Inclusive Summer Adventure Camp Launched in Cherkasy Region — A Space for Support, Friendship and Self-Discovery
The Cherkasy regional and city branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with the Zhaha Zhyttia Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation, have launched a unique initiative that blends leisure, personal development, and volunteering. One of the camp’s special features is the involvement of young people with disabilities as volunteers during the children’s session, offering not just support but a space for self-expression, building confidence, and forming meaningful connections.
The idea for the camp was born in the spring, when the Ukrainian Red Cross team began visiting the children at the Centre. What started as weekly meetings soon developed into strong friendships and a shared goal: to create a truly special summer.
Over the course of two months, the team carefully designed the programme to reflect the interests and needs of the participants, adapting tasks and planning inclusive activities to ensure that everyone could take part, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging.
The camp began on 1 July and will run throughout the month in two shifts:
- for young people with disabilities aged 18–40
- for children with disabilities aged 6–18
In total, 37 participants will take part in the camp.
The programme includes:
- Active games, creative workshops, and masterclasses
- Exploring the cultural heritage of the region
- Excursions, a visit to the zoo, and an open-air cinema
- Promotion of volunteering and community involvement
- Friendship, emotional connection, and mutual support
The first week of the camp was all about getting to know one another — deeply, sincerely, and genuinely. Participants shared their stories and dreams, while volunteers learned to recognise and value each individual as unique. These moments laid the foundation for trust and meaningful collaboration.
“These aren’t just activities — they create an environment where trust, new roles, and new opportunities can emerge,” say the organisers. For example, one of the participants, Illia, has already joined the team as a volunteer, helping with activities and preparing for the next session, where he will work with children.
Nataliia Voronkina, Director of the Zhaha Zhyttia Centre, shared:
“We’ve long dreamed of a camp like this. For our children and adults with disabilities, it’s more than just leisure — it’s a way to stay engaged in society, to grow, and to gain valuable experiences. Two months of holidays is too long without communication or activities, so the Adventure Camp is exactly what we needed!”
The camp was organised by a team of 22 volunteers and specialists from the Cherkasy regional and city branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross, working closely with staff from the Centre. Together, they created an inclusive and adaptable programme that responds to individual needs with care and flexibility.
The initiative is being implemented with the support of the BraVo project and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross.