Summer holidays usually mean family time and travel. For children in children’s homes, the experience is a bit different – but still full of adventure, deep friendships, and vital life lessons. Their summer is a busy, beautiful mix of pure joy and preparation for adulthood.
Much of the holiday revolves around summer camps, from traditional scouting to exciting new formats like military or IT and virtual reality camps. These trips allow children to mix with peers from regular families, which is essential for healthy socialization. The human stories behind these camps are what make them truly special: thirteen-year-old Martin, for instance, is heading back to Praskolesy to reunite with friends from other homes whom he hasn’t seen all year. Meanwhile, other kids are thrilled to experience their first military camp, looking forward to sleeping under the open sky and learning how to build fires without matches.
Homes also organize their own summer getaways, made possible by partner organizations and donors. Thanks to a very successful fundraiser, six children from one home are flying to the sea on the island of Rhodes. Another home is keeping tradition alive, heading to their favorite campsite for the eighth consecutive year. Even when staying back at home, life feels like a big family vacation – complete with day trips to water parks, shared cooking, and evening campfires in the garden.
For older teenagers, summer is also a vital stepping stone toward independence, closely supported by C4C’s Springboard to Life project. By taking on part-time summer jobs in cafes or warehouses, they learn the value of money and saving. Earning their own income provides a massive boost to their self-confidence, showing them they have what it takes to take care of themselves once they leave care.
Organizing such diverse summer programs is logistically and financially demanding. But thanks to the incredible solidarity of donors, volunteers, and Chance 4 Children, these children don’t just pass the time – they build lifelong memories and experiences that help shape a brighter future.
