This summer, 45 Ukrainian children and teenagers hope to attend an international scout jamboree in Germany. For them, this is not just a camp. It is a rare chance to step away from the stress of war, spend time in safety, reconnect with friends, and feel joy, peace, and normal childhood again.

Many of these young people have been deeply affected by the war. About half of our participants are now scattered across Europe. Others remain in Ukraine, where families continue to live with financial hardship, uncertainty, and the emotional strain of daily danger. Many of the parents in our community are raising three to five children on very modest incomes. Some work in public service, where salaries can be as low as around 250 euros per month. Therefore, even when a child is given the chance to join something meaningful and life-giving, the cost is simply impossible.

My name is Maryna Kliuchnikova, and I am a Ukrainian scout leader from Kyiv, affiliated with the Ilya Muromets scout team, part of the National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine within WOSM.

Since camps in Ukraine are no longer possible because of the danger of drone and missile strikes, we have been organizing safe scouting retreats in Europe since 2022. These gatherings have become far more than summer activities. They give Ukrainian children and teenagers a chance to rest, build friendships, regain strength, and remember that hope is still real.

Over the past four years, we have successfully carried out similar projects:

• in 2022, we brought together 37 young Ukrainians in Germany

• in 2023, we gathered 34 Ukrainian children and youth in Sweden

• in 2024, we brought together 42 participants in Germany

• in 2025, we organized a camp in France for 47 Ukrainian children and youth

This year, with the support of VCP (Verband Christlicher Pfadfinder*innen), we are planning to join BuLa in Germany once again.

We already have 45 Ukrainian children and young people aged 12+ who want to participate. But around 80% of them can only attend if they receive financial support of at least 200 euros each. Without help, many of them will not be able to come.

What your donation will do

Your support will help reduce participation costs and make this retreat possible for children from low-income families. It will directly help young people who would otherwise be left out because of financial hardship.

Why this matters

For these children, a few days in a peaceful place means more than recreation. It means breathing more freely. Sleeping without fear. Laughing with others. Feeling included. Recovering some strength. Remembering what it feels like to look forward to something good.

How the funds will be used

The funds will be received and managed by Maryna Kliuchnikova and used exclusively to support this project and the children participating in it.

Please donate if you are able, and please share this campaign with others. Your support will help Ukrainian children and teenagers experience something they urgently need: safety, friendship, rest, and hope.