How our summer camps give a week of endless fun to children living in poverty
A young girl burdened by housework finds happiness at summer camp28th April 2025
Summer holidays filled with chores
“The living conditions she endures are far beyond what any child should have to experience.”
When 11-year-old Codruta was adopted as a baby, her new family hoped to give her a better life. But when their small business fell apart, the family ended up in deep poverty.
Cosmin – who works for Mission Without Borders in Danes, Romania, where Codruta lives – said, “The family live in a dilapidated shack in the village, with walls that barely hold up against the elements.
“After her stroke, the mother, Elena developed a semi-paresis, and Codruta now handles most of the housework.”
For children like Codruta, the long summer holidays are filled with nothing but chores and poverty. The poor living conditions both at home and in her local community make it almost impossible for children like her to find much to enjoy.
Joy and freedom at summer camp
Fortunately, Codruta and many other children were invited to attend one of Mission Without Borders’s summer camps – and enjoy a whole week of fun, rest and play.
“Last year, Codruta wasn’t allowed by her parents to go to summer camp. She had to stay home and take care of her nephews,” Cosmin said.
This year, however, Codruta had the joy of a “yes” from her parents – and went on to have a week she would never forget.
The summer camp is set in a campground surrounded by green fields and a beautiful lake. Each day is filled with activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, games, Bible lessons and water balloon fights.
Here, Codruta feels exhilarated by a sense of freedom and fun, the chance to play and be carefree.
“I know well that Jesus loves me”
“I like being at camp,” she said. “It’s a place where I can enjoy playing games with my old and new friends. The fun seems endless, and I am happy.
“Being here with the other children is a special treat. At home, I don’t have much time to play because I have a lot to do. I sometimes get to go down to the river nearby, but that’s about it. I’m grateful for every moment I spend here.”
She added, “I know well that Jesus loves me and loves us all, and I hope I can come back next year. I also got delicious treats and meals, and that made my time here even more special.”
Alexandru, director of the Mission in Romania, said, “I take great pleasure in helping plan these camps, knowing the profound spiritual and emotional impact they can have on the children we work with.”
Donate today and give a child like Codruta the chance to have endless fun at summer camp.
