Click through to see images from Camp Dreamland
This summer, I had the privilege of returning to Frontier Horizon’s Camp Dreamland in Ukraine—a place that has captured my heart. I’ve volunteered at this camp several times now, and each time I am astounded by the impact it has—not only on the children, but on me as well.
From the moment the kids arrived, tired and anxious after long journeys, I was reminded why this work matters so deeply. Some whispered their needs in heartbreaking simplicity: “I want to eat, I want to sleep, I want to go to mama.” But within hours, through rest, crafts, and friendship, I watched those same children begin to smile, dance, and open up.
What moves me most are not the big programs, but the small, tender moments. Sharing tea and birthday cake with a girl separated from her younger brother in foster care. Watching kids laugh at instant Polaroid photos—“amazed by ancient technology,” as one volunteer joked. Quietly giving a boy a tablet for school and hearing his whispered words: “Thank you, Mike and John.”
For many campers, this was their first time in the mountains, their first time sleeping through the night without sirens. One told me simply, “I can sleep here—it’s so quiet.” That peace, so ordinary to us, was extraordinary to them.
Evenings ended with music, games, and dancing. On the final day, each child received a small “Dreamland passport” as we sang together. Tears flowed as kids clung to hugs and said, “I don’t want to go home.” A counselor responded with words I’ll never forget: “Let us hope for peace there, huh?”
Every year I leave Camp Dreamland carrying these voices with me. These children teach me about resilience, joy, and courage in ways that stay with me long after I return home.
I’m deeply grateful for the friends and sponsors who make this possible. Your generosity provided trauma counseling for staff, scholarships for campers, and the activities that filled their days with laughter. Together, we created something powerful: a safe haven where children could dream again.
I’ve seen the impact firsthand, year after year. And I can tell you—it’s worth it. I invite you to join me in supporting Frontier Horizon so more children can experience Camp Dreamland in the summers to come.
—Mike Brady
Generosity Wealth Management