Childhood means summer break, laughter, adventures, new friends, songs by the guitar, campfires, and stars that feel so close… It’s a time when every day is filled with discoveries and long-awaited fun!
We all remember the thrill of waiting for summer break — that moment when the final school bell rings and the world opens up to joy and freedom.
Sadly, many children in Ukraine are now spending their summer hearing air raid sirens instead of laughter, and explosions instead of music. Their childhood is unfolding in the shadow of war.
But war shouldn’t cancel childhood. In fact, now more than ever, kids need a place where they can simply be kids — where they can laugh, play, make friends, feel safe, learn something new, and just live.
CITA missionaries are continuing their tradition of hosting summer camps in the combat zones — Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. This year, our teams are determined to bring joy and care to every child — to give a real summer to the ones who need it the most.
We’re launching the “Childhood Without a Pause” summer camp fundraiser:
Dates: April 28 – July 1
Goal: 15,000 UAH
Cost per child: 100 UAH
Expenses include:
- Cookies for tea time
- Craft materials
- Picnic food
- Drinking water
- Ice cream
What can kids expect at CITA summer camps?
Every day at camp is packed with fun activities and genuine care. Kids will join morning and evening programs filled with games, laughter, and spiritual truth. They’ll enjoy delicious lunches, snacks, and outdoor picnics — everything to create a space full of joy, comfort, and safety.
Our missionaries are already deep in preparation — choosing themes, decorations, props, scripts, and creative ways to share the Gospel. Each camp will have its own unique idea, making it an unforgettable experience for every child.
Inna Titova, a minister from the Mykolaiv region, shares:
“Our theme this year is ‘Who Is Your Authority?’. We’ll explore the character of Jesus through His relationships — with friends, disciples, others, and most importantly, with each of us personally. The program will be set up like a photo studio where each child will be able to reflect on who truly holds authority in their life. We want to help kids see that the ultimate authority — the One they can always turn to — is Jesus Christ.”
Join the fundraiser through the link!
Together, we can fill children’s hearts with warmth, joy, and God’s love.
UPD. “We sincerely thank everyone who supported the initiative “Christ is the Answer” and the fundraising for summer camps in southern and eastern Ukraine. Thanks to your donations, the support of sponsors and partners, and the sacrificial work of CITA volunteers and missionaries, we were able to hold wonderful camps for children. The fundraising campaign is over, but the project will continue until the end of summer—there is still a lot of exciting stuff ahead!” said CITA Executive Director Olena Volkodayeva.
Mykolaiv region: Four camps have already been held in the villages of Arbuzinka, Myhiia, Dilnyche, and the city of Pervomaisk for about 350 children from different families, including IDPs, children of military personnel, and fallen heroes. Two more camps will be held in August—in Nova Odesa and the village of Mykhailivka.
Kharkiv region: 60 children attended the camp in the village of Murafa, with all needs covered by caring people and no project funds used.
Zaporizhzhia: we are already holding the “I’m a Fan!” camp (August 4-8), for which snacks and water have been purchased.
Total collected:
- UAH 6,000 – through Monobank;
- UAH 9,000 – sponsorship for sweets, equipment, gifts, and transportation.
Thank you to everyone who contributed! Thanks to you, children from the war zone are having a joyful, safe, and loving summer.