From August 10 to 15, 2026, in honor of Youth Day, the “Donetsk Sich” military-patriotic training program took place, organized by the Department of Family, Youth, and Mass Events for National-Patriotic Education of the Regional State Administration, in collaboration with the Donetsk Regional Youth Center and the charitable organization “Podillia-Volyn Sich Charitable Foundation,” with support from the Khmelnytskyi Regional State Administration.
The main focus of “Donetsk Sich” was providing children with a high-quality and enriching recreational experience in the format of a traditional tent camp featuring Cossack lifestyle. Over the course of six days, the boys and girls fully immersed themselves in the romance of camp life: they lived in tents, spent a lot of time outdoors, and mastered basic camping skills and orienteering. The program was fully tailored to allow the children to unwind, improve their health, gain interesting hands-on experience, and make new friends from different parts of Ukraine.
Entertainment and educational activities played a special role in the camp program. The children enjoyed fascinating excursions to the region’s landmarks and picturesque spots, where they had the opportunity to learn about local history and culture. Every day, participants took part in a variety of sports relays, creative contests, intellectual quests, and team games.
The evening program was the real highlight of the camp: traditional gatherings around the campfire with guitar music, heartfelt conversations, cozy open-air movie nights, and lively camp discos, which brought the young people together as one big, friendly family.
A key focus of the event was national-patriotic education with a Cossack emphasis. Young people from the Donetsk region learned about Cossack traditions, customs, and way of life. In addition, camp participants acquired skills in tactics, marksmanship, drone operation, and providing first aid.
Holding this summer camp demonstrated the excellent synergy between government agencies and the civil society sector in organizing high-quality and safe recreational activities for children. “Donetsk Sich” left the participants with countless warm memories, unforgettable experiences, and strong camp friendships. The Donetsk Regional State Administration will continue to support initiatives aimed at the comprehensive development and meaningful leisure activities of our youth.