Lighting the Way: Nova Ukraine’s Role in Empowering Young Scouts

Children thrive when they have role models, an inspired community, and a vision of a brighter world. The Ukrainian National Scout organization “Plast” or “plastuny” combines these three elements to promote well-rounded development among children. The scout’s organization is well equipped with a vision, principles, and core program that helps raise the next generation of young, motivated leaders. Nova Ukraine is lighting a path toward hope, growth, and resilience by supporting approximately 7,200 Ukrainian children to attend the program. Plast isn’t just a place where kids learn skills. It’s a sanctuary where they can rediscover joy, friendship, and the beauty of their heritage while being a part of a supportive community.

For Ukrainian children, Plast’s annual summer camps are the highlight of a year’s worth of preparation. These camps offer more than just a getaway: they provide immersive experiences in nature, history, and culture. Recognizing their transformative impact, Nova Ukraine awarded scholarships to 220 children in 2024. Thanks to this support, 205 children have already participated so far.

These camps foster teamwork and personal development, as Yukhym from Kamianets-Podilskyi shares.

“At home, I spend a lot of time on my phone, but at camp, I’m always doing something with my friends, and I love it.” (Yukhym, Kamianets-Podilskyi)

The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges together is evident in Bohdan’s memory of the obstacle course.

“It’s all about teamwork. My task was to climb a tree and thread a needle. It was so hard because I kept laughing and couldn’t concentrate!” (Bohdan, Kyiv)

Among the most beautiful aspects of Plast includes its ability to build long-lasting friendships. For many of these children, meeting peers who are also navigating the difficulties of life in a war-torn country is an invaluable experience.

“The best part of camp was singing songs together on a hike. The camp world is so different from home because there are no power outages here.” (Toma, Kyiv)

Nature plays a significant role in these camps, offering children a much-needed escape from the grim realities of war.

“I don’t want to go back home to the factories and machines,” says Yaroslav from Kyiv. “Here at camp, it’s all nature, clean air, delicious food, and so many games! And the cookies at the campfires are the best—everyone should experience a Plast campfire!”

Plast’s camps emphasize learning and discovery. At the science camp, children as young as nine get hands-on experience with real laboratory equipment. “I was in a real chemistry lab!” one child exclaimed. “Other kids won’t see this until seventh grade, but I’m in fourth grade and have already seen how chemical elements react, foam, and whiz!”

Nova Ukraine’s “Camp Scholarships” program aims to ensure that all children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, have the chance to attend these life-changing camps. These scholarships have provided 220 children from disadvantaged families—whether displaced, from low-income households, or from frontline areas—with the opportunity to join their peers in Plast’s enriching summer programs.

The success of this initiative goes beyond numbers. It’s seen in the smiles of children like Max from Uman.

“I learned to wake up early at camp, and I really don’t want to go back to sleeping late at home. I’m also really happy because my best friend beat the camp organizer in a running race—it’s our victory!” (Max, Uman)

For these children, the camp experience is more than a simple summer activity—it’s a place where they can be themselves, surrounded by supportive peers and mentors who help them grow in ways that will positively impact their future. As these young Ukrainians gather around campfires, climb trees, and laugh with new friends, they are building a brighter future. With the support of Nova Ukraine, Plast is nurturing a generation of resilient, capable, and hopeful youth who will one day lead Ukraine into a prosperous future.