July 2026 Summer Camp Report

"It's God's Work": Camp Director Reflects on Relationship Camp: No Fear

When Katya agreed to direct this year's Relationship Camp: No Fear, she knew it would be one of the biggest challenges she had ever faced.

It was her first time serving as camp director. At the same time, she was balancing family responsibilities, caring for her own children, and leading nearly one hundred campers and leaders through an intense week of ministry.

"It was not easy for me," she admitted. "I was always thinking about my children, about the camp, about everything that needed to be done. But I know this was God's work."

Looking back now, Katya sees far more than a successful camp. She sees lives beginning to change.

A Camp Filled with New Faces

This year's camp welcomed approximately 95 people, including campers, leaders, and the American team. One of the most encouraging surprises was how many of the young people had little or no church background.

Katya estimates that roughly half of the campers were not actively involved in a church.

Many had never attended a worship service before.

Yet only days after camp ended, she began receiving messages.

"Some of the young people wrote me because they wanted to come to church," she shared with a smile. "They wanted to hear worship."

One young woman "P---" had never attended church before camp. The Sunday after camp, she was there. She even brought a friend.

For Katya, those simple messages were reminders that God was still working after the buses had gone home.

The Message of "No Fear"

Throughout the week, campers explored different fears that many Ukrainian teenagers carry every day—fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of loneliness, fear of loss, fear of death, and fear that they are not good enough for God.

Katya believes the theme connected deeply, especially with the older teenagers.

"It was a very deep topic," she said. "The young people really understood it."

She remembered one mother who contacted her afterward to share how much the camp had impacted her daughter.

Another young woman, who had never been part of a church, broke down in tears during the Friday evening service and asked to begin attending church.

"The topic was deep," Katya reflected. "God used it."

Friday Night: "I Felt God"

When asked what moment stood out most from the week, Katya didn't hesitate.

Friday evening.

During the closing worship and prayer service, campers responded to God's invitation in powerful ways. Many came forward for prayer. Others prayed openly for the first time.

"I felt something very strong," Katya said. "I just cried with the young people."

She described taking campers by the hand as they came forward to pray.

"Some of them told me afterward, 'I felt God.'"

For many, it was an entirely new experience.

"It was something strange for them," she explained. "But they said they felt God helping them."

K---'s Story

One camper especially remains in Katya's heart.

A teenage girl named K--- arrived at camp with little interest in faith.

"She didn't believe in God," Katya explained.

As the week unfolded, leaders learned that K--- was carrying deep pain from difficulties within her family.

On Friday evening, K--- came forward during prayer.

She asked people to pray—not for herself—but for her parents.

For Katya, that moment beautifully illustrated what God had been doing all week.

"I don't know how to explain it," she said. "I just felt that God wanted to help these young people."

Ministry in the Midst of War

Nearly twenty campers were internally displaced because of the war. Others, including members of the leadership team, have families who lost their homes in occupied regions of Ukraine.

For these young people, fear isn't theoretical.

It is part of everyday life.

That reality made the camp's message even more meaningful.

The American Team

Katya repeatedly expressed gratitude for the American volunteers.

"I felt your whole group loved God and wanted to help," she said.

She especially appreciated that the team served with willing hearts—not because anyone asked them to, but because they genuinely wanted to invest in Ukrainian youth.

Their willingness to play games, build relationships, worship, pray, and simply spend time with campers made a lasting impression.

Looking Ahead

Like every first-time camp director, Katya already has ideas for next year.

She hopes to give older young adults more opportunities to serve in leadership roles and continue building a strong ministry team that shares the vision of reaching Ukrainian youth.

She also believes there might be some benefit in dividing the camp by age and offering slightly different experiences for younger teens than the older teens.

As she reflected on the week, however, one conviction rose above everything else.

"I know this was God's work."

For those who prayed, gave financially, and traveled to serve, Katya wants you to know that your investment is bearing fruit.

Young people who had never stepped inside a church are now attending worship.

Campers are asking for prayer.

Lives are being changed.

And in a nation that continues to live under the shadow of war, the message of God's presence and freedom from fear is taking root in the hearts of the next generation.

-Article based on Katya's interview with Fred Vanderwerf

Seeing Courage Through New Eyes: Pastor Patty Groot's First Journey to Ukraine

When Pastor Patty Groot boarded a plane for Ukraine this summer, she wasn't sure what to expect.

She had never been to Ukraine before. Like many Americans, her understanding of the country came largely through news reports of war and destruction. Before saying yes to the invitation, Patty spent time praying and researching the conflict, where the fighting was taking place, and what the risks might be. What surprised her most wasn't simply that she found peace—it was how unmistakable that peace felt.

"I felt a very natural peace about it," she said. "I'm old enough to know that when I feel that, then that's when I'm being called to do something."

That sense of peace stayed with her throughout the week at Relationship Camp: No Fear.

A Different Ukraine Than She Expected

Patty quickly discovered that nearly everything she had imagined was incomplete.

