Romaniv Camp 2025

Well Friends, camp happened. The interns planned it for months and it finally came and went. I’m happy to tell you that all involved reported it as a great success. Yes! The volunteers were plentiful and capable, the organization was great, the weather was decent, and most importantly- the boys were happy and loved and treasured for 5 whole days. It was great!

Like last year, the camp theme was the five senses. The interns set up bases around the territory of the institution ( a base for each sense), volunteers were matched up with boys, 1:1, and led by the boys’ interests they explored the bases each day. As added bonuses our team member Nina came and did massages each day, and for three of the days Dajana brought our horses for some horse therapy time. It was a really special time with a peaceful, smooth atmosphere. That’s not always the case at Romaniv!

Several of our friends and partners from the US came for the camp so that also made it extra special. Thank you to our friends from Hands of Hope: Suzy, Betsy, Phil, and Kevin for blessing us like always with your joy and love, and for your hearts of service. Guys- Phil and Kevin even deep-cleaned my kitchen! That might have been my biggest win of the week. Hehehe 😉 And thank you to Sarah and Sydney for choosing again to trek across the world to see us and just be with us. We love all of you and were so happy to spend the week together.

Last year at camp many of our volunteers were fairly new to Romaniv and didn’t have a lot of experience being there with the boys. It was so fun to see those same volunteers at camp this year after a full year of faithfully visiting the boys each week. The comfort and ease they exuded while with the boys made my heart full. It was obvious that when they go to Romaniv they are going to visit their friends. They know the boys intimately- their likes and dislikes, how to read their moods, how to help them when they are in crisis or just need a loving presence. What a blessing to have such faithful volunteers. I was encouraged just being with them.

There’s not a lot more I need to say. I’m just going to dump a lot of photos now and let them speak for themselves. Thank you to all who prayed for the camp. It was a blessing to all who were involved. ❤️