Camping in Wartime: Stories of Formation and Hope in Ukrainian Christian Camps

Abstract

This study explores how Christian summer camps in Ukraine, amid ongoing war, provide adolescents with vital spaces for faith formation, relational refuge, and restorative normalcy. Drawing on interviews with camp professionals and parents, it identifies camp outcomes as enduring benefits that are deepened by the context of war. In retelling their stories, we seek to honor the faithful work of camp leaders and offer insights for trauma-informed ministry in settings of sustained adversity.

Keywords

Christian camping Ukraine positive youth development trauma-informed ministry

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