Summer camp visit July 2008

I first visited Bulgaria in 2005, as part of the UK team that went to help at Star of Hope’s children’s summer camp. I have continued as part of the team each year since then.

We fly in to Sofia, the Bulgarian Capital, and stay there for one night before travelling to Velingrad, a spa town up in the mountains. We stay in a 2-star hotel (we are not quite sure what they get the 2 stars for!), where we are joined by about 50 children from two orphanages and another socially deprived area. They are accompanied by care workers who are responsible for the day-to-day care of the children. The next week is spent ensuring that the children have a wonderful time, by playing with them, entertaining them, going swimming with them, or walking up the mountain, various craft sessions, and generally having fun together.

The conditions are basic, the hotel is situated so that there are about 100 uneven concrete steps to negotiate in order to get anywhere, ‘health and safety’ as we know it is non-existent, the food is – well – different, and it is usually extremely hot. However, we always have a great time, and the children are just so appreciative. They are aged from about 6 to 17, and vary widely in terms of their ability – some have physical disabilities, others have learning difficulties, but many are only ‘special needs’ in the sense that they were abandoned as young children. The language barrier is overcome by use of gestures or by enlisting the help of the Star of Hope team, most of whom speak English.

This year was unusual, in that the weather when we arrived was unusually cold, and this was particularly frustrating as it seems we missed the hottest days of the English summer! The camp programme had to be altered as it was too cold for swimming. We also had health problems as some children arrived with a virus which quickly spread to other children. But this did not prevent anyone from enjoying the camp. As usual, we discovered various needs, such as children who did not have a swimsuit or suitable footwear for going swimming. It is amazing how far the money goes in Bulgaria. From our perspective the cost of such items was negligible, but for them it was a huge contribution. Even a pair of good crutches for a youngster who broke his leg early in the camp cost only equivalent to about £15.00, and made a big difference to his enjoyment of the camp activities.

For me this year, a great joy was seeing again some children who were identified last year as needing medical care. Children in Bulgaria are entitled to free medical treatment, but those in institutions rarely receive it, especially if it involves travelling to Sofia for specialist attention. The Star of Hope personnel have spent a great deal of time organising transport, appointments and care following surgery, and much has been achieved at comparatively small cost. The benefits were clear for all to see, and this programme is continuing, with other children due to be assessed and treated in the future. As always, I came home with fond memories and a determination to return and to do whatever I can to help these people who are so disadvantaged.

I will be very happy to answer any questions you may have –

email me on redbond@btinternet.com  

Maureen Redbond