Belarus Solidarity Camp: "Kryvichy" as a New Educational Format

How did the idea of creating the "Kryvichy" camp arise, and what became the main motivation for its launch?

It all started when we saw how many Belarusian teenagers ended up in exile with their parents. In a foreign country, without friends, without their native language, without their familiar school. Many of them were left with only one parent — the other is in prison for participating in peaceful protests. This is a difficult state when you're no longer at home but haven't yet found yourself here. We wanted to create something that would restore their foundation, give them a sense of purpose, community, and strength. That's why the camp was born.

Which organizations are partners of this project, and what role do they play in preparing and conducting the camp?

The camp is organized in partnership with the "Krywiczy" sports and education foundation, the "A Country to Live in" charitable foundation, and the "A Country to Live in" public movement with support from the social policy representation of the United Transitional Cabinet. This includes financial investment, volunteer assistance, and informational support.

What makes the "Kryvichy" program unique compared to other similar initiatives for children of the Belarusian diaspora?

This isn't just a camp where you rest. It's a space where teenagers comprehend reality — how to behave in difficult situations, how to act when there are no adults nearby, how to trust themselves. We provide basic safety, navigation, and survival skills — things they don't teach in school. But the main thing — this isn't about fear, but about confidence. We teach not to be afraid.

Can you tell us more about the team of specialists who will work with the children: who are these people and what is their experience?

These are people with specific practical experience — those who served, who taught, who survived. The team includes instructors in medicine, sports, tourism, mountaineering, drone work, specialists in law, ecology, history, and culture. We recruited those who can be role models for teenagers, who can be trusted. And who know how to speak simply, without pretension.

How do you plan to work with the theme of trauma and emotional recovery within the camp framework?

We won't "dig into" the pain. We create an environment where everyone can find peace of mind. There will be evening circle talks, breathing practices, creative tasks, trust games. This will help accept reality, restore a sense of safety, and feel support. Children will have people nearby who understand what trauma is and how to work with it delicately. The goal is not to open wounds, but to gradually heal them.

Can you tell us more about organizing the "information detox" and teaching critical thinking? What specific class formats do you plan?

First — this is "disconnecting" from news, social networks, and telegrams. No telegram channels about horrors, only forest, teams, movement, and living relationships. There will be a cybersecurity course — children will learn how not to become victims of internet manipulation, how to protect themselves and their loved ones. All of this through real examples, games, discussions. We want them to be able to think for themselves, not just consume information.

What significance do the Belarusian language, culture, and history have in the program? Do you plan to collaborate with cultural figures in exile?

For us, the Belarusian language isn't just a "program item," it's a living part of the camp. It sounds in conversations, in songs, in stories. We collaborate with our cultural figures — artists, historians, musicians, such as Alexander Zhdanovich, Katerina Vodonosova, Alexander Denisov, Denis Shmatko. They come not just to perform, but to be together. This is our memory and strength.

What long-term goals do you set for the "Kryvichy" project? Do you plan to continue or expand the initiative in the future?

Yes, we want to make "Kryvichy" a regular project. Not once a year, but several times. And possibly in different countries. We dream of a community of camp graduates who will stick together, help new participants, and become strong young Belarusians wherever they may be. This isn't just a camp — it's a step toward revival.

How can one support your project?

We can be supported in various ways:– informationally: spread information, tell media or friends about us;– financially: attract partners, make donations — this helps us make participation free for children;– through volunteering: we're looking for specialists ready to temporarily join — instructors, psychologists, translators, logistics coordinators. We especially need people with experience working with children and organizational abilities.

Every pair of hands, every repost, every euro — this is a step toward a stronger, living Belarus.

"Kryvichy" Summer Camp — for Belarusian Emigrant Children

We invite children aged 10–16 from families of political prisoners, volunteers, and civil activists who found themselves in emigration after 2020 to the free two-week "Kryvichy" summer camp.

📅 When? August 11–25
📍 Where? Poland
👥 Number of participants: 30 people
📌 Application deadline: July 10
🔗 Application form: https://forms.gle/n9PmVba2PgRAQGnZ6

Program includes:– psychological support and emotional recovery;– informational "detox" and critical thinking;– cyber hygiene and media literacy;– Belarusian language, history, and culture;– hiking, environmental education, creativity, and teamwork.

Important:– legal status in the EU (Lithuania or Poland);– valid travel document;– priority given to children who have not yet participated in "A Country to Live in" foundation programs.

Organizers: the "Krywiczy" sports and education foundation, the "A Country to Live in" charitable foundation, and the "A Country to Live in" public movement with support from the social policy representation of the United Transitional Cabinet.

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