In the lush beauty of Ukraine’s Carpathian mountains, a unique summer camp brings together 50 children from Ukraine, each grappling with the pain of missing loved ones due to the ongoing war. Fifteen-year-old Dima recalls the last time he heard from his father, who joined the military when Russia invaded. “Dad said he would do everything to ensure I could live a normal life,” Dima remembers, as he and his peers light candles around a campfire to honor those they’ve lost.
This camp, run by the charity Gen.Ukrainian, serves as a sanctuary where children affected by the war can find solace together. The Ukrainian government reports over 70,000 people missing, with many of these children facing dual traumas, having not just lost parents but extended family members as well. “They live in a frozen state," explains psychologist Vanui Martirosyan, emphasizing the ongoing struggle of not knowing the fate of their loved ones.
During their time at camp, children engage in group therapy sessions, explore their emotions through art therapy, and discover healing through physical activities like hiking. Activities help them connect, laugh, and temporarily escape from the constant fear of bombardments, like in Nastia’s hometown of Kharkiv, which endures frequent airstrikes.
As the camp concludes, children express fond memories of their absent parents, hope for their return, and a sense of belonging with others who understand their pain. Despite the profound grief, Oksana Lebedieva, the camp founder, recognizes the importance of solidarity and shared experiences in building resilience. “It’s crucial they see they are not alone,” she states, underscoring the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Ukrainian children.
