The spring 2017 camp's theme is going to revolve around "What it means to be a Believer". People all over the world think of Christians with a different context, but one of the overarching one that is expected is that they are the "do gooders", who do not smoke, drink, or "have fun". This is not what it means to be a believer of Jesus. Instead, we are going to show the students what Jesus said that we should do. It is about being a good person, following the commandments, and doing what is right. Christians tend to put their priorities in the world, looking outwardly instead of inwardly, placing their complete faith in His will and follow His plan, giving full control to Him to allow Him to use their skills, talents, and passions to further His plan.
During school breaks in Ukrainian orphanages, there isn't much to do and the kids tend to be bored. Orphanages are often open to having Christian groups come in and put on a camp program for the kids (including Bible lessons and other Christian aspects of the program) so that they can allow their workers to take vacations and simultaneously the kids are entertained. So… the door is open!
Our camp takes place in Cherkassy Ukraine, about two and a half hours outside of Kiev, Ukraine. The camp takes place at a campground called Kompass Park, in a small village, with three buildings, a soccer field, and a large open space in the back yard. The rural village allows for the kids to be able to spend most of the day outside, playing games and participating in our activities. The camp takes place here twice a year, last year having our first summer camp added to the mix.
Each camp has a different focus, where we will center our activities, talks, and events around. The camp started in 2005 by John Kinsley and others. Each camp has a different demographic, whether it is just the high schoolers, middle schoolers, or all ages, which gives the leaders the ability to completely dedicate time and resources to the specific needs of the children. The camp’s purpose is to bring children who would otherwise have idle hands while their friends were home for break to a place where they can have fun and learn more about God. Safe Haven is a transition home for young adults that have graduated from a State-run orphanage, in Kaniv. They provide housing to students attending college or university. Students are expected to follow house rules, do chores, and attend weekly house meetings. This creates a sense of family for young adults that may have never experienced this. Students must be invited to live at the house, which typically happens between our spring camp and the last bell (graduation). The house mom and dad are Bogdan and Anya.
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