– The presence of parents may prevent the child from opening up in therapy.
– A temporary "safe distance" is important for deep psychological work.
In special cases:
– If the child is having a very difficult time and cannot adapt, we call the parents and look for a solution.
– In emergencies, parents can arrive at any time.
Connection:
– Children can call their parents every evening (if this does not interfere with the therapeutic process).
– Parents receive daily photos and videos from the camp in a group chat.
Standard shift — 7-14 days. Optimal duration for psychological work — 10 days.
Why at least a week:
– The first 2-3 days — the child's adaptation
– Days 4–7 — active therapeutic work
– Days 8–10 — consolidating results, preparing for return
Yes, we don't abandon children after camp:
Follow-up program:
– After 1 month — a call from the psychologist to check how things are going
– After 3 months — follow-up consultation (online)
– After 6 months — assessment of long-term changes
Ongoing support:
– Children can sign up for free online consultations with our psychologist.
– Invitations to subsequent camps (many children return 2-3 times)
– Closed group for children and parents — communication, support
– If the family lives in the cities where we work, the child can come to our meetings at refugee centers.
