Svitlyachok Camp: a space for rest and recovery for Children of Heroes
With the assistance of the International Charitable Organization «SOS Children’s Villages» Ukraine, the Children of Heroes Charitable Fund is implementing the «Strong Hearts: Psychosocial Support for Children of Heroes» project.
The project aims to:
– provide psychological support;
– create a safe space for the recovery of guardians and children who have lost a parent or whose parent is missing;
– build inner resources and a sense of grounding;
– support in both group and one-to-one sessions;
– deliver psychoeducation on children’s emotional states and developmental characteristics;
– strengthen parent–child relationships.
The first camp session took place in October. Amid the picturesque nature of the Carpathians, 80 children aged 3 to 7—and their mothers—were welcomed with rest, health-focused care, and a variety of activities to support development and restore a sense of safety.
After the intensive program, mothers reported greater emotional stability and reduced inner tension. In a space of mutual support and shared experience, they found the strength to care for their children, gradually regained resilience, and restored a sense of inner balance.
Children took part with curiosity in creative activities—drawing, working with plasticine, playing active games, and creating their own «superpower.»
«It felt like it was time to pause somewhere, think about myself, rest, and look around—especially at the mountains. I wanted peace: to finally sleep well, to take a break from all the anxiety and worry». This is how mother Anastasiia began her story about traveling with her daughter to the Svitlyachok camp.
Ksenia is four: lively, joyful, and always ready to dance or make new friends. Her mother says she finally felt calm and replenished, and Ksenia had the kind of active rest every child deserves. In the video, the family talks about the journey—what they felt and what stayed with them most.
For project participants, the camp became an important space of support: families were able to reduce the sense of isolation, share experiences, and restore their inner resources. For children, these were days of attention, play, and safety; for mothers, a chance to rest, receive support, and regain the strength to face everyday challenges. As a result, the foundations for new social connections were laid, which can become a long-term resource for families.
This material was created as part of the «SOS Children. Emergency Assistance Program» from the international charitable organization SOS Children’s Villages.
