25.08.2026
From August 10 to 18, 25 teenagers from internally displaced and military families who attend the “SviTY” space in Khmelnytskyi joined a recovery camp in the Carpathian Mountains. This session was the fourth and final one this summer. It was 8 days filled with various activities, adventures, and new experiences, with the primary goal of the children’s psychological recovery.
Emotional Recovery and Peace of Mind
The main result for us is the tangible positive changes in the children’s well-being. After the camp, 91% of participants reported feeling joy, and 86% reported feeling calm. Thanks to a rich program and focused work on complex emotions, the number of teenagers experiencing fatigue decreased from 38% to 22%. We also managed to significantly reduce the level of anxiety or fear—from 25% to 14%. At the same time, the share of participants who felt completely safe rose from 23% to 32%.
Social Interaction and Inner Confidence
The camp became a place where teenagers could overcome communication barriers and find common ground with their peers. At the beginning of the camp, 13% of participants noted that it was difficult for them to connect with others. However, after the session ended, there were absolutely no such responses. This proves that the children learned to interact, trust one another, and feel at ease.
Participants’ Feedback
The most accurate testament to the camp’s value comes from the teenagers themselves. Here are the main changes they highlighted:
“I understand my emotions better.”
“I feel more confident.”
“I learned to easily find common ground with people and take on responsibility.”
These words confirm that true change happens where there is acceptance, support, and a safe space. The children return home stronger and more open to the world.
The “SviTY” psychosocial recovery program is implemented at the initiative of the KIDS OF UKRAINE Charity Foundation. The first, third, and fourth camp sessions were held with the support of Academy of Advanced Aesthetics. Thank you for helping support the recovery of teenagers.
