The Season of Children’s Camps in Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Rivne Regions Has Come to an End

Throughout the summer, CITA missionaries organized camps for children in villages and towns of the Mykolaiv and Rivne regions, and in August—in Zaporizhzhia. The themes of this season were: “I’m a Fan!” (Zaporizhzhia), “Who’s Your Role Model?” (Mykolaiv), and “Jesus—My Authority” (Rivne). At the end, both organizers and children shared their impressions.

Mykolaiv Region

A team of missionaries and volunteers held eight camps in this region, reaching about 600 children in the villages of Arbuzynka, Myhiya, Dilnyche, Bilousivka, Mykhailivka, Radsad, and in the towns of Nova Odesa and Pervomaisk.

The camp program was called “Who’s Your Role Model?” The storyline placed the children in a photo studio called “Ideal,” where a photographer dealt with different kinds of people. Through these images, the children’s attention was turned to Jesus Christ: how He treated His friends, His disciples, strangers, and each person individually. The goal was to show that the true and only authority in life is Jesus, and His example of love and care teaches us how to treat others rightly and to follow Him.

“This camp is the reason I look forward to summer,” shared Kyrylo, 8 years old, a participant in one of the camps.

And Yehor, 14, admitted: “I thought nothing interesting would happen this summer, but I was wrong—you guys came, and everything started rolling.”

“Thank you for these three incredible days of camp! They were filled with joy, new friendships, laughter, and warm moments. Thank you for the games, the fun activities, the treats, and the heart-to-heart talks. This time will stay in my heart for a long time!” said 13-year-old Evangelina from Mykhailivka.

“The theme ‘Who’s Your Role Model?’ makes not only kids but also adults stop and think. When it came time to choose the program, we decided on this one because the question of authority is so important for children and teens at a certain age. That’s when they decide whom to follow. Our whole team tried to communicate that the best authority is Jesus.

Each camp had its own challenges, but we saw how God gradually worked them out. He united the team, even though the leaders came from different places and had very different personalities. The Lord also provided financially for camp needs. We also received special support from the ministers of the churches where we held the camps, and that was very encouraging. We are grateful to God for such a wonderful team with whom we were able to serve fruitfully this season,” said Raisa, one of the organizers of the Mykolaiv camps.

Svitlana, a leader at one of the camps in Mykolaiv, shared her observations of how, in just four days, children changed for the better simply through receiving attention and love from the organizers:

“Camp lasted only four days. Can anything really change in such a short time? But as I saw, these days became very special for the kids—even life-changing.

Many arrived shy, insecure, unsure of how to behave, and afraid to open up. The first day, it was hard to connect with them. But after seeing the sincerity and warmth of the leaders, the kids gradually opened up. They felt loved, welcomed, and valued here—and that is especially important for those who don’t experience enough attention and love in their everyday lives.

Day by day, the changes became noticeable. The kids began sharing their feelings and dreams, asking questions about life, relationships, and even biblical topics. They were genuinely interested in the Bible lessons: they listened carefully, remembered names, places, and stories, and after class, they would come up to ask more questions.

Singing and worship added a special atmosphere. For many, it was their first time singing Christian songs. The children also started getting along better with each other and making new friends.

Some became so attached to the leaders that, after camp ended, they asked for their contact information. For many, the leaders became the kind of people they could talk to openly, who could help them take another step closer to God.

Even teenagers—usually the hardest group to work with—showed openness. They actively participated in the Bible discussions, asked tough questions, and shared their personal struggles. Many also spoke about the pain caused by the war, since nearly all of them have faced loss or trauma. For them, it was very important to have someone they could trust, who could point them to God’s presence and hope.”

Zaporizhzhia Region

The camp “I’m a Fan!” in Zaporizhzhia gathered about 25 children.

The camp program was based on one developed by the “Rainbow” ministry, drawing from 20 years of experience in running summer youth camps rooted in God’s Word.

Each of the five days had its own theme. For example, on the first day the children learned about God’s creation of the world and the first people (in the program they were described as “fans,” and their community as God’s fan club).

After each lesson, children and their counselors discussed questions like: Is it possible to stay outside of any fan club? What happens when people try to make their own fan club? Why do people believe there are more than two fan clubs?

By the fourth day, the children learned that Jesus had become their most faithful fan and reflected on whether they were ready to become His fans.

