Creating memories

A large number of Ukrainian families, who were forced to flee their homeland in 2022, settled temporarily in Scotland. Some refugee children were able to attend SU Holidays last year. We are planning to help others join SU Holidays in 2023 through the Holidays Sponsorship Appeal.

Team Leaders who welcomed young people from Ukraine to their events commented on what a positive time it was for them. Young people who had experienced trauma in their recent past were able to form friends and join in with everything that was happening. Despite language barriers at times the young people who joined SU Holidays enjoyed themselves enormously.

Sebastian Barclay, a team member at LM6A interviewed Amelia Shepel from Ukraine about her experience of attending a summer holiday during their reunion weekend in January.

» Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Amalia, 15 years old, in S5 at school, interested in cooking, psychology, football, photography and philosophy. I like listening to music and I’m into outdoor active stuff. I’m also a Christian and interested in knowing God better and want to grow in serving people well. I’m working as a shop assistant but looking forward to changing jobs in the future.

» Where are you from?

Ukraine originally but I live in Edinburgh at the moment.

» How did you become a Christian?

My parents are Christians so brought me up as a Christian. When I was 13, I decided I wanted to be baptised, which was my own choice. It was a grown-up decision. Before that, I thought I was a Christian just because of my parents and coming to services with them.

I decided to get baptised because I started understanding God is actually the creator and the only one who can rule the world, me and other people. I realised that he has a real impact on people’s lives, and I really want to follow him, and live by his rules.

» How many camps have you been to?

Back in Ukraine I was going to our church camps almost every year. I was also at James and Eleanor's camp in 2019 while staying with relatives in Scotland, and I came back again in 2022, and am currently at the reunion weekend as well.

» What was camp like the first time you came?

I really enjoyed the activities at camp because of the amount of different activities on offer, which were really different from normal life experiences. It was really good to meet new people because everyone was really friendly— even strangers! It was a really supportive, welcoming and understanding community. The competition between the different teams was fun.

» In what way do you think camp has affected your Christian life?

I learned many new things to a deeper level through camp, in familiar passages. The Bible teaching was really good because people who were teaching explained things really well. It was all so understandable and powerful. I felt really filled with the power of God encouraging me.

» What is your favourite thing about camp?

The outdoor activities, because they were different and interesting and demanding. The Bible teaching and seminars, because they always give questions to think about and an aftertaste of thinking about the Bible and God. It gives you more things to think about.

» When did you move from Ukraine to Edinburgh?

I moved because of the war but I was planning on coming here anyway.

» Did camp help with processing the war happening in Ukraine?

Coming to camp really helped me adapt to living in a new place—practicing English, meeting people. It was a good chance for me to stop thinking about bad things and relax. And it was helpful for me emotionally; all the leaders were supportive. 

Could you help a young person attend an SU Holiday?

Make a donation to the Holidays

Sponsorship Appeal: suscotland.org.uk /appeal

0141 352 7628

Send a cheque payable to 'SU Scotland' with a note that it's for Holiday Sponsorship to: Supporter Care SU Scotland

70 Milton Street Glasgow, G4 0HR

Do you have a few hours each week to volunteer at one of our Centres:

• Alltnacriche

• Lendrick Muir

• Gowanbank or to help with general admin at an office or from home?

Please contact hr@suscotland.org.uk for more information.