UCM first started running summer camps for children and teenagers back in 1997, and these quickly became a significant area of ministry for us. They continue to be an annual highlight for our churches, and many have expanded their programmes to include similar activities in the Easter and Christmas holidays as well.

One of the most encouraging aspects of this ministry is looking back at those who attended when they were young, to see that as adults they have grown to be faithful Christian leaders themselves, thanks to seeds planted and nurtured at summer camps. One of those is Olya Nedoluga, who serves in children's and youth ministry in Borguslavets church. She shared with us how camps have been significant in her Christian life, and why as an adult she is so committed to working with young people.

“Children are our future, and we have a great responsibility in bringing the gospel to them. One of the most effective methods for this is children's Christian camps. I know this from my own experience: every summer I had the opportunity to go to summer camp, which I looked forward to.

“Camps were like a breath of fresh air; a place where love and goodness reign, where you are accepted and appreciated. Going to camp gave me many Christian friends who later influenced my life and introduced me to Jesus Christ. It was at camp that I found the faithful, loving friends with whom I share ministry today.

“Where I am in my life now, in ministry, and in knowing Christ - the children's camps played a big role in laying the foundation for all of that. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for the camps and getting to know God and his children there. I am very grateful to God that in his time he encouraged and equipped people for the ministry of leading camps, which changed my life and the lives of many of my friends.

“Proverbs 22:6 tells us, ‘Train a young man in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.’ Children are our future, and how they grow up depends on us. God entrusts us with them, and we can shape them through such ministry as children's camps. It is important and it bears fruit in due time; maybe not as quickly as we would like, but when the Word of God is sown, it will surely germinate.”

Since February 2022, camps have become even more important as children’s lives have been so severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. Disruption to the education system that had not even recovered from the challenges of Covid; a downturn in the economy increasing deprivation; mass mobilisation leading to the absence (sometimes permanent) of father figures – all these have served to destabilise day-to-day life, especially for the younger generation. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, summer camps are both an anchor and an escape for many young people.

It has been a privilege to support our churches’ summer camps since they began, and it is a joy to see them flourish as they draw many children and teenagers into safe and happy spaces where they can hear the gospel. Even the ongoing conflict has not stopped this ministry and we trust that this year will be no different – summer camps will continue to provide the firm foundations upon which lives of leadership and service are built.