Over the past several weeks, a series of winter programs for children and teens were held in the Odessa community, as part of a broader network of activities taking place in the city and at additional locations across Ukraine. Despite the freezing weather and the complex reality of wartime, participation was high, with children taking part in a wide range of educational and social activities.

In Odessa, the scientific winter camp “Winter Lab” opened and quickly became one of the city’s central hubs of activity for children.

The first day included an opening session with the staff, a visit to the Science Museum, and an activity focused on the four elements, fire, water, air, and earth, and how they relate to the human soul and influence behavior.

The children took part in experiments, learned about natural phenomena, and showed great curiosity. Throughout the camp, additional workshops, guided experiments, and activities were held, all designed to blend hands-on learning with basic Jewish values.

A group of girls from the Odessa community participated in the “Yeka” winter camp held in the Carpathian Mountains.

The camp included classes, workshops, trips, and social activities, led by counselors from Ukraine and abroad.

According to staff, the girls from Odessa integrated quickly into the program and were among the most active groups in terms of participation and initiative.

The counselors reported a strong sense of unity and new bonds forming between staff and campers, despite differences in language and background.

The boys’ “Yeka” camp was held in Zhytomyr, where a group of boys from Odessa joined and thoroughly enjoyed trips, games, educational sessions, Torah classes, and quizzes.

The counselors noted that the boys showed high levels of engagement and cooperation throughout the program.

Some of the older students served as counselors in the children’s camps, contributing their time, energy, and knowledge to the younger participants. Others took part in the STARS seminar in Dnipro, which featured a high-quality, engaging, and enriching program, new friendships, farbrengens that continued late into the night, and a warm, uplifting Jewish atmosphere.

Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine, said: “Children need a stable, safe, and enriching framework, especially at a time like this. Amid all the turmoil of war, these winter camps are truly a breath of fresh air.”