Ukrainian Refugee Support Camp Project
The first Ukrainian Refugee Children’s Support Camp was held on 30/31 August 2025 as part of Karuna’s ongoing commitment to provide a well-being program to support or relief to children with special needs and those who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, deprived or distressed because of being refugees.
We provided accommodation, bus transportation, food, fun activities and care in support of children displaced by the war in Ukraine from the Lidcombe,
Ukrainian community.
A group of 14 children and five of their parents, accompanied by a youth worker, Galiya, participated in an overnight camp at the Karuna Sanctuary in Katoomba. This project was a collaborative effort between the Ukrainian
Council of NSW and the Karuna Foundation Children’s Fund, with their dedicated team of volunteers, all united by a shared commitment to
compassion and care.
The invited families were recently settled in Australia, still carrying the trauma of conflict, separation, and the immense challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new and unfamiliar country.
Recognising the deep emotional toll on both children and parents, the camp was designed to create a safe, nurturing environment where children could play, heal, and reconnect with joy
— while also giving their parents a much needed moment of respite and support.
The program focused on emotional well-being, connection, and friendship-building through enjoyable activities, including Bush Walks from Karuna to the cliff top view of the entire Megalong Valley, marshmallow toasting over a campfire, a workshop of making Japanese Origami, an art of paper folding, a fantastic Drumming workshop, and a Memorable bus excursion to the historical Zig Zag Steam Train in Lithgow with a delicious picnic lunch and an extra excursion to the Blackheath Abbott’s Leap water fall on the way back to
the Karuna Sanctuary.
Our gratitude for this trip owes to Michael, a volunteer BMCC Council Community bus driver.
All programs were well received by the Ukrainian children and their accompanying parents
Parents expressed how meaningful it was to be part of the camp —and to experience a moment of calm and freedom themselves.
" For the first time in three years, I was able to truly rest from all my worries. That means the world"
— A participating mother
The Ukrainian Council of NSW also showed their gratitude to the Karuna Foundation Children’s Fund as follows.
"On behalf of myself and all participants, I want to thank you for theincredible time and experience you created for Ukrainian children and their mothers. Everything was truly wonderful: Karuna Sanctuary is an absolutely beautiful and calming place, the program was interesting, engaging, and well-balanced, and the food was simply delicious.
But what touched our hearts the most was your kindness, sincerity, and compassion. To be honest, we couldn’t even expect such a warm welcome"
— Ukrainian Council of NSW Representative
The Karuna Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers who contributed to preparing the film night, Sunday breakfast, and lunch, as well as their time and effort. And Nara’s passion made this project
possible.
And to the partner organisation, The Ukrainian Council of NSW, under the leadership of Andrew Mencinsky and Galiya, the organisers who made the connection to the Karuna Foundation, and bound us all to help Ukrainian children better and brighter future.
We also honour the Ukrainian families who joined us, showing their resilience and strength. Your courage continues to inspire us all.
Karuna will continue to provide support, offering more opportunities for Ukrainian children and helping to restore hope for their future.
