Camps are one of the key tools for evangelism used by the missionaries of CITA Ministry.
A camp is an opportunity for kids to:
- dive into what’s rightfully theirs—childhood—even during hard times like war;
- rest and recover;
- hear the Gospel in a simple, playful, and relatable way.
The usual camp program includes fun relay races, outdoor games, sports activities, songs and skits, snacks, creative workshops, evening hangouts around the fire, gifts, trips to the mountains, rafting down mountain rivers, excursions, group prayers, seminars, and art therapy.
Every year, to create an exciting atmosphere, the organizers choose a unique theme for each camp. That theme shapes the decorations, activities, and the way the Good News is shared with young hearts.
During the summer, CITA missionaries run 3–5 day kids’ camps in Mykolaiv region, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv region, Ternopil region, Rivne region, and the Carpathians (off-site camps).
These camps also become a powerful way to reach parents with the Gospel. At the end of each camp session, kids put on a performance for their families. During these events, ministers share God’s Word with the adults.
Off-site camps are also held for orphans, children of fallen soldiers, kids from at-risk families, and children who’ve been displaced by war.
Feedback from teens from Berdyansk (Zaporizhzhia region):
“I really loved the camp, especially the mountain hike. We went rafting and had a blast—it was such an awesome experience! I made new friends and really enjoyed the topics we studied. The one that stood out to me was ‘Addiction.’ I realized that God can set me free from being addicted to my phone. On the last day of camp, God touched my heart and I repented.”
— Lev Dmytriienko
“I really liked the mountain hike—not everyone was brave enough to make it to the top, but our team made it all the way. I liked the topic about ‘Fears.’ I learned that there are different kinds—some that protect us from doing dumb stuff, and others that hold us back from reaching our goals. On the last evening, God touched my heart and I turned to Him.”
— Mykhailo Vorobiov
“We talked about different topics like ‘Fear’ and ‘Addiction,’ and God set me free—I used to smoke and live a messed-up life. But the Lord saved me! My mom has drifted away from God, but now I pray for her.”
— Vlad Izlatiev
“I loved rafting and mountain hiking. When we talked about addiction, I realized I’m addicted to social media. But now I know that God can set me free from that.”
— Tamara Marchenko
“Camps are so important because kids—especially teens—get a chance to open up and discover their gifts. That’s really needed right now, when they’re stuck at home and missing real-life connection. In places like Druzhkivka (Donetsk region), because of constant shelling, parents don’t allow kids to attend clubs or sports. The kids said it makes them really sad, but at camp, they were able to express themselves and show their talents.”
— Maria, a children’s club minister in Zaporizhzhia
According to missionary Inna Titova, after camps in the Mykolaiv region, parents in Nova Odesa said they’d be happy to bring their kids to a Sunday school club at the local church.
