This August, and for the third consecutive year, Cura Children’s Foundation Inclusion Camp brought together a diverse group of children – those with and without disabilities – for a week that was as heartwarming as it was unforgettable.

Inclusion Camp III welcomed 12 children, aged 8 to 15, for a week filled with joy, exploration, and shared experiences. Under the golden sun of late summer, the campers played football, splashed in outdoor pools, bonded with horses, and tested their creativity at a local pottery studio. The familiar laughter and camaraderie of last year’s camp were alive and well, as memories of jumping on the air pillow at Alpenruhe and making cheese on a local Alp came flooding back.

Carina and Caroline, the founders of Cura Children’s Foundation, tell me about this year’s camp. “We wanted to build on last year’s experiences and create another opportunity for these children to feel included and connected”, they explain. What strikes me most is the genuine care and thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of the camp. From selecting activities catering to each child’s unique strengths and challenges to fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong, their dedication to inclusion is heartfelt and honest, and that is inspiring.

This year, the camp reached a new milestone by welcoming children from the local special needs school, further deepening the sense of community and shared understanding among the participants. The cosy mountain hut above Saanenmöser served as a home for the week, and everyone could experience the simple joy of being accepted for who they were.

Initiatives like the Inclusion Camp are so vital and they show us that children, regardless of their abilities, have more in common than differences. This camp is not just a vacation; it’s a powerful statement about the importance of inclusion and the beauty of diversity.

Other projects from Cura
“Diary of Courage” is designed for children facing serious illnesses. It serves as a tool for these young patients to document their hospital experiences, helping them find strength and understanding in challenging times.

Developed by the Care Unit at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich, the diary's function is not just than of a book; it’s a lifeline for children navigating the complex and often frightening world of medical treatments. With its child-friendly explanations, engaging illustrations, and space for personal reflection, the various procedures become easier to understand, not only for the children but also for the parents. With this guideline, families can be better prepared for upcoming procedures and feel less scared and stressed.
For those in our community who are moved by these efforts, I encourage you to learn more about Cura Children’s Foundation and consider supporting their initiatives. Whether through the joy of summer camp or the comfort of a diary, the foundation is making a lasting difference in the lives of children, and I am honoured to share in their journey.
www.curachildrensfoundation.org

JEANETTE WICHMANN