Brighter Days: Camp Dreamland’s Impact in Summer 2024

Camp Dreamland Summer 2024 was a season of transformation, joy, and resilience. As children from Ukraine arrived at our camp in the Carpathian Mountains, they found a safe haven where worries melted away, and the simple joys of childhood took center stage. Over the course of the summer, these kids formed new friendships, embraced fun-filled activities, and discovered the healing power of community. Join us as we reflect on the highlights of this unforgettable summer and the lasting impact it has had on the lives of these incredible young people.

This summer, Camp Dreamland welcomed 240 children, offering them a week of peace, fun, and support amid challenging circumstances. These children, many of whom are orphans or come from families of military veterans defending Ukraine, arrived with heavy hearts but left with smiles, new friends, and unforgettable memories.

The camp’s mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe space for these kids to escape the harsh realities of their everyday lives, where air raid alerts and uncertainty have become the norm. Throughout their time at camp, the children experienced joy, laughter, and the chance to be kids again—something that has been painfully absent from their lives.

The fantastic group of Camp Dreamland counselors made every moment special. From arts and crafts, where the youngest children made bracelets from blue and yellow ribbons 🇺🇦, to older kids preparing presentations for the evening assembly, the activities were designed to create a sense of community and belonging. One of the most heartwarming moments came on the final evening when the camp celebrated with a festival of color and a dance party. “Seeing the kids laugh and have fun helped me realize that they heal a little each time they experience joy and feel safe. Until that feeling is permanent, Frontier Horizon will continue to find ways to support them,” shared acting Executive Director, Melanie Traughber.

But the impact of Camp Dreamland extended beyond fun and games. Our campers faced deep challenges, and our volunteers were there to meet their needs with compassion and understanding. One story stands out—a six-year-old boy who arrived with nothing but clothes several sizes too large. When it came time to swim, our team tied his oversized underwear into a knot, but it wasn’t enough. One of our counselors quickly bought him swim trunks, and Melanie, purchased new clothes for him the following day. “A small amount for us, but a big impact for him,” said Melanie. This story is just one example of the many ways our team stepped up to provide for the children’s physical and emotional needs.

As the days went on, the kids enjoyed outings, like a trip to Lake Synevyr, where they marveled at the waterfall and played in the creeks. The beauty of the outdoors offered them a sense of peace and normalcy. Yet, there was always an undercurrent of reality—these children are strong and resilient, but they are also keenly aware of the challenges they face. During one of the survival skill sessions, our instructor captivated the kids with lessons that, for them, could mean the difference between safety and danger back home. “These children are not invested in learning these skills because of a mishap during a camping trip. They understand that this information is critical to their survival on a daily basis,” shared one of our counselors.

As the week drew to a close, emotions ran high. Saying goodbye was not easy, but the bonds formed between the children and our team were a reminder of the power of presence, compassion, and care. “You know that dream where you buy a kid with no shoes some shoes, have 240 kids sing thank you and make a t-shirt for you, and then they dance like only kids can? Yeah, that was my day yesterday,” shared one of our volunteers. It’s moments like these that show how even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

The Journey Continues

Camp Dreamland may have ended, but our commitment to these children has not. Frontier Horizon will continue working alongside our Ukrainian counterparts to ensure the support doesn’t stop when the children leave camp. Through trauma-informed training for guardians, donations, and ongoing connections, we strive to help these children heal and grow, even after they return to their everyday lives.

This summer’s camp was a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together to support children in need. The experience transformed not only the lives of the kids who attended but also the lives of those who had the privilege to serve. As board member Mike Brady explained, “When you give of yourself, everyone is better off.”

Thank you to everyone who made Camp Dreamland 2024 possible. Together, we are showing these children—and kids around the world—that they are not alone and that there is always hope.