Recovery Camps for Ukraine's Children

The “Firefly” psychological camp took place in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and brought together mothers and children aged 3 to 10 who have lost one or both parents due to the war in Ukraine.

The camp provided a safe and supportive environment where families could rest, recover, and participate in psychological, educational, and creative activities. The program was specifically designed to support the emotional well-being of children and caregivers while strengthening family bonds and helping participants build meaningful connections with others facing similar experiences.

The combination of professional psychological support, group activities, and time spent in nature had a positive impact on both children and mothers. Children became calmer, more confident, and more open to social interaction, while mothers reported reduced stress levels and a renewed sense of emotional strength. The shared experience helped families feel less isolated and more connected to a supportive community.

Project Impact Story #1

The Family of Pavlo, Anastasiia, and Their Mother Olesia

After the death of their father during a combat mission in October 2024, the family experienced a period of profound grief and uncertainty. Due to ongoing security concerns, they were also forced to relocate from Zaporizhzhia to Dnipro.

Olesia struggled with feelings of loneliness and emotional exhaustion. Her daughter, Anastasiia, became withdrawn and found it difficult to cope with the loss of her father, while Pavlo deeply missed the support and attention that only a father could provide.

Participating in the Firefly camp gave the family a much-needed opportunity to step away from daily anxieties, receive professional psychological support, and connect with other families who had experienced similar losses.

According to Olesia, the program helped her restore her emotional resources and better understand the feelings and needs of her children. Following the camp, Anastasiia became more open, made new friends, and regained some of her joyfulness. Pavlo grew more confident and self-assured.

The family noted that the most valuable aspects of the program were the opportunity to connect with others who understood their experiences, the support of psychologists, new friendships, and shared activities that contributed to the emotional recovery of the entire family.

Project Impact Story #2

The Family of Mariana and Her Mother Anna

In September 2023, Mariana's father was killed while carrying out a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia region. The loss had a devastating impact on the family. Later, due to constant shelling and the threat of occupation, they were forced to leave their hometown of Kramatorsk and relocate to Kremenchuk.

At the time of her father's death, Mariana was only three years old. Although she did not fully understand the loss, she deeply missed her father. Anna recalls that during the first months after the tragedy, caring for her daughter gave her the strength to continue moving forward.

Participation in the Firefly camp provided the family with an opportunity to rest, experience a change of environment, and build new friendships. For Anna, sessions with a psychologist were especially valuable, helping her better manage anxiety and process difficult emotions.

Mariana eagerly participated in activities with the camp educators and gradually became more open and socially engaged. Through professional support and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the camp, the family gained important tools for emotional recovery and adaptation to their new circumstances.

Results and Impact

Through the Firefly psychological camp, families affected by the loss of a parent due to the war gained access to professional psychological support, peer connection, and restorative experiences in a safe environment.

The program helped children improve their emotional well-being, develop confidence, and build social connections, while caregivers reported reduced stress, increased resilience, and renewed emotional resources. Most importantly, families left the camp feeling less alone in their grief and more prepared to navigate the challenges ahead.

We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving donors whose support makes programs like Firefly possible and helps Ukrainian children and their families continue their healing journey.