The camp itself was beautiful, well-organized, and welcoming. Even more surprising were the young people.

"I think the youth were not what I expected," she reflected. "They were wise and mature beyond their years."

Despite living in a nation at war, the campers engaged deeply with every worship service and message. Through seven Bible talks—delivered through interpreters in the middle of a warm auditorium—they listened carefully, responded thoughtfully, and embraced difficult conversations about fear, faith, and hope.

"I was amazed at them," Patty said. "It was also obvious that the Holy Spirit was in the room every single day. It wasn't those kids, and it wasn't us. That was God melding all that together."

A Conversation She Will Never Forget

One conversation during camp continues to stay with Patty.

A teenage girl described visiting her boyfriend in Kyiv. She pulled out her phone and showed Patty a video she had recorded of gunfire echoing through the streets during the night.

When Patty asked what she had done, the girl answered matter-of-factly, "I laid on the floor until it quit, and then I went back to bed."

She also explained that many people no longer respond to every air raid siren.

"If you took cover every single time a siren went off, you wouldn't sleep all night long," she told Patty.

For Patty, the conversation was sobering.

"I left wondering what that kind of exposure is going to do to that young woman long-term," she said. "It also made me appreciate my life in my country. My granddaughter gets to just be a teenager. She doesn't have to worry about gunfire in the street or her boyfriend being drafted."

The Power of Sharing a Story

Patty preached twice during the week, including the camp's closing worship, where she led an anointing and prayer service. That final evening became one of the defining moments of camp as dozens of young people came forward seeking prayer, healing, and God's presence.

But one of Patty's most meaningful moments happened after her first message.

A teenage boy quietly approached her with an interpreter and asked if they could talk privately. Her testimony had opened the door for him to share his own struggles with his father—something he had never felt comfortable discussing before.

"It just meant the world to me," Patty said. "From a quick twenty-minute talk, the Spirit opened him up to a conversation that hopefully changed his relationship with his father."

"No Fear" Was the Right Theme

This year's camp centered on one message: No Fear.

Looking back, Patty believes it was exactly what these young people needed.

"When you name your fears, they lose a lot of power," she explained. "I think once they realized they weren't the only ones with those fears—that other people had lived through them and had a testimony—they began to understand they could give those fears over to God."

Many of the campers carry uncertainty about the future because of the ongoing war. Yet by the end of the week, Patty saw growing courage as students became willing to speak honestly about what they were carrying and trust God together.

Standing Together With the Church in Ukraine

Before camp even began, Patty had the opportunity to preach in a local United Methodist church in Ukraine.

After introducing herself and thanking the congregation for welcoming her into their pulpit, one church leader simply replied, "When I heard you were coming, all I could say was, 'Thank the Lord.'"

That exchange reminded Patty how much it matters simply to show up.

"I think the church needs to know that the American church loves them, supports them, and prays for them," she said. "It's one thing to say it through an email. It's totally different to say it face-to-face."

She believes American Christians have an important opportunity—and responsibility—to continue walking alongside Ukraine.

"This war has gone on much longer than people expected," Patty reflected. "We forget things very quickly. But Ukrainians need to know that Americans haven't abandoned them. We need to show up more and say, 'We are in this with you.'"

Thank You

To everyone who prayed, gave financially, or encouraged this ministry from afar, Patty offers a heartfelt thank you.

"You made a difference," she said. "Whether you were physically there or not, your prayers, your gifts, and your support made a difference—not only in the lives of the youth, but also in the lives of the team members who participated."

Sometimes the most powerful ministry begins with simply saying "yes" to God's call. This summer, Patty Groot did just that—and both she and the young people of Ukraine were changed because of it.

-article based on interview Pastor Patty had with Fred Vanderwerf, she gives a daily reflection on the In Mission Together Ukraine Facebook page.

"Your Presence Matters": A Camper Reflects on No Fear Camp

For 22-year-old Pavlo, this year's No Fear youth camp wasn't memorable because of the games or activities. It was memorable because, in the middle of a nation living under the shadow of war, he experienced something he didn't expect—a profound sense of God's presence through prayer and through people who traveled thousands of miles simply to stand with him.

When asked about the most meaningful moment of the week, Pavlo didn't hesitate.

"The best moment for me was our time of prayer together. I honestly didn't expect that to be my answer. But looking back on everything that happened at camp, praying together about the things that truly concern us was something very special. I was so grateful that the Americans were willing to pray with us for our real needs. That meant so much."

For many of the young adults at camp, fear isn't an abstract topic. It is something they live with every day.

Pavlo admitted that one of his greatest fears is the possibility of military mobilization. At 22 years old, he knows that reality could one day become his own. Yet his faith is shaping the way he thinks about that uncertainty.

"I'm afraid. I don't want to die. But I'm not running away from it. I'll do everything I can to stay alive, but fear doesn't control me. I choose to stay in Ukraine. That's my personal choice."

Throughout the week, the American team shared personal stories about facing fear, loss, and trusting God. Pavlo said those testimonies were one of the things that impacted him most.

