Social activity

Outdoor Education in Ukrainian Schools

We conduct regular forest days for two alternative schools in Ivano-Frankivsk: Kaizen and Nevgamovni. Additionally, Kaizen has been a pilot site for all our forest pedagogy programs since 2018.

For one-time outings, we can organize hikes, free forest walks, or team games tailored to the children’s ages. Depending on the request, we focus on teamwork, art or natural sciences.

Source of Funding: parents

Outdoor Adventure Tracker “Wonderous Kilometer”

This souvenir product promotes shared family leisure outdoors. In particular, it extends beyond the Ivano-Frankivsk region, where GoЙra! is based. The tracker’s ideas cover all seasons and are universal, not tied to a specific region. Additionally, most activities can be done without special equipment or experience.

All proceeds from the tracker sales go towards social projects, specifically enabling children from families affected by war to participate in adventures when they cannot afford the full cost.

Source of funding: GoЙra’s own contribution

Adventure camps in the Carpathian Mountains

The project covered two adventures: an autumn camp in Dzembronia and a winter camp in Kozmeshchyk. It’s a week in the mountains with daily tourist activities and hikes. The project’s aim was relaxation and psycho-emotional recovery for children.

Camps are held in small groups and bring together children of different ages. This contributes to establishing strong social connections. The camp has a positive long-term impact, as children who become friends at the camps are inclined to spend time together actively in nature even after its completion.

Source of funding: contributions from private benefactors, GoЙra’s own contribution

Spring hikes with GoЙra!

Within the project, there were 8 hikes in the Carpathian Mountains for mixed groups, including local children and IDPs. All routes started near Ivano-Frankivsk, within a radius of 100 km, ensuring daytime activity. Destinations such as Polonyna Kukul, Mount Rotylo, Kolybach Stone, Mount Shugayiv Gorgan, and Dumka Cave introduced children to new landmarks and the region’s nature. Through vivid experiences, the project fostered non-verbal formation of patriotism and environmental awareness. Additionally, it facilitated new friendships and emotional release for the children.

Source of funding: Nova Ukraine

GoЙra! Family Fest

The aim of the festival is to promote active recreation in nature. It consists of team competitions for families or friends with children. There are 20 stages of tourist, creative, and intellectual activities scattered throughout the forest. The tasks help enhance teamwork, while the shared meal and games after the competitions facilitate networking among active families.

The festival took place in the Vovchynets hills, the outskirts of Ivano-Frankivsk accessible by public transportation. This location was chosen to demonstrate that outdoor recreation is not only exciting but also accessible.

Source of funding: GoЙra’s own contribution

Gifts for winners sponsored by TOM peanut butter, Gorgany, Fram Equipment, ЇDLO, Ksenia cookies

Flashmob: “Reading in Nature”

The aim of the flashmob is to demonstrate that spending time in nature is possible not only during the summer holidays but also throughout the school year. Together with the Ukrainian book space Barabooka, we discussed adventure books for children and encouraged reading outdoors.

Among the flashmob participants, we held a giveaway of 3 prize sets: adventure trackers for outdoor activities and a set of books published by “Mala Akademiya” in 2023.

Source of funding: Barabooka and GoЙra’s own contribution

Tent camps and river rafting expeditions

The project encompassed five 10-day camps in the Carpathian Mountains and two 5-day river rafting expeditions on the Dniester. Engaging in tourism, fostering close interaction with nature devoid of gadgets, and spending quality time with peers facilitated psychoemotional recovery. This effect was particularly notable among children who lost parents in the war. 

Mixed groups allowed showcasing the diversity of society to children and teaching them tolerance. By making friends, children gained long-lasting emotional support even after the end of adventure.

Source of funding: Nova Ukraine in collaboration with the Children of Heroes Foundation

Open Sky Holidays 2023

“Open Sky Holidays” is a two-week cycle of activities in Ivano-Frankivsk near the river and forest. The main goal of the camp is relaxation and psychological recovery for children alongside their peers. Participants are children aged 6-10 from various social groups. Mixing helps foster active networking and prevents clustering based on shared traumatic experiences. Parents note positive changes: children become calmer, sleep better, and make new friends. Participation in the camp also influences the family atmosphere, reducing parental anxiety.

Source of funding: Hungarian Interchurch Aid

Autumn Hikes with GoЙra!

We organized 8 hikes in the Carpathian Mountains. Typically ranging from 5 to 15 km, during daylight hours, we managed to reach cliffs, caves, waterfalls, or peaks and return to Ivano-Frankivsk. The project provided emotional relief for the children.

Shared outdoor activities help foster strong bonds among participants. By forming mixed groups of local children and IDPs, we achieved active community networking.

Source of funding: ChildFund Deutschland

FranKolo

FranKolo provides access to quality extracurricular activities regardless of a family’s financial ability. The project is location-independent and flexible, as sessions take place at private circles facilities. Most activities focus on small group work, allowing for individualized learning paths and fostering comfortable communication during sessions. 

Thanks to the FranKolo project, local and displaced children (IDPs) have been brought together, stabilizing their emotional state and providing support for many parents and teachers.

Source of funding: Childfund Deutschland, EDUCO, Nova Ukraine, Teple Misto Foundation

Open Sky Holidays 2022

“Open Sky Holidays” is a two-week cycle of activities in Ivano-Frankivsk near the river and forest. The main goal of the camp is relaxation and psychological recovery for children alongside their peers. Participants are children aged 6-10 from various social groups. Mixing helps foster active networking and prevents clustering based on shared traumatic experiences. Parents note positive changes: children become calmer, sleep better, and make new friends. Participation in the camp also influences the family atmosphere, reducing parental anxiety.

Source of funding: Nova Ukraine, Ukrainian community in Tyrol and private benefactors.

GoЙra! Camps

The project provided free spots for children affected by war. To uphold inclusivity and promote social tolerance, we formed mixed groups of children participating on paid and subsidized terms.

Children aged 6-10 took part in the day camp “Open Sky Holidays” in Ivano-Frankivsk. For IDP children, it helped to adapt to the new city and make friends.

Children aged 8 and above could join the tent camp at Dovbush Rocks. Time spent in nature helped them to cope with the stress caused by the war.

Source of funding: ChildFund Deutschland and EDUCO. Project implemented in partnership with NGO “Smart Osvita”

Kamianytsia. Vilni (Tenement. Free)

Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, families relocated westward. “Kamianytsia. Vilni” day camp provided a safe haven during school closures. Operating weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm, it fostered outdoor activities, helping children adjust to their new city and forge friendships. This initiative eased parents’ workload, allowing them to focus on work and home responsibilities, and fostered adaptation to the new community.

Source of funding: Mercy Corps. The project was implemented in partnership with the NGO “Kamianytsia Vilna”.