Veteran-founded adventure children’s camp develop next generations of Ukrainians

Adults, who at one time were bored with the camp counselors, led by a Ukrainian veteran Oleksandr Chub, founded a children's recreation camp, Striped Raccoons, ShoTam reports.

What is the problem?

Oleksandr Chub is an educator who participated in the battle of the Donetsk airport. He was wounded, and after rehabilitation, he decided to fulfill his old dream of creating a place for children to relax that is different from other camps.

"An old dream is to try to create children's camps, but filled with activity, free communication with a minimal hierarchy," said Chub.

What is the solution?

Veteran Oleksandr Chub founded a camp where children learn to conquer the rivers and mountains of Ukraine and "look into the starry sky" instead of smartphones.

How does it work?

"Striped Raccoons is a camp for active children for active leisure time. Here we are doing… childhood!"  says Anatolii Steliha, head of the children's camp on the banks of the Dniester Canyon.

Oleksandr was the first to invite his brothers' children to his camp. Like-minded friends became mentors: artists, athletes, and defenders.

"We don't teach any classes. We don't teach. These are not lessons. But we try to inspire, show something interesting or unusual, and don't tell children to do anything different from what we don't do in real life. We share specific situations, real experiences, real achievements, schools, and the children accept it and then carry it into their lives," says Maryna Lipych, co-organizer and psychologist of the Striped Raccoons children's camp.

"One of the interesting things about our camp is the 15-minute rule. That is, we do not have mandatory classes. A child comes to class, and the instructor has 15 minutes to interest the child in the class," says Anatolii Steliha, head of the children's camp.

At the beginning of 2022, the "raccoons" were preparing the camp for a new season of adventures, but…

"Russia began a full-scale invasion. On the same day, my brothers and I joined the Armed Forces. Since February 25, I have been a serviceman. Five of our instructors left, joining various security and defense forces of the country, and those who remained organized the process," says the founder of the children's camp.

Despite the war, the team held five camp seasons for more than 500 children. Children who lost their parents due to Russian aggression were admitted free of charge. The Veterans Fund helped the "raccoons" start a new season of adventure.

A rope park was purchased under the VARTO support program for veteran businesses. The camp bought a projector for movies under the stars and modern equipment for the camp kitchen.

"We can now bake many dishes in the oven. That's a lot. No fried food. Everything becomes healthier, tastier…" says Lilia Holda, who manages the camp kitchen. " These are dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers. The work of our kitchen has become easier, the food is tastier, and everyone is happy!"

But the most restless "raccoons" were waiting for the new rope park, especially since his favorite coach came from the front for its opening.

"In my free time, when I have an opportunity to join the project, I definitely join. If I have free time, I dedicate it to children," says Yurii Pisarchuk, rope park instructor.

After the victory, the founders want to open new camps throughout Ukraine.