This year we launched Camp CONNECT

This summer, the team from the Emmanuel Centre in Suceava successfully launched Camp CONNECT, a joyful summer camp designed for children with disabilities and their parents.

The camp took place at a spacious venue surrounded by nature. The program was carefully crafted to provide a much-needed break from daily routines, offering holistic therapeutic and recreational activities for both the children and their parents.

“It was wonderful to see how children engaged in 5 days of outside therapy with intense activities, well thought out, well integrated. We could see the positive impact in the socialization skills after 2,3 days of the Summer Camp. The mothers had time to relax and take care of themselves. For them, the activities were spiritually, emotionally, and soulfully charged, with guitar evening, yoga, SPA, group counselling and the chance to get to know each other. If all the mothers testified that they couldn’t remember the last time they could have some rest, others testified it was the first time in many years that someone had taken care of them. The Summer camps really impacted their lives!” – Maria Araujo, Director of Programmes, Fundatia FARA

Eleven children participated in various physical and creative activities, many of which were new experiences for them. These activities allowed them to explore nature and socialise with their peers in a supportive environment, helping to build their confidence and encouraging them to try new sensory experiences. Parents attended group counselling sessions while their children were engaged in these activities. These sessions provided a rare opportunity for parents to connect informally with other families facing similar challenges, which can often feel isolating. The camp allowed them to take a much-welcomed break and allowed them to join some of the new activities their children were enjoying.

Six of our dedicated staff, supported by five volunteers, helped make this happen. Two of these volunteers are recipients of our educational bursaries  and were keen to support and give back to our wider work.

This seamless integration of therapy and relaxation created a wonderful experience for both the children and their families. Moving forward, Camp CONNECT will be a regular part of our program, made possible by the funds raised through our shop network and the generosity of our donors.