The All-Ukrainian Congress of the Adventist Camp Ministry Association (A-CAMP) was held in Bucha, Kyiv region, from February 12–15, under the theme “More Than a Vacation.”

Organizers said the congress brought together 250 participants from across Ukraine to strengthen cooperation among camp leaders, pastors, and coordinators and to underscore camp ministry as a tool for mission and spiritual growth.

At the opening session, Vitalii Kryvoi, treasurer of the Ukrainian Union Conference, welcomed participants and encouraged them to prioritize the guidance of the Holy Spirit in camp ministry. He said success is not driven only by new experiences, but by spiritual dependence and purpose.

On the first day, Alisa Dubrova, sports ministry leader and instructor at the Association of Christian Camps of Ukraine, led interactive activities designed to build connections and provide practical tools for camp settings. She emphasized sports as an approach that can support spiritual themes and create opportunities for gospel-centered engagement.

Daily morning and evening devotionals were led by Ivan Romaniuk, youth ministries leader in Ukraine, who shared reflections on leadership and God’s involvement in ministry, drawing from the biblical book of Judges. During the Sabbath service, Volodymyr Velechuk, executive secretary of the Ukrainian Union Conference, said children’s ministries, Pathfinders, youth, and family ministries share a common mission focus, and encouraged those serving in camp ministry to remain centered on Christ’s guidance.

Throughout the program, participants attended seminars and group discussions led by experienced practitioners. Topics included the biblical foundations of camp ministry, leadership development, team communication, evangelism models, emotional intelligence, stress management, conflict resolution, and post-camp outreach.

Organizers also highlighted training designed specifically for pastors and team leaders, describing camp ministry as a setting for outreach and discipleship. For the first time, representatives of the Druzhbolandiia (Friendshipland) project in Talne, Cherkasy region, shared their experience of inter-camp ministry for children.

Maksym Buha, national coordinator of Pathfinder and Adventurer ministries, noted that this year camp directors registered members of their core teams, which resulted in a smaller but more directly involved group of participants compared to last year.

“This has certain advantages because those attending are directly engaged in organizing and running camps,” Buha said. “We also saw many new leaders this year, mostly young people. The average age of participants is 22, which reflects a trend of renewal in camp ministry teams.”

Ivan Romaniuk, leader of Adventist Youth Ministries in Ukraine emphasized that the congress intentionally brought together three key groups within camp ministry: directors, coordinators, and pastors.

“We want pastors to be increasingly involved so they can fully support and understand this ministry,” Romaniuk said. “Our goal is to show that camp is not just a week of rest, but truly more than a vacation — it is a powerful tool for fulfilling the church’s mission.”

He added that organizers are already praying and planning to involve an additional church department in next year’s event.

Petro Syrotkin, assistant to the youth and club ministries leaders, noted the positive feedback from participants, highlighting the practical value of the seminars and the strong representation of both experienced leaders and newcomers.

“If this helps leaders grow and strengthens their ministry, then the goal of the event has been achieved,” he said.

The first A-CAMP congress took place in February 2025 and gathered 320 representatives of camp teams from across Ukraine.

This article was provided by the Ukrainian Union Conference.