Hug Summer 2024 Camp in Ukraine: How Swedish Support Gave War-Affected Children in Ukraine a Chance to Just Be Kids

For many children in Ukraine, the war has taken away not just their homes but also their sense of safety, stability, and childhood. At Hug – Help Ukraine Gothenburg, we believe that every child deserves more than just survival—they deserve joy, adventure, and the chance to dream of a future beyond war.

During summer 2024, thanks to support from Sweden, 50 children affected by the war were able to attend a 12-day rehabilitation and adventure camp in western Ukraine, near Lviv. These children—many of whom have lost parents, lived under occupation, or been forced to flee their homes—were given something priceless: a break from the realities of war and a chance to heal through nature, physical challenges, and new friendships.

"There are definitely children here from Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kyiv, there are those who are already Lviv residents, because they are internally displaced persons. We were able to deal with the social category thanks to our benefactors, because they supported it financially. They [Hug] fully paid the cost of the camp for each child," said Taras Biloshitsky, coach at the camp.

A Safe Space to Grow

Hug has been working with the Manivtsi tourist camp for two years, ensuring that children who have endured unimaginable hardships have access to meaningful rehabilitation programs. This isn’t just about providing a fun summer experience. It’s about giving them the tools to rebuild their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging.

Throughout the camp, the children were guided by experienced instructors in outdoor activities that helped them grow in a safe and supportive environment. They climbed rocks, cycled through forests, paddled rivers, and explored caves—each challenge teaching them teamwork, perseverance, and trust.

Evenings were spent gathered around a campfire, sharing stories, laughing, and simply being children again. Without the constant stress of war and displacement, they could, for a little while, focus on something else: adventure, friendships, and the simple joy of playing outside.

Ihnat’s Story: From Occupation to a New Future

One of the children could participate in the camp for free, thanks to Hug,  was Ihnat from Vovchansk. His hometown was occupied early in the war, forcing his family to live under extreme conditions. When the city was finally liberated, the situation was still too dangerous, and his family had to relocate to Kharkiv. Like so many other children, Ignat has had to grow up too fast, adapting to a new reality filled with uncertainty.

"I like everything here. I want to come next year as well, if there will be an opportunity", says Ihnat.

For many of the children at the camp, this was their first time in a long time that they could just be themselves—without fear, without worry, without war.

More Than Just a Summer Camp

The Manivtsi camp is built on strong values, reinforcing discipline, resilience, and pride in Ukrainian culture. The program is strict but supportive, ensuring that every child leaves with new skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their heritage.

Children are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, learning practical survival skills, leadership, and teamwork. There are no phones, no social media—just nature, adventure, and human connection. The experience is physically demanding, but every challenge is met with encouragement, support, and the belief that they are capable of more than they think.

The goal is not just to entertain them for a few weeks. It’s to give them something lasting—tools to help them navigate the hardships they continue to face back home.

A Long-Term Commitment From Sweden to Ukraine’s Future

At Hug, we know that one summer is not enough. That’s why we are committed to continuing our work, expanding our programs, and ensuring that even more children have access to camps like this next year.

Swedish solidarity has always been about standing up for those in need. This summer, it meant giving children like Ignat a break from war—a chance to heal, grow, and dream again.

With your help, we can continue this work. Every contribution makes a difference. Every child deserves a future filled with hope.