How Camp Is Changing Lives in Ukraine

By Trisha Priebe Jul 12, 2016 3 Min Read

Endless laughter, sunkissed faces, lifelong friends…

With summer officially underway, camps here in the U.S. and around the world are in full swing. At Lifesong Ukraine, staff and children are in the midst of their busy camp season. These 5- to 7-day camps include studying the Bible, playing games, hiking outdoors, and singing around the campfire. Would you pray with us that God would be pleased to bless this summer camp season abundantly?

During the past 5 years, over 5,000 campers have attended one of Lifesong Ukraine’s summer camps. This staggering statistic has provided an unprecedented opportunity to invest in the lives of these orphaned and vulnerable children in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

It was my dream come true; I never felt so great in any of the camps before.
–Yarik (18)

In part because of relationships established or strengthened during the summer camp season, 84% of the children in orphanages served by Lifesong Ukraine continue on to attend programs where they are discipled by Christian mentors who reinforce the truth that Jesus loves them. Nearly 200 graduates are engaged in the church. 93 graduates are employed on the Lifesong farm.

The benefits of attending camp are truly endless.

Meet Luba.

15-year-old Luba is in the 8th grade. Surrendered as a baby, Luba has no memories and no contact with her mother. Understandably, growing up, Luba responded to this pain with apathy toward school and aggression toward adults.
Luba began attending Lifesong Ukraine’s camps and spent time with staff and campers who were determined to show her the love of Jesus. As each week of camp progressed, so, too, did her trust for others. It didn’t take long for her to make a good friend, Nastya–

Luba and Nastya now visit each other on the weekends and attend church together. Luba has a beautiful voice and loves to praise the Lord in song. She is still contemplating her future with Christ, but she is open to the truth of God’s love now more than ever.
When asked to share what mattered most to her about camp, Luba listed reading the Bible, praying, and worshipping.

God is using the camp in Ukraine to impact the lives of many children just like Luba who need to know the truth of God. Thank you for partnering with Lifesong Ukraine to fulfill the mission to help reach orphaned and vulnerable children with the steadfast care of their Heavenly Father. Because of your prayer and support, lives are being transformed!