The goal of the five-day camp was to show teens that people are created to worship God, that every decision has consequences not only for us but for others as well; to bring them to understand that the answer to the problem of sin and death is accepting Jesus Christ; and to explain the importance of being part of a church and not getting lost after camp ends.

In addition to discussion groups, the kids enjoyed outdoor sports relays, Lego, creative workshops, indoor games, and meals together.

“God gave us a wonderful time to meet and connect with children in one of the most difficult areas of Zaporizhzhia. Some of the kids we already knew, but new children and even their parents came as well. It was an incredibly valuable time when the kids could forget the realities of war for a while and enjoy being with peers. We also had the opportunity to share and show God’s love and the values of the Gospel,” said Ivan, a CITA missionary and camp leader.

“I like this camp! It’s fun here—you can play with Lego, make new friends, there’s lots of talking, the food is tasty, but I didn’t come just for the food. Here you can learn about God and believe, and God will help you with everything, even if you feel bad,” shared Denys, 12 years old.

Rivne Region

In one district of Rivne, a team of volunteers led by CITA missionaries organized and ran a three-day camp called “Jesus—My Authority” for more than 250 children.

According to missionary Viktor, on the first day they talked with the children about Jesus Christ and the importance of what He has done. The theme of the second day was the Bible. The children were taught how to interact with this unique book:

“At camp we had Bible and prayer groups where the youth of our church—the ones who organized the event—taught the children how to use the Bible and how to pray. The kids loved it! But I’ll also say, our team loved it too—they were so glad to serve in this way, sharing what they already know.”

The children immediately had a chance to practice what they learned about prayer. A soldier, the father of one of the campers, came to visit. After addressing the children and thanking the youth for the camp, the kids all prayed together for him and his brigade. He was deeply touched and grateful, and the children surrounded him with hugs.

For nearly 70 young people and teens from Rivne and the front-line Sumy region, CITA missionaries and church volunteers organized a camp in Yaremche, Ivano-Frankivsk region, in early August. Among the young participants were half-orphans, children from low-income families, and children whose parents are considered missing in action.

The youth retreat in the Carpathians was called “God Created You for More.” The participants were taught moral and spiritual values and encouraged to find the right path in life.

“We talked about different topics: premarital relationships, the Bible, prayer, calling. We shared with the kids the importance of accepting Jesus Christ. On the last evening of the retreat, we talked about repentance. It was such a joy to see many of them decide to follow Jesus Christ and raise their hands to pray a prayer of repentance,” shared Viktor.

The program also included exciting excursions: the Dovbush trails, a climb up Hoverla, a trip to Bukovel, waterfalls Huk and Probiy, and even jeep rides.

“Today we climbed Hoverla, and I’m so glad to be here. The hike wasn’t easy, but we all made it. It was such a great climb!” said Illia, one of the participants.

For Nastia, what stood out most was Bukovel, because she and her friends got to ride the ski lift.

Another amazing camp took place in July in the Rivne region, in the local “Swiss Alps of the Sluch River.” For four days, 30 teens and young people from the Christ Is the Answer church rafted down the Sluch River, camped in tents, and enjoyed tasty food cooked in a big pot over the fire. But most importantly—they spent time together.

According to CITA missionary Viktor Khrystiuk, the main focus of the retreat was strengthening friendships, resting together in nature, and getting to know one another more closely.

“Every morning we read from Proverbs and found so much wisdom there. The last evening was also special: the youth created a wonderful game. Each person drew a slip of paper with the name of a biblical character, found the story in the Bible, and throughout the day tried to imitate that character’s actions. I got Adam, and my task was to give everyone nicknames. 

At first, I thought of doing it as a joke, but that evening around the campfire, God gave me a word for each child. As I prayed, I felt I needed to highlight their strengths—even their calling to ministry. It was so fitting that everyone was deeply moved.

And the rafting itself left incredible impressions—everyone said it was so amazing, and they’re already dreaming of going again,” Viktor said.

Camps are one of the evangelism tools in the work of the Christ Is the Answer (CITA) missionaries. Through camps, children can experience childhood again despite hard times such as war; they can rest, regain strength, and hear the Gospel in a way that’s clear and relatable—through play.

CITA Ministry Press Center.