Aug 29, 2022

Ukrainian Children Refugees Attend Summer Camp

Despite the ongoing war, displaced Ukrainian children experienced the joys of summer camp earlier this month through Federation overseas partners the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and The Jewish Agency for Israel. In Cherkasy, Ukraine, campers explored a different Jewish community every day, baking challah, making kiddush cups and exploring local sites. While the camp’s location was chosen based on its bomb shelter and counselors were always equipped with an “alarm suitcase” with board games and activities for those disruptive and frightening times, it provided an oasis of normalcy and a unique opportunity to connect with their Jewish heritage and the Jewish world supporting them. Beit Grand JCC in Odesa also organized a day camp for more than 50 children where they explored acting, dance, robotics, cooking, science, sports and even learned first aid with the help of members of the JCC’s young adult club.