Children's summer and winter camps

Summary

Summer and winter camps are a vital part of the children's programme in both Kondopoga and Suoyarvi parishes.  The experience may only last for two weeks, but it is so intense that the effect on the children is noticeable through the year.

Find out where Kondopoga and Suoyarvi are

Why the camps are important

"This camp and the experience it provides, as well as the enthusiasm of its organisers, are unique and deserve as much support as possible. The children, many of them from dysfunctional families and unable to spend their holidays in a normal fashion, find comfort, understanding and a new outlook on life."

Victor Troitsky, volunteer from St Petersburg

Read more . . .

See pictures from this year's Kondopoga camp

How you can help

• £6 will buy a set of craft materials for the children
• £25 will feed one child for a week on summer camp

Donate now

Where are the camps held?

There is a lack of suitable accommodation for children's holidays, so St Gregory's Foundation has helped both Suoyarvi and Kondopoga parishes to establish their own centres.

Suoyarvi parish was given a building in a nearby village.  We helped by replacing the dangerous heating stoves and financing minor repairs.

Kondopoga parish now has a purpose-built holiday centre on the banks of a local lake, thanks to the generosity of St Gregory's Foundation donors and the parish architect and builder who donated much of their time and paid for some materials.  The house is used throughout the year by the Kondopoga children's groups and by other groups from the surrounding area and as far away as St Petersburg. 

St Gregory's Foundation has also helped to establish a small tourist centre as a social enterprise to pay for the maintenance of the holiday centre.  This innovative scheme will make it possible for the centre to continue to offer holidays to children for many years to come.

You can find out more about the holiday and tourist centres here.

Who takes part?

In 2010 50 people took part in the Kondopoga summer camps, with around 120 using the facilities through the summer.  31 children took part in the Suoyarvi summer camp.