The Svitlyachok Camp: The Fund Continues to Support Children and Their Mothers Through Joint Recovery
The fourth session of the “Svitlyachok” camp, organized by the Children of Heroes Charity Fund, recently concluded in the village of Polyanytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk region. Svitlyachok is a special place where almost 400 children have been able to rest and recover. The format is unique because it involves both children and their mothers (or legal guardians) on a shared journey of healing.
The Svitlyachok camp is a part of the Fund’s systemic efforts, which have provided comprehensive support for over three years to children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. Based on this extensive experience, the Fund’s team of specialists creates programs that combine therapeutic and socialization tools specifically adapted for those who have experienced loss. The camp’s name wasn’t chosen by chance — svitlyachok (a firefly) is a metaphor for those who, despite the darkness they’ve faced, retain the ability to shine, grow, and fill others with light.
The camp’s format addresses both key family members—the child and their mother—and the program is designed so that therapeutic and recreational activities reinforce each other. At the same time, the structured yet flexible schedule allows for deep psychological work to be combined with quality rest.
With the support of Skellar, Asia Food, TM “Oleyna,” Credit Agricole, and Nadiia Project, 353 children and 292 guardians have already attended the camp this year. Three more sessions are currently planned. Those who have already had the chance to visit Svitlyachok camp shared their impressions:
“We are so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to attend the camp. We had a great and very useful time. We’re leaving full of positive emotions, incredible energy, and a good mood. Thank you for your work,” told one of the participants.
Another mother added, “Thank you so much for this bright, colorful, and exciting adventure! Thanks to all the organizers, sponsors, counselors, and psychologists for your hard work, for working with us and our children, for the incredible excursions and fun entertainment program! Time at the camp flew by in the beautiful setting of our Carpathians. The children were very happy, with a ton of emotions and impressions.”
Camp participants took part in psychological sessions in both individual and group formats, practiced art therapy, and attended psychoeducational lectures. A rich leisure program was also prepared for the families, including excursions, walks, themed evenings, concerts, movie screenings, partner yoga, stretching, music therapy, and many other interesting activities.
The Children of Heroes CF continues to expand its psychological support because the demand remains consistently high. Approximately 60 children who need comprehensive support join the Fund every week. We invite you to join us in funding our psychological programs to help us continue providing support to families who need it.
