Ecological Camp 2013
Thanks to long-standing and fruitful collaboration between Green Cross Ukraine (GCU) with its partner Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) and new partners who made charitable initiative and provided assistance for the implementation of the project "Ecological Summer Therapy Camp" that enabled to more effectively carry out a medical unit within the international SOCMED program. The staff of the Kiev boutique ISAIA led by Oleg Ryzhov supported our project in the most difficult period.
Coordination by Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) was invaluable and very important in the framework of the SOCMED program throughout 2013.
Forty-eight children living in the contaminated areas affected by the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant took part in the camp, which this year was held from 5 to 26 August in natural and clean mountain zone of Transcarpathia based at "Polonyna" health resort in Lumshory village. Traditionally, Chairman of the Board of Green Cross Ukraine (GCU), Executive Director Yuriy S. Sapiga opened the camp together with the team, chaperons and volunteers.
Picturesque place located among hornbeam and coniferous forests, spring water of the river Turytsa, fresh mountain air, beautiful scenery, properly-organized meals, cultural and entertaining activities contributed to the rehabilitation and rest of children.
Participants of the camp had the possibility to be carefully examined and underwent complete course of treatment in accordance to their diagnoses. Considering morbidity patterns of the children who came to be treated, rehabilitation therapeutic programs were developed and children underwent a complex treatment and rehabilitation with the use of natural healing factors. To make children feel comfortable and healthy the following methods of treatment were used: hydropathical procedures, mineral water drinking, physiotherapeutic procedures, atmotherapy, inhalation, climatic treatment in conditions of the midlands, massage therapy, physical training and gymnastics.
The staying of children in the camp was interesting and busy with educational and entertaining cultural activities. Walking tours to the mountains, side trips, informative excursions to Uzhhorod and Mukachevo and every evening entertaining program were organized for them under the leadership of senior group leaders. Thanks to a leadership potential of a manager of the camp Elena Germanovich, group leaders L.V. Ropalo, M.A. Dudnik, L.M. Zunriichuk, N.S. Matiga, N.O. Slutska, O.V. Karmazina as well as medical staff and volunteers perfectly conducted their work.
At the end of the camp children had additional medical examination the results of which showed improvement of the psycho emotional state and general state of health of the participants.
It was not easy for children to say good-bye to the camp where there was warm friendly atmosphere, the eye was delighted with mountain scenes, it was interesting, funny and they got a lot of positive emotions, raised ecological awareness and made many new friends.
Green Cross Ukraine, parents and children who took part in the Eco Summer Therapy Camp express their gratitude to the partners and sponsors of the project – Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH), Staff of Kiev boutique ISAIA for their cooperation, assistance and financial support, the management of Polonyna Health and Recreation Complex, Coordinators of Green Cross Ukraine (GCU), volunteers, group leaders, medical staff and to all those who made efforts to organize and conduct the camp in the Transcarpathian region successfully.
Dmitriy Sapiga
Green Cross Ukraine (GCU)
