Therapeutic Camp 2025 - Real Support for Children

Summary

Thanks to your support, we successfully organized the Winter Therapeutic Camp 2025 for young people leaving foster care and residential institutions. The camp provided a safe space where participants could rest, rebuild emotional balance, and develop practical life skills necessary for independent living.

For many of them, this was the first time they experienced stability, attentive relationships, and structured support outside the institutional system.

What We Achieved

• Number of participants: 28 young people (aged 17–22)
• Duration: 7 days
• Location: Therapeutic center outside the city, providing a calm and safe environment
• Support team: 6 specialists (psychologists, educators, mentors)

Key outcomes:

• Participants took part in daily therapeutic group sessions focused on emotions, relationships, and coping mechanisms
• Each person had access to individual psychological support
• We conducted practical workshops on:
  • managing a budget
  • finding employment
  • navigating everyday responsibilities
• Young people developed basic independence skills (planning, cooperation, decision-making)

Why This Matters

Young people leaving care often enter adulthood without:

• stable support networks
• emotional security
• practical life preparation

The transition is abrupt and often overwhelming.

This camp addressed both:

• emotional needs (trauma, loneliness, lack of trust)
• practical challenges (housing, work, finances)

By combining therapy with real-life skills, we helped participants build a stronger foundation for independence.

Voices from Participants

“For the first time, I felt like someone actually listened to me.”

“I learned things no one ever taught me before – like how to manage money or deal with stress.”

“I’m leaving with a plan, not just fear.”

Challenges

Working with young people with complex life experiences required:

• flexible program adjustments
• individual approaches to participation and engagement
• creating a safe environment where trust could develop gradually

Some participants initially struggled to open up or engage in group activities. However, over time, most became more involved and willing to participate.

What’s Next

The camp was not a one-time intervention. After its completion:

• participants were connected to ongoing support programs
• selected individuals entered long-term mentoring and independence pathways
• we are continuing individual follow-ups with those most at risk

We are also working on scaling this model to reach more young people across Poland.

How You Made This Possible

Your support directly enabled:

• access to professional psychological care
• a safe and supportive environment
• practical preparation for independent living

You didn’t just fund a camp.
You helped create a real turning point in young people’s lives.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful for your trust and support.
Together, we are building a system that gives young people leaving care a real chance at independence.