Lives are changed. Confidence is restored. Dreams begin to grow.

Lives are changed. Confidence is restored.
Dreams begin to grow.

*names have been changed to protect the identities of families

June 1, 2026

Summer Camp 2026 is just around the corner.

Every year, The Village of Hope Romania brings vulnerable children together for a week of fun, friendship, encouragement, and life-changing experiences. For many, summer camp is more than games and activities—it is the first time they feel truly seen, valued, and hopeful about the future.

Today, I want to share one of those stories with you.

Recently, through our support program, we met a family of three living in modest conditions in rural Romania. The mother stays home caring for the household while the father works as a shepherd. Together, they share one small room where they sleep, cook, and spend each day focused on survival.

During one of our first visits, something on the wall caught our attention—a detailed drawing of a building sketched carefully in pencil.

When we asked about it, the parents told us their 14-year-old son had drawn it.

As we got to know him, he began showing us more of his work. Drawing after drawing revealed incredible creativity and attention to detail—especially architectural sketches and historical buildings. Yet despite his talent, he quietly doubted whether his dream could ever become reality.

His father encouraged him to become a mechanic instead, believing it would provide a more stable future.

Then came Summer Camp.

During that week away, surrounded by encouragement, friendship, and caring mentors, something changed. For perhaps the first time, this young boy began believing that his gifts mattered. He opened up about his passion for art and architecture and shared that this was what he truly wanted to pursue with his life.

Our team continued encouraging both him and his parents. Slowly, their perspective began to change.

Today, that same young man has now been admitted to the Art School in Timișoara. His dream is one day to design and build a home for his parents—a better life than the one they currently share together in a single small room. This is the power of summer camp.