This summer, I was fortunate enough to serve at Kompas Park for two weeks in a row. Both weeks were very wonderful but different.  The first week, “Cottage Home Kids Camp” was conducted in Ukrainian and the campers were mostly from area foster homes. The second week was conducted in English, since it was “English Language Camp,” with the campers coming from various backgrounds and some travelling from all over Ukraine. One thing about Kompas Park is that no matter which camp you serve at, you will most likely meet some very disadvantaged children – but you may never realize this because while they are at KP, they become the most fortunate kids around.

This year, I met a girl in my group named Julia. As the week went on, I realized that she must be an orphan considering she had only two shirts for an entire week, and no pajamas.  I really hadn’t brought any extra shirts to give away – I guess I just didn’t think about it – but when I saw this girl I really wanted to give her one of mine. When I gave her my shirt, her face was filled with such joy and thankfulness.  She hugged the shirt, and me, and immediately put it on. It made me so happy that I could help in such a small way.  Julia was always happy and smiling, even before I gave her the shirt. Even with so little, she saw the wonderful things about life that she DID have, as opposed to what she didn’t have, like we so often do.

Another thing about Kompas Park is that we, as volunteers, often don’t realize what an impact we are making on the kids we’re working with. For example, one night earlier in the week, Nadia (the camp leader) had asked the campers to get up on the stage and tell about their favorite part of the day. Nastya, one of the girls in my group, went up and said that earlier in the day she was not feeling too well. Then she said that I cheered her up by making her laugh and she felt better!  They asked me to come up on stage with Nastya and to tell the audience what I had done or said to Nastya, but I had absolutely no idea!  That’s an example of making an impact without even knowing.  I also don’t normally realize what an impact the campers have made on me!  But here I am, writing about how these kids and serving at KP has impacted me.  For certain, on the last day, when the tears are everywhere, you realize that you are going to miss these wonderful kids, and in fact, they have impacted you in a greater way than you thought possible.  I am very thankful to Hope Now for providing Kompas Park and I will hopefully be returning to serve again next summer for the 4th time.  There are plenty of blessings to go around for campers and volunteers alike!

Zoë Knight (15)
USA Team
Atlanta, GA