Speech Therapy, Horseback Riding and the Latest Summer Trends: A Look at Caritas Inclusive Camps

A summer camp is a familiar part of childhood and youth: making new friends, spending a few days away from home, and coming back with dozens of photos and stories to tell.

Yet in wartime, this opportunity is not always accessible. And for children and young people who require an inclusive approach, a trip can involve additional barriers — from physical accessibility to the lack of appropriate support, transportation, an adapted programme or a safe environment. That is why a few days away from the familiar surroundings can become much more than just a holiday.

This summer, a number of local Caritas organizations hosted camps for children and young people. Inclusive camps were held by Caritas Mykolaiv, Caritas Odesa, Caritas Donetsk (in Dnipro), and Caritas Beryslav. Another camp is due to start soon at Caritas Kharkiv.

In this article, we take a closer look at the camps and the activities that took place this summer and early autumn.

Fashion Shows and Walks in Nature: A Camp by Caritas Mykolaiv

What happens when you bring together a group of fun-loving people and add creativity, music, dancing and interesting excursions? You get several action-packed days in Myhiia, a picturesque corner of the Mykolaiv region.

The camp began with walks in nature and a trip to Radonove Lake. There were swimming pools, plenty of time to chat, and lots of photos — it seems hardly anyone came home with much storage space left on their phones.

A familiar activity — decorating T-shirts — turned into a full-blown fashion show. The participants wore their creations on the catwalk during the “Summer Fashion 2026” show, pairing them with the most unexpected outfits and accessories.

In the evening, the friends danced at a disco, and everyone went home with a certificate recognizing their active participation in camp life.

“All my things fit into one suitcase, but I have so many memories that I could never fit them all in there,” one of the participants says.

Horses and the Khadzhibey Estuary: A Camp by Caritas Odesa

Meanwhile, visitors to the “Circle of Friends” inclusive space in Odesa travelled to the Bohunatove equestrian club. They had a chance to get to know the horses, feed them treats and learn more about the animals. A professional rider first demonstrated her skills, and then those who wanted to try riding had a chance to take the reins themselves.

The Friends spent almost the entire day outdoors: dancing, playing football, and cheering on their teams. Alongside the outdoor activities, there were restorative sessions with a psychologist and creative workshops, so everyone could choose what suited them and take part in group activities at their own pace.

Karaoke with Parents: A Camp by Caritas Donetsk (in Dnipro)

Another camp took place in the Dnipropetrovsk region in mid-August. Over three days, 20 participants took part in creative and physical activities, workshops and interactive sessions. The camp provided a safe space for communication, socializing and new experiences — both for the participants and their parents.

The programme was packed: games and movement activities, creative workshops, interactive sessions, a heated pool and water aerobics. In the evenings, there was karaoke and dancing.

The participants included not only our Friends — young people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities — but also their families. These three days gave parents a chance to take a break, connect with other families and see their children smiling and enjoying themselves.

“Everyone was happy — both the children and the parents. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good,” one of the mothers says.

Jacuzzis, Saunas and a Speech Therapist: A Camp by Caritas Beryslav

Most of the participants packed their own bags for the trip.

“These camps away from home are so much more than just a break for children. They give them a chance to step outside their familiar surroundings, try new things, meet new friends and experience carefree moments of joy. At the same time, children are in a safe environment where they are supported, accepted and encouraged to believe in themselves. Experiences like these help them become more independent, open to communication and confident,” says Yana, a social worker at Caritas Beryslav.

As always, the camp programme was varied and full of activities. Each day began with morning exercises led by a physical therapist. This was followed by workshops where participants made different things with their own hands and experimented with their creativity and imagination.

Alongside the recreational activities, participants also had regular sessions with a psychologist and a speech therapist. The young people learned to talk about their emotions and experiences, while games and interactive exercises helped them work on their speech and attention.

After a busy day of activities, there was time to relax: in the pool, jacuzzi and saunas, or on evening walks. And, of course, there was a disco.

“It is incredible to see how participants come out of their shells when they dance, forget about their everyday worries and genuinely enjoy the moment. At times like these, you really feel how important freedom and acceptance are to them,” says Anastasiia, communications officer at Caritas Beryslav.

At the end of the camp, everyone received a certificate — a small token of recognition for their individual contribution to the atmosphere of the camp.

A camp, then, is not just a few days of rest or a change of scenery. It is also a space where children and young people learn to work things out with one another, take responsibility for something they are doing together, create and let their imaginations run free.
For people with disabilities, it is especially important that inclusion does not come down to constant assistance. The environment should accommodate their needs, while children and young people themselves remain active participants in camp life. They can cook, draw, sing, dance, play sports or go for a walk — just like everyone else.

For their parents, these camps can offer a rare opportunity to take a break themselves and spend time talking to other adults.
Experiences like these gradually expand our understanding of what is possible for a person. They also help us see one another not through the lens of a diagnosis or support needs, but as participants in a shared experience, friends and playmates.
Perhaps the most important outcome of a few days at camp is not a particular activity or a photograph to take home, but the experience itself: I can try something new, be part of a group and feel that I belong.

This project was funded with UK aid from the UK Government and is implemented by Caritas Ukraine within the National PULSE Consortium, coordinated by Right to Protection. UK Government support to this project in Ukraine is provided through the SHARP element of its Humanitarian Assistance, Recovery and Protection Programme.

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