THERAPEUTIC-DEVELOPMENT CAMP 2024

Our therapeutic and development camps are more than just vacation trips. It’s a true journey into ourselves, full of emotions, discoveries and special moments that will stay with us for a long time. Our camp in Rajgród this year was not only an adventure, but above all a chance to develop, discover our own abilities and build relationships based on trust and support.

Opening up to emotions – “Seven feelings” workshop

One of the key moments of our camp was the “Seven Feelings” workshop. Each of us faced a palette of emotions – from joy to sadness, from fear to anger. Through these activities we learned that every emotion is important and necessary. Understanding them allows you to better manage your reactions and build healthier relationships with others. It was a real lesson in accepting ourselves, our feelings and expressing them, which is the foundation of mental health.

Movement is healthy – Sports activities

There was also no shortage of physical activity, because, as we all know, health of body and spirit go hand in hand. Daily sports activities were not only an opportunity to keep fit, but also a great way to integrate. Team games, walking together, morning warm-ups – each of these activities brought us closer together and taught us to work together. It was during these moments outdoors that relationships based on trust and support were built.

Safe vacations and discovering history – Workshops with ISS Facility Services

Vacation is a carefree time, but it is also worth remembering safety. Thanks to the workshop organized by ISS Facility Services, we learned how to responsibly spend time on the water. Specialists showed us how to take care of ourselves and others so that summer adventures are not only exciting, but above all safe. ISS Facility Services also prepared for us fascinating historical workshops that allowed us to move back in time and better understand the events that shaped our reality.

Touching meeting – Sybiraks and their stories

One of the most moving moments of the camp was the meeting with the Sybiraks, organized through cooperation with the Augustow department of the Pilecki Institute. Their stories of suffering, perseverance and steadfastness moved each of us. Listening to the stories of their fate, we could see how much courage it took to survive in such difficult conditions. This meeting made us realize the importance of cherishing the memory of the past and appreciating the freedom we have today.

Integration and development – key therapeutic outcomes

The shared adventures and experiences allowed us to open up to each other, which is crucial in the therapeutic process. For many of our charges, these days were a chance to discover new aspects of their own personalities, understand their emotions and learn how to cope with the challenges of everyday life.

We returned as a close-knit group, richer in new experiences and valuable friendships that will surely continue long after the camp ends. It is these relationships, built on trust and mutual support, that are one of the most valuable therapeutic effects of our trips. We are already looking forward to our next adventures and challenges together!

We would like to thank ISS Facility Services for conducting fantastic workshops for our youth and for donating sports equipment.

We would like to thank the August department of the Pilecki Institute for organizing a meeting with Sybiraks.

The photos were taken by Jakub Peda.