A group of students from Abilene Christian University’s LYNAY program spent six days in Poland running a soccer camp for Ukrainian refugee children, offering a rare glimpse of normalcy amid a conflict that has torn families apart.
A Camp Born from Compassion
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the nonprofit Love Does, took place from July 6 to July 11 and was designed specifically for children whose lives have been upended by the war in Ukraine. Many of the youngsters arrived in Poland with their mothers, while their fathers remained behind on the front lines.
Servant Leadership in Action
Dr. Jason Morris, Dean of the Honors College at ACU and co‑director of LYNAY, explained that the program seeks to develop servant leaders through service opportunities both locally and internationally. For Morris, the Poland camp was a concrete expression of that mission, turning academic ideals into on‑the‑ground impact.
Among the ACU volunteers was student Jakob Enriquez, who formed a quick bond with a boy named Alex. Using Google Translate to bridge a language gap, Enriquez listened as Alex expressed his feelings, culminating in a heartfelt hug and a tearful goodbye that underscored the depth of connection forged on the field.
The camp’s organizers emphasized that the experience was about more than sport; it was about rebuilding community, restoring hope, and reminding the children that they are not forgotten. As the final whistle blew, the participants left Poland with new friendships and a renewed sense of resilience.