The Carpathians That Inspire: How the Retreat Camp Helps Future Educators Discover Themselves

One hundred future educators from Southern regions of Ukraine spent six days in the Carpathian Mountains, combining rest, learning, self-reflection, and professional development. The retreat camp became a space of new discoveries, essential skills, and inspiration that participants will carry into their future teaching careers.

Oksana Kovtash

member of the
NGO “Progressive and Strong”

At the end of May, the team of Progressive and Strong, together with UNICEF, organized a large-scale retreat camp for 100 future educators from the Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson regions. From May 26 to May 31, the territory of the “Skole Beskids” National Nature Park became a space of inspiration, growth, new connections, and meaningful discoveries for young people who will soon work with Ukrainian children and help shape the future of education.

The retreat camp was held within the project “Strengthening Teaching and Learning Processes in Southern Regions of Ukraine,” implemented by Progressive and Strong with the support of UNICEF. The goal was to create an environment where future educators could rest, restore their inner resources, gain new knowledge, practical skills, and experience necessary for personal and professional growth.

For many participants, this retreat turned into a significantly deeper experience than just a trip to the Carpathians. It became an opportunity to step beyond their usual environment, discover new talents, find sources of inspiration, and feel the support of a like-minded community. The Progressive and Strong team created conditions in which young people could slow down the fast pace of everyday life, reflect on themselves, and reconsider their professional goals.

The program combined creativity, active leisure, learning, and teamwork. A variety of activities were organized for participants, including an adventure park, pottery workshops, soap-making sessions, and paracord weaving. These formats helped participants unlock their creative potential while also demonstrating modern approaches to educational space design that can be useful in their future teaching practice.

Іnnа

student of a pedagogical college

“I met many interesting people, and I really enjoyed communicating with each of them. I also discovered new hobbies and realized that I am capable of much more than I used to think. If I have the chance again, I will definitely take it,” says Inna, a participant of the camp and a student of a pedagogical college.

Special attention was given to accessibility and inclusion. Future educators learned the basics of sign language and dactyl communication, and gained practical experience interacting with people with visual impairments. Through specially designed activities, participants were able to better understand the daily challenges faced by people with visual impairments and develop skills of barrier-free communication.

A significant part of the program included trainings, team-building exercises, and interactive sessions aimed at developing leadership qualities, communication skills, and teamwork abilities. At Progressive and Strong, we believe these competencies are essential for a modern educator who acts not only as a specialist but also as a mentor, motivator, and role model for students.

One of the most memorable moments of the camp was a hike along Carpathian trails. Mountain landscapes, the sound of rivers, waterfalls, and fresh air created a special atmosphere that supported emotional recovery and self-reflection. Such experiences help participants find inner balance, feel harmony with nature, and see the world from a new perspective.

Engaging in eco-psychology practices helped participants develop their own strategies for stress management and restoring internal resources. In their future professional work, these tools will serve as an important foundation for maintaining emotional resilience and psychological well-being.

An important part of the retreat camp was live interaction between participants and the Progressive and Strong team. Future educators had the opportunity to meet representatives of the organization, learn more about ongoing projects and educational initiatives, and engage in open dialogue. Many participants found this exchange highly inspiring and motivating, as they could communicate with people actively working to bring positive change to the education sector.

Being surrounded by the breathtaking Carpathian nature became a source of inspiration for many participants. New ideas were born, friendships were formed, and confidence in their own abilities grew stronger. The retreat camp became a space where future educators gained knowledge and skills, discovered themselves, learned to trust their strengths, work in teams, and find resources for further development.

Svitlana

student of a pedagogical college

“For many participants, this retreat became a much deeper experience than just a journey to the Carpathians,” says Svitlana, a participant of the camp and a student of a pedagogical college. “Everything was incredibly powerful, vibrant, and inspiring. We are truly grateful to have been part of this camp.”

For Progressive and Strong, this retreat camp became another confirmation of the importance of creating safe spaces for youth development, learning, and recovery. The organization believes that supporting future educators today is an investment in meaningful changes in Ukrainian education tomorrow. These students will soon teach new generations of Ukrainians, help children unlock their potential, and shape the country’s future.

The event was implemented within the project “Strengthening Teaching and Learning Processes in Southern Regions of Ukraine,” carried out by Progressive and Strong with the support of UNICEF. The initiative focuses on methodological and psychological support for future teachers and educators, contributing to the renewal and development of Ukraine’s educational environment.