Ukrainian soldiers’ children find freedom at Latvian seaside camp

A week-long camp in Limbaži municipality gave 80 children from Ukrainian soldiers’ families a chance to see the sea, join excursions and hikes, and experience peaceful skies, LSM reported.

The camp, organised by the Jaunsardze Centre, brought together children of Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard soldiers with 27 young participants from Latvia. For many of the Ukrainian children, it was their first time seeing the sea and their first trip outside their war-torn homeland.

The camp ended on Friday with farewells, hugs and tears. The children said the week in Latvia had passed quickly, with a final party on the evening before their departure remaining a particularly warm memory.

“My father is fighting, so I came here to the camp. I liked the last disco, which was yesterday. I even lost my voice; it was simply very good. And, of course, the trip to the sea. I do not often go to the sea,” 13-year-old Dmitro from Lviv said.

The visit to the sea became one of the camp’s most memorable experiences. Several children saw the sea for the first time, while those from Mariupol, a city devastated by the war, were especially moved to see it again.

“I believe one of the most incredible moments was the trip to the sea. It gave us incredible emotions, a sense of freedom and real happiness,” 13-year-old Nastia from Kyiv said.

She also praised Latvia’s nature and said the camp leaders had welcomed the children so warmly that they felt at home from the first day. The programme included activities and events throughout the week.

At first, the Latvian participants were concerned about the language barrier, but the concern quickly disappeared. Smiles and gestures were often enough to communicate, while the Ukrainian children proved open and friendly, according to Līva from Riga.