Ukrainian children enjoy a break from the horrors of war

The camp gave its young participants the opportunity to have fun, relax and escape life in a war zone.

BY IVAN BEREZKIN

The Salvation Army in Sweden recently gave 40 Ukrainian children a two-week reprieve from war and air raids by hosting a two-week summer camp.

The children from Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Dnipro were invited to the camp in Skeppsgården, on Sweden’s south-east coast.

“These children, despite their young age, have seen and experienced the horrors of war, and have lost and continue losing their family members and friends. The war in Ukraine is mercilessly hitting children,” said Ukrainian Divisional Commander Major Kostyantyn Shvab.

“The Salvation Army Ukraine Division expresses appreciation to the Swedish Salvation Army and all donors for organising this vacation for 40 Ukrainian children. Therefore, I would like the Swedish Salvation Army initiative to continue so that even more Ukrainian children can have such a rest, and not only during the summer holidays.

“Two weeks free from war and air raids. Protection and support for Ukrainian children is the key to Ukraine’s future. Children must be protected from suffering. This is vital for their health and future.”

The camp offered a range of activities for the children, including rowing, swimming, campfires, games and crafts.

The children also visited Astrid Lindgren’s World (a theme park in honour of the Swedish author), where they could explore environments based on characters from her books, such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil from Lonneberga, Karlsson who lives on the roof, and others.

A range of nutritious meals was served to the group, including certain delicacies sampled for the first time, which helped support the children’s physical recovery from the impacts of living in a war zone.

UNICEF has published significant data concerning the situation in Ukraine related to children’s access to essential services such as adequate nutrition and housing.

Approximately 70 per cent, equating to 3.5 million children, are without this necessary access. Therefore, the Children’s Ministry of The Salvation Army in Ukraine, supported by international branches of The Salvation Army, plays a vital role in shaping the future of Ukrainian children.

Organisers said the camp was a time of many memorable moments and an opportunity for the young people to experience childhood again.