Summer is the season of camps — special places for children and teens to make friends, learn something valuable, discover important truths, and simply take a break from daily routines. Camps create memories that last a lifetime, and in today’s realities, they are especially precious and necessary.
This summer, the Raimer Center team, located in the very heart of Zaporizhzhia, organized a Christian children’s camp called “Timeline,” which welcomed over 70 children. Despite wartime challenges, this location became an island of peace, joy, and safety for local families. Zaporizhzhia is a front-line city. Air-raid sirens, news from the front, anxiety for loved ones — these are the daily reality. Some camp participants came from families where parents or older brothers are fighting. For them, having a place to feel safe, warm, and enjoy childhood was especially important.
“We prayed together with the children that God would protect us. And He answered: throughout the entire duration of the camp, there wasn’t a single dangerous incident,” said Olha, one of the organizers. This fact became a sign of God’s protection for the whole team and the children: even in a city where war is so close, there is room for joy and peace.
Each morning, the Raimer Center was buzzing: some children played ball outside, others lined up to jump on the trampoline, kids competed in table tennis or football, while girls whispered on the sofas, waiting for the program to begin. This is a typical morning at the “Timeline” summer camp.
During the camp, the children learned about the history of humanity: creation and the fatal mistake that brought irreversible changes into our world; they learned about the commandments — good though they are, no one can fully follow them due to sin; and about the coming of Jesus into the world as a special act of mercy for people who cannot save themselves. They also learned about how this knowledge can influence their lives and change their personal history, as well as the people around them.
One nine-year-old girl was struck by the story of the apostle Paul’s transformed life. When the teacher told about Saul and then Paul, she asked, “What do they have in common!?” She was stunned. Imagine her surprise when she found out it was the same person transformed by an encounter with Christ. For many, biblical stories became a reminder: even in the darkest times, there is Light that changes hearts.
The camp lasted five days. Many children visited the Raimer Center for the first time. There were particularly many teenagers — showing just how strongly they need community, friends, acceptance, and a place where they feel safe. They quickly made friends, found support, and realized they were not alone.
“I feel so good here! I’ll come to camp tomorrow,” said 13-year-old Liza, who, on the evening of the second day, came into the Center to her friends. Liza didn’t yet know the program or what the talks were about, but just sitting on the sofa in the Center among friends, seeing the atmosphere and relationships here, she wanted to be a part of it all. She came back every day, even before the official start, and quickly befriended other camp kids. These relationships that continue after the program — and the Center as a place where children and teens want to be — are of great importance to the team.
The program was rich and engaging. The children particularly enjoyed the days when the camp split into boys’ and girls’ groups. Each group had its special activity: the girls enjoyed a tiramisu-making masterclass (a beloved and special dessert), hairstyling, braiding, and discussions about self-care. This was a special space just for the girls.
Meanwhile, the boys entered a true “men-only” club. They learned about the mechanics of motorcycles and cars. And what excitement filled the air when, afterwards, they were allowed to put on a safety helmet, sit on the passenger seat of a sports motorcycle, and ride a little around the Center. “I managed to start the machine!” — said 12-year-old Sava, with unbridled excitement in his eyes, about his first-ever experience. On another day, the boys worked with various tools in a carpentry workshop.
“They were allowed to touch what they, as future men, would need to learn: how to use various tools to handle household matters. So that they can take care of themselves,” — explained Olya Myholska (on 25 August 2025 at 20:26). These moments gave the children a sense of creativity and accomplishment that will stay with them.
A key feature of the camp was involving new teenagers as helpers. For them, it was a first experience of responsibility and service.
“They were eager to help, came up with ideas, took initiative. It was valuable for them that we trusted them,” say camp leaders. And 14‑year‑old Eva, invited as a helper for the first time, shared: “I’m so grateful that I was invited as a helper, that I can grow, that I can serve. It means a lot that I can be helpful and needed.” Eva has accepted Christ as her Savior and wants to be part of the team. She and other helpers — Ksyusha, Kira, Tymofiy, Nastya — had the chance to feel the value of serving. They were tired, sleep-deprived, faced challenges, made mistakes — but pursued their mission with dedication. “I see the children’s emotions. They’re genuine. The children really enjoy being here,” commented Artur, aware that these are people for whom the teens came to serve.
The “Timeline” camp became not just a summer adventure for children, but an important step toward new relationships, experiences, and discoveries. And it doesn’t end here. The Raimer Center team plans to continue working with children and teens in clubs — creating spaces for friendship, talent development, learning, and spiritual growth. Because it is in weekly gatherings, in friendship and community that a generation learns to love, serve, and be light in challenging times.
