Detailed description

Central Texas Rotarians are doing what they can to add some joy to the lives of refugee children thanks to a Rotary International Disaster Response Grant of $25,000 fully funding a Labor Day weekend camp. Partnering with Peaceable Kingdom by Variety to work hand in hand with the Central Texas Ukrainian community, they have invited more than 50 children to attend the weekend retreat. Boys and girls, ages 5 to 15, will be treated to activities and outdoor adventures throughout the 122 acre camp that will end with a special carnival for approximately 150 Ukrainian guests, on Monday. The purpose of the retreat is to promote community, social skills, English language development, friendship, camaraderie, support and empowerment through nature and adventure. 80+ Rotarian volunteers and 20+ volunteers from the Ukrainian community will work together to assist in recreation, social connection, friendship, support and empowerment through nature and adventure.

Community assessment: How the project team learned about the community’s needs

Peaceable Kingdom by Variety connected with PDG Rich Kaye and DG Shannon Coleman and RYLA Director Barbara Najera to discuss potential project. Partnered with Liberty Ukraine Foundation to find families and campers to attend.

Project impact: How the project will help the community after the project ends

The purpose of this retreat is to promote community, social skills, English language development, friendship, camaraderie, support and ultimately empowerment through nature and adventure. We believe that time spent at Peaceable Kingdom will positively impact feelings of separation, loss of community and uncertainty about the future that our newest campers may be experiencing. This will also offer an opportunity to bring the local Ukrainian community together to promote cohesion, community, and support. While we cannot predict the future, we can facilitate a community approach to care for refugee children and help each of them more clearly understand the direction of their immediate future and the caring community that surrounds them.

Sustainability: How the benefits of the project will continue afterward

We believe that time spent at Peaceable Kingdom will positively impact feelings of separation, loss of community and uncertainty about the future that our newest campers may be experiencing. This will also offer an opportunity to bring the local Ukrainian community together to promote cohesion, community, and support.