Youth Unite in Poland’s Wild Northeast
This summer, the Play for Peace Warsaw Club took its annual camp to new heights, literally. After last year’s stationary program, the second edition of the PFP Warsaw Camp became a week-long hiking expedition through the stunning landscapes of Suwalszczyzna, a breathtaking region in northeastern Poland known for its rolling hills, serene lakes, and wild beauty.
Our diverse group of participants came from Ukraine, Poland, and Belarus, each bringing their own stories, cultures, and experiences. Together, they set out on a journey that was more than just hiking; it was about building trust, fostering community, and learning to live in harmony.
A Leadership Team Rooted in Connection
Guiding this adventure was an incredible leadership team:
Maria Loskot – Initiator and lead mentor of PFP Warsaw Club.
Vlada Ivaniuk – One of the club’s first participants, now a confident leader.
Anastasiia Komissarenko – Teacher at the Ukrainian School led by KIK Warsaw.
Zbyszek Wicher – Long-time supporter of the club and leader in last year’s camp.
Their shared goal? To create a safe space where youth could connect, grow, and discover the joy of peacebuilding through play.
Life Without Phones, but Full of Connection
Over the course of seven unforgettable days, participants not only explored nature but also learned how to work together in challenging outdoor conditions, often without phone signal or internet access.
For many, it was their first time camping. They mastered skills like:
Setting up tents and cooking on portable stoves.
Starting a fire with flint after the rain.
Navigating using maps and compasses.
Gathering wild herbs to make tea.
These activities didn’t just teach survival skills; they also nurtured teamwork, patience, and mutual respect.
The Play for Peace Methodology in Action
Throughout the camp, the Play for Peace methodology was at the heart of everything we did.
Participants learned to facilitate games and activities designed to energize, connect, and spark deep reflection.
Even in everyday moments, like cooking together, we learned valuable leadership lessons. Communication had to be clear and precise, much like talking in a foreign language. Every instruction needed to be understood by all, reminding us that true leadership means clarity, empathy, and patience.
A Community That Lasts Beyond the Camp
By the final day, participants had gained so much confidence that they took complete ownership, planning and leading activities entirely on their own. The bonds formed were genuine and strong, proving that peacebuilding is possible even in just one week when people are open to listening, learning, and laughing together.
We left Suwalszczyzna with new skills, stronger friendships, and a renewed commitment to our shared mission. Several new members have joined the PFP Warsaw Club, bringing fresh energy for the semester ahead. We can’t wait to resume our regular Practice Peace sessions for younger kids and continue planting seeds of peace in our community.
Here’s to more journeys that combine nature, learning, and the power of play, because every step we take together is a step toward peace.