"Hearing real stories from your own lives was incredibly valuable. You have faced more trials than I have. Watching how you trusted God through those difficult seasons helps me imagine how I can trust Him when I face my own."

Although he works remotely and even had to spend part of camp editing videos for a Ukrainian military unit he volunteers with, Pavlo said simply being able to remain at camp while continuing his work was a gift.

Looking toward the future, he doesn't pretend to have all the answers.

"I don't have detailed plans for the future. I simply hope for the best, pray, and do what I can where I am."

That same attitude shaped his response when asked what he wanted supporters in the United States to know.

His answer was simple and heartfelt.

"Everything you did—your prayers, your financial support, and your personal presence—had meaning. It reached our hearts. It made me think about my life, my role in the church, my relationship with God, and my future."

He continued,

"This camp was needed. We Ukrainians carry many fears about our country, our families, and our future. To have believers travel such a great distance to serve us, to share their own lives, and to be an example of faith means so much. I want Americans to know that everything they have done for our country and for this camp mattered. We are deeply grateful."

As we celebrate another successful summer camp, Pavlo's words remind us that ministry is rarely measured only by programs or attendance numbers. Sometimes its greatest impact is found in a quiet prayer, an honest conversation, or simply showing up.

For one young Ukrainian, the prayers, generosity, and presence of faithful United Methodists became a tangible reminder that he does not face his fears alone.

This article came from an interview of Pavlo by Fred Vanderwerf. Pavlo gives his thoughts on President Zelensky and Trump on In Mission Together Ukraine Instagram page.

Finding a Home: Polina's Journey Through War, Faith, and Relationship Camp

When 17-year-old Polina arrived at this year's Relationship Camp: No Fear, she wasn't just another camper. She carried with her a story shared by thousands of Ukrainian young people—a story of displacement, resilience, and discovering hope in unexpected places.

Originally from the Dnipro region in eastern Ukraine, Polina's hometown now lies only 40 to 50 kilometers from the front lines of the war. Like so many families, hers was forced to leave home in search of safety.

Today, Polina lives in a shelter in Uzhhorod that is supported by the United Methodist Church. Through that ministry she became involved with Lighthouse, the United Methodist outreach that serves children and youth throughout the week. It was through Lighthouse that she received an invitation to attend Relationship Camp for the very first time.

"I had never been to Relationship Camp before," she said. "It was my first experience, and it was really interesting."

A Faith That Grew During Wartime

One of the things that makes Polina's story unique is that she did not grow up actively involved in church.

Although her family had an Orthodox background, it wasn't until the war that she began exploring the Christian faith more seriously. Along the way she attended churches in Lviv, Kyiv, and now Uzhhorod, where her faith has continued to grow.

Looking back, she says becoming a Christian has been one of the unexpected gifts that emerged during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

Learning She Wasn't Alone

The camp's theme this year was "No Fear," with each Bible message exploring a different fear that young people often carry.

For Polina, the week brought an important realization.

"I was really happy to hear that I'm not alone," she said. "Sometimes we fear not being enough. When you realize other people have the same fears, you begin to think, 'Maybe I don't have to be so afraid anymore.'"

She said the worship services, prayer times, and conversations in small groups all helped her grow closer to God while also creating a deeper sense of community with the other campers.

Campfire Conversations and New Friendships

When asked about her favorite memories, Polina smiled as she described the final evening around the campfire.

Campers wrote their fears on pieces of paper and placed them into the fire as a symbol of surrendering them to God. Together they sang worship songs late into the evening, creating what she described as a warm and comforting atmosphere.

"I really liked that moment," she said. "It felt very cozy."

She also loved the daily small-group discussions.

"Everyone had different opinions and different perspectives," she explained. "It was really interesting to hear how other people thought."

Like many teenagers, some of her favorite memories had nothing to do with schedules or programs. On the last night, campers stretched out across the grounds—some sleeping on the grass, others on the trampoline, and still others on the playground—as they enjoyed one last night together before heading home.

Back at the shelter, the conversations continued.

"For about a week," Polina laughed, "we talked about camp every single day. We kept remembering jokes and funny moments."

The verdict from her friends was unanimous: they all want to come back next year.

Looking Toward the Future

Polina recently graduated from high school and has decided to take a gap year before beginning university.

Rather than simply taking time off, she has already begun volunteering with Lighthouse, helping organize projects and activities for younger children and youth.

She hopes to spend the coming year serving, traveling within Ukraine when possible, meeting new people, and gaining life experience before beginning her university studies.

For those of us watching Ukraine from thousands of miles away, it is easy to focus only on headlines and military updates. But Polina reminds us that behind every news story is a young person building a future one step at a time.

Because of churches that opened a shelter, volunteers who invested in Lighthouse, and supporters who helped make Relationship Camp possible, one young woman displaced by war has found not only safety, but also a community of faith where she belongs.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest victories of all.

-To see the whole delighful video interview of Polina please see go to this link.