During the 2025 therapeutic camp in Vyzhnytsia, organized by our sub—grantee, the “New Family” Foundation, we had the opportunity to speak with teenagers from various regions of Ukraine and conduct interviews. The camp provided a safe space where participants could be themselves, speak openly and without shame, explore their emotions, discuss mental and reproductive health, learn self-regulation techniques, and work on their own projects.
Over six intensive days, the teenagers created videos, participated in group sessions with psychotherapists, explored their personal boundaries, and took part in sports and team-building activities.
Below are the words of the participants themselves, their impressions, discoveries, and experiences gained during the camp.
Orina, 18 years old, a student at Vyzhnytsia College, studying Graphic Design, 4th year.
Which training or activity did you remember the most?
At the space — the first training on sexual education, HIV, AIDS, and drugs. At the camp — the session “Let’s Talk About…,” where we discussed emotions, relationships, and fears.
What new things did you learn about yourself during the camp?
I learned to thank myself every day. This makes the days feel fuller and helps me appreciate the value of each day.
How has your perspective on relationships, consent, and sexual education changed after the camp?
Before, I only knew about condoms and pills, but now I better understand different methods of contraception. I have also become more open to talking with friends about various topics.
What does being a leader among peers mean to you?
It means taking responsibility for a process and bringing people together to achieve something collectively.
Could you tell us about the mini-grants competition? Did you participate?
Yes, we created videos for the “Hear Yourself” project about mental health, as well as a video on sexual violence with information about help hotlines. Our team made social videos highlighting the importance of listening to yourself, seeking specialists, recognizing your problems, and not being afraid to talk about them. Often, there are many internal challenges we ignore, but they weigh us down. That’s why taking care of mental health is so important.
Nastya, 16 years old, Chernivtsi, studies at Lyceum No. 21, now in 11th grade.
Did you participate in the mini-grant competition?
Yes, we had a project called “Mental Health Corner.” We organized various activities at our lyceum: we asked students interesting questions and observed their reactions, seeing how active they were. Overall, these projects were mostly related to mental health.
Do you think it’s difficult for your peers to ask for help?
I think so. It often comes from parents: it used to be considered “shameful” to ask for help. But gradually this is changing, and with your support, we are learning to talk about our needs.
How has your view on consent, relationships, safety, sexual and reproductive health changed after the training?
I learned a lot of new things. For example, in the mental health trainings, we explored emotions—how love can sometimes hide behind fear, and how emotions are intertwined. In the reproductive health trainings, I learned a lot about the female and male body. This changed my perspective and helped me better understand my own life experiences.
Tell us about making social videos. What was your experience?
We filmed a video about sexual violence and where to seek help. This is an important topic that affects everyone, because unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. People are often afraid to talk about it due to judgment, but it’s important to know: you are not alone, and it’s necessary to seek help.
Karolina, 15 years old, Kostyntsi (Storozhynets), has been acquainted with “New Family” for over a year.
Which training topics do you remember the most?
Two. First — the training on reproductive health. Second — when we discussed the concept of an “anti- friend.” Our team listed what makes a bad friend, and it made me think: not just write general things, but understand what “anti-friend” personally means to me. It helped me better understand myself.
What new things did you learn about yourself at the camp?
I realized that I’m not as soft as I used to think. I can stand up for my opinion. When we were filming videos, we had disagreements because everyone had their own ideas. For the first time, I understood that I don’t want to accept things that make me uncomfortable. I want to be heard.
Are you already using the knowledge from the camp in everyday life?
Yes. The girls and I often discuss situations after the training. For example, the topic of manipulation. We analyzed a case where someone subtly pressures another to do something, and I realized how often this happens to me, too. Now I’m learning to recognize these moments and not let others manipulate me.
Were there topics that were difficult to talk about before, but you were able to open up here?
Reproductive health used to be uncomfortable to discuss. But now I don’t see it as a taboo. I think it’s important to talk about it — openly and honestly, especially among teenagers. We often don’t know important things about ourselves and our bodies.
What does being a leader mean to you?
It’s not about “I say, so it will be done.” It’s about support. A leader is someone who listens, helps find a compromise, unites the team, and helps others realize their ideas rather than imposing their own.
Is there a difference in how you perceive information from teenagers versus adults?
Yes. When a teenager speaks, it feels like we are “on the same level.” I start thinking: if they can do it, so can I. It breaks down barriers. I don’t have to wait until I grow up to know and talk about important things. I can do it now.
Artur, 14 years old, Chernivtsi. He is enrolling in Vyzhnytsia Professional College, majoring in Environmental Design (on the right).
Taras, 16 years old, Chernivtsi. He studies tailoring and pattern-making at Vocational School No3 and has completed the first year (on the left).
You took part in the mini-grants competition. What was your project about?
Taras: We created an educational project about mental health and gender-based violence. We ran an information campaign — an online lesson with tests to check knowledge before and after. The results showed that after the lesson, teenagers understood the topics better and were more open to talking about psychological support.
Artur: We complemented the lesson with a visual element — we made T-shirts with our own design. This emphasized the importance of the topic and helped draw attention. The project taught us how to plan, work in a team, and defend an idea in front of others.
What did you learn at the camp?
Artur: I realized how important it is to control emotions. The session about anger helped me understand that it often comes from fear. Now it’s easier to catch the moment and respond more calmly. Another discovery was the topic of different types of love and manipulation in relationships. Taras: For me, the training on reproductive health was important. Before, it seemed distant, but now I understand that this knowledge is necessary for every teenager. I also became more attentive to manipulations — they happen even among friends, but now it’s easier to recognize them.
You also made social videos. What was that like?
Taras: We decided that the format should be light and easy to understand, so we added humor. The main idea was to show that silence does not mean consent. We came up with the script together to make it relatable to teenagers. It was fun, but also a responsibility, because we knew that through the video we could really influence someone’s views.
Artur: I did the filming and editing. The most interesting part was seeing people’s reactions — everyone laughed, but at the same time remembered the main message. This taught us that serious topics can be discussed in an accessible and creative way.
Who do you think should see these videos?
Taras: First and foremost, teenagers and young people. Because we speak their language.
Artur: Humor helps keep attention, and along with the joke, the viewer absorbs important information.
What does being a leader mean to you?
Artur: It’s about initiative — starting a conversation, suggesting an idea, and seeing it through. Taras: For me, it’s also about being able to unite a team, give support, and help resolve conflicts.
The therapeutic camp in Vyzhnytsia became a space for growth, reflection, and sincere conversation. Over the course of six days, teenagers from various regions gained a deeper understanding of themselves and others through dialogue, creativity, teamwork, and new knowledge about mental and reproductive health. Participants shared that they became more confident in expressing emotions, setting personal boundaries, recognizing manipulation, and supporting their peers. Many emphasized that the camp helped them overcome taboos around sensitive topics and realize the importance of self-care and openness. Their stories demonstrate that such initiatives not only provide valuable information but also help young people discover their voices, values, and inner strength.
