Recovery Camps for Ukraine's Children

Today, our foundation cares for nearly 14,000 children, and sadly, that number keeps growing every single day.
These children have lost their parents because of the war — and with that loss, they have lost their sense of safety, trust, and childhood.
That’s why our Recovery Camps program is one of our most impactful ways to help them heal, socialize, and dream again.

Why Camps Matter So Much

In just 3.5 years, 4,575 children have attended our camps.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, 1,041 children have already had this life-changing experience.
However, more than 1,700 children are still waiting for their turn to find relief, friendship, and strength in these camps.

Psychological recovery camps help children build on the progress they make with their individual therapy sessions.
The goal is to help kids understand their emotions, behaviors, and reactions related to losing someone they love — and to learn self-regulation and communication skills in a safe, supportive community.

How the Camps Work

Children take part in resource-focused activities such as art therapy, which works with the subconscious and helps kids gather inner strength to face and process traumatic memories.

Creative workshops are an essential part of the program — they inspire and spark positive emotions, giving children energy for the deeper psychological work they do.

We also include cinema therapy: kids watch carefully selected films or cartoons with meaningful storylines. Afterwards, they discuss the plot, the characters’ choices, and reflect on how these lessons can help them in their own lives.

Beyond therapy, camps create a safe space for kids to reconnect with peers, make new friends, trust caring adults, and simply feel like kids again — even if just for a while.

David: A Story of Hope

David, a 13-year-old boy from the Rivne region, is the younger son of fallen Hero Viacheslav Samkov.
His father’s death in October 2024 left a deep mark on David’s life. Already quiet and shy, he completely shut down, stopped communicating with classmates, and became the target of bullying at school. His speech difficulties make him even more vulnerable.

David’s mother, Natalia, was deeply worried about her son and was grateful for the chance to send him to a camp with a dedicated psychological recovery program.
Camp psychologists observed David and confirmed he needs ongoing help — support to feel accepted by others and to develop social skills.
Now, thanks to the camp experience, his mom received professional recommendations and knows which steps to take next. David will soon begin individual sessions with a foundation psychologist. His mother will also receive counseling to build emotional stability and learn how to better connect with her son.

Together We Make Healing Possible

Every child who goes to camp gains so much more than a break from everyday life.
They find space to heal, tools to understand themselves, and courage to believe in tomorrow.

Your support means the world to each Hero’s child. Thank you for making our Recovery Camps possible — and for standing with Ukraine’s children on their journey from loss to hope.