About Camp Siberia

Why

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. Unfortunately, the conditions that led to this need persists today.

History

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!

For twenty years the communities of Bainbridge Island, Washington and Novosibirsk, Russia have been cultivating cross-cultural relationships through theater, artist and student exchanges. Some of those have focused on the needs of Russian children who have been especially hard hit by the massive changes in the post-Soviet Russian economy.

It is those children who sparked the idea for Camp Siberia. Starting in 1999, Janie Ekberg in Washington and Natasha Syrykh in Novosibirsk laid the groundwork for Camp Siberia. Since then, dedicated volunteers in both countries have brought their dream into reality. Now in its 9th year of operation, Camp Siberia provides an American-style summer camp experience for Russian orphans between the ages of 5 and 17.

Each fall, students from Bainbridge Island compete for Counselor positions through a rigorous application and interview process. The outstanding young people selected then embark on a program of community service, training and team building, leading up to their departure for Russia in early July. In addition, they are charged with the goal to raise the funds to cover their own travel and camp expenses and to help underwrite the costs of their Russian campers.

Since 2003, Camp Siberia’s program has also included vital support for our orphans as they leave the orphanage and attempt to build productive lives on their own. Vocational and academic opportunities are sometimes available to these young people, but without homes or family support, many would be unable to follow that course. Our Russian partner, Natasha Syrykh, meets regularly with our ‘scholarship’ recipients, mentoring them and providing life skills training to enable them to pursue their academic and vocational dreams. We currently support students following courses in agricultural management, teaching, medicine, cosmetology, costume design and sports training.

Camp Siberia is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Tax-deductible donations are essential to supplement the fundraising efforts of Counselors, parents and the Board. Your help is greatly appreciated in keeping this wonderful dream a reality!