Sometimes the best way to understand the results of our work is not through numbers or reports, but through the words of the people it was created for.
After the VIDNOVAcamp sessions held within the project “Comprehensive Support for Children, Families and Communities Affected by the War”, we received many messages from parents. Their words speak about children's joy, new friendships, meaningful experiences and something simple yet extremely important: the feeling of being safe.
“This camp felt like a breath of fresh air.”
“My child came home happy, full of energy and unforgettable impressions!”
“Our son loved absolutely everything. When he is happy, his eyes light up and he is full of joyful emotions, and that makes us incredibly happy too!”
These are exactly the kinds of experiences VIDNOVAcamp was created for.
For some children, it was their first camp. For others, it was an opportunity to spend less time on their phones for a few days, meet new friends and try something new. For others still, it was simply a place where they felt heard, supported and accepted.
One parent's comment captures this especially well:
“It is so difficult to find the right approach to teenagers and get them away from their phones, but you managed to do it!”
Learning through experience
VIDNOVAcamp brought together recreation, communication and learning. During the safety-themed camps, children did not simply listen to explanations. They played, explored real-life situations, worked together, created things and learned how to use new knowledge in practice.
Parents particularly appreciated this combination of learning and enjoyment:
“They had fun, learned, took part in activities, even had lunch - thank you for everything! You are really great!”
“Thank you for the camp, for the useful safety programme, the organisational effort and the opportunity for our child to gain new experience.”
What mattered was not only what children learned, but also how they felt during their time at the camp.
“You created an incredibly warm, safe and friendly atmosphere. Our daughter was excited to come back every morning.”
“Our sincere thanks to the entire camp team for an unforgettable experience and for the care, safety and joy you gave the children.”
Sometimes the result can be expressed in just a few words:
“Our little one practically grew wings with pride.”
Behind every story is a team
Behind each of these comments is a child's individual story. And behind every story is the daily work of a team that develops the programme, prepares activities, looks for engaging formats, takes care of safety and tries to find the right approach for every child.
Parents repeatedly mentioned the people who worked with their children during the camps:
“Your team is made up of very kind and wonderful people.”
“A wonderful camp concept and a wonderful team - professional and patient.”
“Special thanks to all the educators and mentors for their care, patience, attention and love for our children.”
These words are especially meaningful to us. They show that the space we created reflects what we hoped to achieve: giving children safety, support, communication, new experiences and the opportunity simply to be children.
We are grateful to every family that entrusted us with their child, to every participant of VIDNOVAcamp, and to every parent who took the time to share their impressions with us.
For us, these messages are more than kind words. They show that children return home with new knowledge, new friends, strong emotions and the feeling that these days were something special.
VIDNOVAcamp continues in these memories, friendships and children's stories. And its most important result remains a simple feeling that a child can take away with them: I feel good here. I am interested. I am safe.
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Project implemented by CAHR VESTED within the project grant programme "Comprehensive Support for Children, Families, and Communities Affected by the War", financed by the European Union and implemented by the Representative Office of the Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine within the PRO_MentalHealth Psychosocial Program.