“Prior to the seminary I had worked in a private kindergarten, later as tutor for children in a family. I served in Sunday School and also ministered to teens. I felt confidant working with children, being well versed in sphere of child development and child raising. But when I began working with teenagers I realized lack of knowledge. I have been researching and reading on how to understand teens better and how to serve their needs. I have read a lot on this topic but I still felt I needed more knowledge. I have been praying and God was leading me to this ministry. When I learned about this program at the seminary I at once decided to apply.Summer camps for children, teens and youth provide wonderful opportunity for resting and recreation and much more. It so happens that in these camps children hear answers to important questions, learn to make friends, collaborate with others, be independent and responsible.
Summer camps for children, teens and youth provide wonderful opportunity for resting and recreation and much more. It so happens that in these camps children hear answers to important questions, learn to make friends, collaborate with others, be independent and responsible.
Camps benefit not only campers but also camp counselors as well. They learn working in teams, serving others, listening and building relationship with people of various ages.
Pro 180 is ministry for teens of Transfiguration Church in Kyiv. This ministry organizes summer camp for children every year. This year camp’s theme was Stay Strong. Biblical hero Joseph was presented as a role model for 52 teen campers this year. His life serves as an example of staying strong and enduring in any life circumstances. The camp was hosted in Kyyliv village from June 25 through July 1, 2018.
Iryna Troyan is second year student at Kyiv Theological Seminary, majoring in
youth and teens ministry. She has been part of this ministry for four years, has rich ministry experience serving children in Sunday school. She was one of camp leaders this year and shares about her experience in the camp,
“I had special time in the camp. I have been reflecting on the things we discussed in camps ever since. It was very intensive and busy week. We got to know better not only teenagers, who attended the camp, but also each other on our leadership team. I am sure this will help us serve more effectively to our teens, to each other and to God. I have seen how God prepared us for the camp, how he worked in us during the camp. I have felt his work in my heart. It was not an easy process, but God knows what is best for us. 
I am especially grateful to Ruslan Smolyak (leader of the ministry to teens at Transfiguration church, - editor’s note), who trained our leadership team during all this time. I also want to mention those who prayed for us. Camp is a result of intense work, which our leadership team performed during year prior to the camp. God is the one who made this all possible.”
Iryna also shared why she chose to study again and how was her first year of studies at the seminary.
“Prior to the seminary I had worked in a private kindergarten, later as tutor for children in a family. I served in Sunday School and also ministered to teens. I felt confidant working with children, being well versed in sphere of child development and child raising. But when I began working with teenagers I realized lack of knowledge. I have been researching and reading on how to understand teens better and how to serve their needs. I have read a lot on this topic but I still felt I needed more knowledge.
I have been praying and God was leading me to this ministry. When I learned about this program at the seminary I at once decided to apply.
I have learned a lot during my first year of studies here at KTS. The knowledge I have gained here help me in my ministry, which I have been doing fourth year now. Studying is hard, but it’s certainly worth it. The teachers are wonderful. New approach to teaching and leaning here. I have met many new people here. Every Monday we have special Bible study, chapel time with sermon and worship on Tuesdays. After classes we have meaningful time of fellowship where we can share our testimony, our experiences, how God’ has been leading us in life. We also pray for each other. To put it in few words: studying at KTS is a great blessing. Words are not sufficing for conveying everything about this place, you need to experience KTS first hand!”
