Summer camp for orphanage-leavers with children

This year we are still planning our summer camps for orphanage-leavers, but they will be rather different from usual.  Last year, our director was already very ill during the summer camps, but she was with us.  Sadly she died last autumn and life is not the same without her.  One of the practical issues we are facing is that our log cabin needs significant maintenance work.  In the past, Lena's family have very generously given their time to help us with this work.  So, this year we haven't been able to do the work that is needed so our usual site isn't usable.

This doesn't mean that the camp can't go ahead, it will just be rather different for our families than usual.  We have arranged the use of a clubhouse in the wider Leningrad region.  This won't be quite as beautiful as our usual remote setting, but there will still be plenty of space for our usual activities.  The important thing is that it is time away from the pressures of day-to-day routines, and a chance to concentrate on strengthening family relationships.  With our teenagers and young adults, we will go on a hike for three days, camping overnight.  This is a format we have used very successfully before.  For them too, the change of scene gives an opportunity to reflect, to gain new skills and grow in confidence.

Meanwhile, some things don't change.  We have chosen the families and young people who will benefit most from the intense experience of summer camp.  During May we have already met a couple of times with each group to plan and prepare for going away.  As ever, we expect our participants to share responsibility for the success of the trip, but we support them in their preparations.  They will need to make sure they book time off work, make it to the station in time to catch the train, and bring the right kit with them.  They may need to save up for their financial contribution.  We are pleased that both groups are taking their preparations seriously.  We're looking forward to two great trips.

We are very grateful to everyone who has donated for this year's camp.  It's not too late to contribute to this important highlight of our year.