The dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early ‘90s eliminated the social and economic supports that had existed for people in need. Without government aid, many families found themselves unable to care for their children. Those children ended up on the streets, in train stations and abandoned buildings and, if they were lucky, in orphanages.

In 1997, after having visited these children twice each year, Island artist Janie Ekberg realized that bringing money, medicine, clothing, and supplies was just not enough. What these kids needed was love, sunshine, play and other happy young people!

The pay-offs of a program like Camp Siberia can hardly be understated. The children who experience the fun and undivided attention of caring counselors return to their orphanage with a new sense of joy and hope.

The young adults who travel half a world away come home with a new appreciation of the world and its diversity and of the gifts they have to offer that world. Just listen to what some returning Counselors have had to say:

Click here to read 2003 Counselor Tristan Owens' reflections on his experience.

“…This journey has changed my character immensely; I am more aware of individuals and cultures and my value for relationships has a new meaning…”
-Kyle Elmquist

“…Since coming home, I don’t take things lightly anymore and I treasure everyone and everything around me…”
-Amanda Allender

“…It changed the way I live, think and see people…”
-Rob Spenser

“Seeing the young woman my daughter has become after this trip confirmed for me that letting go – and letting her go – was a gift I had to give her!”
-Erin Gallagher Whitson - Parent of a Counselor, 2002

“I thought my son was a good kid before he went to Russia, but the experience of working with children whose lives have been so much harder than his just opened up his mind – and especially his heart – to the rest of the world. He came back a kinder, more open and inquisitive person.”
-Ellin Spenser - Parent of a Counselor, 2001 and 2002

“My son became a Counselor so that he could have an adventure and provide love and friendship to a needy child. What he didn’t know was how profoundly he would be affected by ‘his’ little boys…how moved he would be by their courage in the face of severe hardship…how he would be taught lessons in life by his nine-year-old orphan about the power of love.”
-Linda and Ed Owens - Parents of a Counselor, 2003

You can help make Camp Siberia happen!
Volunteers can serve as chaperones, fund-raisers, trainers for counselors, and in countless other capacities.

For more information or to volunteer,
contact Janie Ekberg, Founder and Managing Director,
at (206) 842-7707, or email at janie@bainbridgeisland.net.

Camp Siberia is a registered 501(c) 3 organization. Tax deductible donations may be sent to Camp Siberia, P.O. Box 10851, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110