Their Loved Ones Are Missing at War. So These Ukrainian Children Spend Summer Together

The children of Ukraine have unknowingly become experts at coping with the stressors of war.

They've adapted to the escalating tensions in remarkable ways, and for some, their resilience has become a matter of survival. With their fathers on the front lines, these children gather together to create a summer camp unlike any other. Not knowing what the future holds, they cherish every moment of peace among their friends. It is a bittersweet summer of love and freedom, but also of fear and sadness, as they await news of their fathers.

A Unique Summer Camp

Despite the chaos unfolding around them, these children have created a special summer retreat, away from the fears and worries of wartime. They pool their collective hope and strength, sharing stories, laughs, and creating memories to cherish while they can. It is a unique summer camp, where the backdrop to their fun is the uncertainty of the conflict that surrounds them.

The Weight of War

These children carry the weight of the war on their small shoulders, each with their own unique worries and missing pieces. Some have seen direct combat, while others have had to evacuate, leaving their friends and memories of "home" behind. The stress of the war manifests in different ways, but these children have formed a strong support system, there for each other during a summer they'll never forget.