"Keeping Each Other’s Secrets": Highlights from the "Winter Adventures" Program in Chernihiv

Author:

Євгенія Малащук

The Chernihiv center of the "Voices of Children" Charitable Foundation recently organized a “Winter Adventures” program, creating five unforgettable days of fun and exploration for children during their school holidays.

The program was packed with activities. Children explored the historic Saint Antony's Caves, attended a theater performance, and enjoyed bowling and a movie. They also completed a quest, crafted a traditional Ukrainian paper decoration known as "vytynanka", worked with clay, and even tried their hand at water painting.

"When they write their essays on ‘How I Spent My Winter Break’ at school, they will definitely have a lot to share," said Olesia Polubotko, the program’s leisure activities coordinator, with a smile.

For the children, bowling was the undisputed favorite activity. But even more meaningful was the chance to build new friendships.

"At the beginning, on the first day, we were all a little shy," said 10-year-old Daryna. "But over lunch, Sofiia and I started chatting, and now we're friends. We even swapped phone numbers!"

All the children who participate in the intensive programs at the Chernihiv center (and this is not the first one this year) come from military families or have had to relocate with their loved ones due to the war. For this reason, the adults involved focus first and foremost on creating an environment where the children feel safe and supported.

"These intensives are not just about fun activities; they place a strong focus on emotional well-being,” said psychologist Maryna Chaban. “When the children arrive and start to get acquainted, we work together to establish a set of team rules. We all agree to follow these rules, which helps foster a sense of security. One of the key rules is to keep each other’s secrets. The children know they can share anything here, and it will stay within this group."

"Unfortunately, we cannot change the reality they are living in," said local coordinator Oleksandra Hryshchenko. "But we can make their lives brighter by filling them with joyful, unforgettable moments."

Reality occasionally breaks through the warm and comforting atmosphere of the Chernihiv center. Once, the staff had to settle a boy to sleep right in the psychological session room — he was completely drained after a sleepless night caused by relentless shelling. During this intensive, a planned trip to the theater was almost derailed by an air raid alert. Fortunately, the children were still able to enjoy "Alice in Wonderland".

"After every intensive, we make sure to survey the children, asking them what they enjoyed most and what they felt was missing," shared Maryna Skumina. "But honestly, when they ask, ‘What other activities can we do at the center?’ — that question alone says everything. It means they want more."

Psychologist Maryna Chaban wears a beaded bracelet on her right wrist with joy, a gift from one of the participants in the "Winter Adventures" program. At home, she keeps a small collection of handmade jewelry gifted to her by children who have visited the center. Staff members are often given drawings, sweets, and other tokens of gratitude, but their greatest reward is seeing the joy and connection in the children’s emotions.

"When I see them hugging each other on the final day — and then coming back to hug us once, twice, even three times — no words are needed," said Maryna Skumina.