From late June to mid-July, evangelical churches in the Poltava region of Ukraine organised a day camp for families raising children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities.
A total of 69 participants, ranging in age from 5 to 40, took part, with various intellectual, physical, or mental disabilities. Every camper was accompanied by a parent or caregiver, while a team of 12 volunteers served faithfully throughout the programme.
Despite temperatures exceeding 38°C and the ongoing dangers of war, the camp was held safely. On the second day, a ballistic missile struck just a few hundred metres from the camp location, and one night, Russian drones attacked nearby. The Lord protected the children, their families, and the volunteer team, and the campsite remained unharmed.
Each day began with prayer, worship, and group activities, and ended with fellowship and thanksgiving to God. For many of the campers, this was a rare opportunity to visit places and enjoy activities that are usually inaccessible to them in everyday life.
John, aged 13, is autistic and nonverbal. He enjoys going to school, taking walks, and spending time with his dog.
At this year’s camp, John felt safe and comfortable. He was free to express his emotions, and the team thoughtfully cared for his emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. For his mum, the greatest joy was simply seeing her son happy.
Julia, aged 14, has Down Syndrome. She and her younger sister love coming to summer camp, where they can relax, make friends, and learn in a caring environment.
For their mum, one of the greatest blessings is seeing how warmly her daughters are welcomed. The girls are free to be themselves without fear of judgement, while experiencing genuine care and love. Julia’s mum has begun reading the Bible and says that through the kindness and compassion of the people they have met, her family has come to experience God’s love.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the camp was that not only the children but also their parents received care and attention. The camp became a place of acceptance, compassion, and support, where families could experience joy together and hear about God’s love.