About our trip to summer camp for orphans "Swallow (Lastochka)".

The invitation to hold a camp for orphans this summer was a real present for my Birthday. In July a group of volunteers went to Camp "Lastochka" in the Bogoduchov region. I had dreamt for a long time about this. I waited with great anticipation for the moment when we would meet with these special children yet as unique and talented as other children.

The children met us very warmly and cheerfully from the moment we arrived. Their eyes and smiles showed that they were very glad to receive us in their home. Camp life whirled us cheerfully through: morning exercises, games, songs, creative and cognitive activities.

The main purpose of our camp was to present to the kids the knowledge that they need in life: lessons of Healthy Life Styles; HIV/AIDS; Leadership; Personal Hygiene; Dental Hygiene; Say No to Alcohol, Smoking, Narcotics; Family Relationships; Tolerance; Self Esteem; English; Dreams and Future Planning; Human Trafficking; Sports and Crafts.

It gladdens the heart that most of the kids participated actively in discussions and games, doing tasks and making skits. They very much liked doing arts and crafts and painting. Creativity, where they imagine and think up their own ideas, was the most favourite activity. While not only providing fun, these activities provided a way for the children to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Sport plays a leading part in their life and was an important part of the camp's activities. We played various sport games every day. They especially liked basketball. Of course, football (soccer) is always a favourite. The children learned from the counselors not only the rules of the games but the importance of physical fitness, teamwork and good sportsmanship. In the evening you would see the older kids doing exercises on the horizontal bars.

In addition, the viewing of specially chosen documentary and feature films was very useful. After seeing the films, the children very actively discussed and shared their conclusions and opinions. You could see that it is very important for them to have good examples that they will want follow.

The camp can be described by one phrase: "From the outside you'd never understand it; from the inside you'd never forget it."

The children always wait for next meeting and it will obviously take place.

Author: Ludmila Berlizeva.