From 9–16 August, 14 Ukrainian young people from the municipality of Morshyn had the opportunity to experience a week filled with community, activities and new encounters in Rättvik and Dalarna. For these young people, all of whom are affected by the consequences of the war in different ways, the week offered a chance to temporarily leave the seriousness of the war behind and simply be young.
The summer camp was organised by the County Administrative Board of Dalarna in cooperation with Samarkand and was held at Stiftsgården in Rättvik. Thanks to the support of a large number of companies, organisations, associations and private individuals, the young people were able to experience many of the activities and environments that make Dalarna special.
A Warm Welcome to Dalarna
The week was packed with activities. The young people visited Sommarland, went summer sledging and go-karting, horse riding, canoeing on Lake Siljan, climbing, played padel and tried golf. They also visited Stiernhöök Upper Secondary School, Falun and the ski jumping hills. The programme also included hiking along the Enån river, swimming, cycling, a five-event challenge, shopping and many other activities.
But perhaps the activities themselves were not the most important part of the week. Just as meaningful were all the encounters – with camp leaders, associations, companies and, above all, Swedish young people.
New Friendships Across Borders
During the week, the Ukrainian young people had the opportunity to meet Swedish young people. The meetings quickly became natural and greatly appreciated.
Marit Ragnarsson from the County Administrative Board of Dalarna, who accompanied the young people for most of the week, says that the Swedish young people made a strong impression.
They were curious, talkative and took their own initiatives. The Ukrainian young people found them very mature and looked up to them in many ways. Hopefully, some of the young people will continue to stay in touch even after the camp has ended.
A Break from the Reality of War
The participating young people are aged 15–17 and come from the municipality of Morshyn in western Ukraine. Some have lost a parent in the war, while others have parents who are currently serving in the war.
Their everyday lives involve things that no young person should have to carry. That is why the purpose of the summer camp was simple but important: to give them a break from the seriousness of the war and an opportunity to gain new experiences, energy and a sense of community.
Every morning at 9:00, a minute of silence was observed, followed by the national anthem – a reminder of why the young people were in Sweden and of the reality they would soon return to.
At the same time, the days were filled with laughter, activities, conversations and new experiences.
When Dalarna Shows Its Best Side
When the young people left Sweden, they took home suitcases filled with memories and stories. They had experienced Dalarna, met Swedish young people and people who wanted to welcome them, and above all had a week where the war did not have to be at the centre of everything.
The summer camp became a clear example of what can happen when many people come together around a shared idea.
Media Coverage
Interview with two of the young people on Radio Dalarna:
Intervju i Radio Dalarna med två av ungdomarna:
Intervju i Radio Dalarna med Marit Ragnarsson, länsstyrelsen, som arrangör av lägret.
A Warm and Heartfelt Thank You
A warm and heartfelt thank you to all the companies, organisations, associations and private individuals who made this week possible!
The summer camp was made possible through financial contributions from:
- Dalarnas Försäkringsbolag
- Sparbanksstiftelsen
- Dala Energi
- Samarkand
- SEB
In addition, several private individuals and organisations, including Zonta, Odd Fellow, Rotary in Ludvika, Bokstaven in Rättvik, the Sweden–Norway Border Committee and the County Administrative Board of Dalarna, contributed financially.
Rättvik Municipality, Dalakraft, Rättviks Racing Club, VM Falun 2027, Rättviks Riding Club and Rättviksbacken were among those who contributed activities during the week.
A special thank you also goes to all the companies that contributed financially to the summer camp through their participation in the Data Centre Conference at Falun Mine on 27 April.
Together, we showed the best of Dalarna – and the solidarity of Dalarna.
You can read more about the County Administrative Board’s cooperation with Ukraine and watch a film made by students from the municipality of Morshyn:
