The National Camp Counselor Training by YMCA Ukraine brought together in Lutsk (May 24 to 26), camp leaders from various YMCA branches across the country and has left a lasting impression on its participants.
According to their feedback, several sessions stood out as particularly impactful and enjoyable.
Here are some of the main sessions that truly made a difference to the participants:
Mental Health First Aid: Trauma-Healing
Participants found this session crucial, as it provided essential tools for supporting the mental health of both campers and counsellors. The focus on trauma-healing was particularly relevant given the current context in Ukraine.
Camp Marketing
This session equipped camp leaders with innovative strategies to promote their camps effectively, ensuring greater reach and engagement with potential campers and their families.
Camp Spirit & Spirituality at Camp
Exploring the spiritual aspect of camp life, this session highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging, enriching the overall camp experience.
Apart from these incredible sessions, participants had a real experiential learning journey while re-connecting and building strategic synergies within the camp program:
Morning Picnic by the River
Featuring games, dancing, and arts & crafts workshops, this activity offered a delightful start to the day, fostering camaraderie and creativity among the counselors.
“Mind Games” Trivia Program
This evening event was both fun and intellectually stimulating, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and mental exercise.
Sightseeing Tour to Lutsk
Participants enjoyed a tour of the medieval castle and the old city of Lutsk, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.
The main initiative has been to empower and motivate camp leaders, successfully equipping them with the skills and camp capacity needed to run exceptional summer camps for children and youth across Ukraine.
These leaders are now prepared to create safe, joyful, and enriching environments where young people can learn new skills, build connections, and make lasting memories.
YMCA Ukraine extends its heartfelt gratitude for the support of its programs during these challenging times. Amid the chaos of the war’s aftermath, YMCA continues to bring joy and provide safe spaces for children to thrive.
Special thanks are due to the various YMCA Camping conferences attended this year and in the past, including MACC in the USA, Campacity in Spain, and Cultural Exchange in Hong Kong. The knowledge and experience shared by global partners and friends have been invaluable, reinforcing the YMCA’s mission and impact.
The National Camp Counselor Training by YMCA Ukraine has proven to be a resounding success, leaving a positive impact on all participants.
With the knowledge and experiences gained, camp leaders are ready to create memorable and transformative camp experiences for children and youth throughout Ukraine.