Summer Camps and a Daily Lunch for Every Child
For the 13th year in a row, we are organizing a summer camp for children in The Gambia. From July, 20 to September, 25 2026, the summer camp will be supported by many dedicated international volunteers, offering children from local villages a safe, inspiring and educational place to spend their summer days.
The main part of our summer camp is providing children with a daily lunch. The lunch is simple, yet essential — for many children, it is often the most reliable meal of the day and a crucial support that helps them stay focused, participate in activities, and maintain their energy throughout the day.
Location
Kids Are The World Nursery School, Brufut Ghana Town, The Gambia
Duration
Project initiated in 2014. Ongoing.
Objective
To provide sustainable daily meals for all children attending the summer camp, ensuring equal access to nutrition, well-being, and full participation in educational and recreational activities.
Beneficiaries
- Children aged 4–8 attending the summer camp - Children from vulnerable families with limited access to regular meals - Youth who benefit from improved nutrition, enabling better learning and participation - Parents who receive support through free meals for their children during holidays - Local community members engaged through partnerships, volunteering, and support
Activities Completed
- Introduced daily lunch provision for all children attending the summer camp - Established a food preparation and distribution system with local support - Secured partnerships with local vendors to ensure consistent access to fresh ingredients - Implemented nutritional guidelines to provide balanced and child-friendly meals - Trained volunteers in food safety and meal distribution procedures - Expanded the programme to ensure meals for children in all three camp groups - Provided thousands of free lunches to children from vulnerable backgrounds - Strengthened community involvement through annual lunch fundraising efforts
Impact
- Nutrition & Well-being: Daily meals ensure that children have the energy and focus they need to learn, play, and participate fully in camp activities. - Equal Opportunities: Providing lunch removes barriers for children from vulnerable backgrounds, allowing everyone to attend the camp regardless of their home situation. - Improved Learning: A nourished child is more attentive, more engaged, and better able to absorb new skills and knowledge. - Community Support: Donations connect people from Slovenia, The Gambia, and beyond, showing children that a global community cares about their growth. - Long-term Impact: Consistent access to meals builds stability, confidence, and healthier habits that support children far beyond the summer camp.
Why does lunch matter so much?
The children aged 4 to 8 who join our summer camp come from a wide range of backgrounds, where access to regular meals and educational opportunities is not always guaranteed. Some of them do not attend kindergarten or school regularly, which is why the summer camp offers them a valuable chance to learn, socialise, and develop new skills.
For these children, a daily meal is essential. Without it, they cannot fully participate in the sports activities, creative workshops, music sessions, or reading activities prepared by our volunteers. A simple lunch not only gives them the energy they need, but also provides a sense of safety, care, and belonging — the foundation for a successful and joyful day at camp.
How does the summer camp work?
Our summer camp has grown and evolved over the years. We organised it for the first time in 2014, and today it is divided into three groups that run continuously throughout the entire holiday period. In our own career and education centre in Brufut — established with the support of donors — we create an environment where children can explore, learn, and develop their talents.
The programme includes a wide range of activities, such as sports games, creative workshops, music sessions, reading hours, and cultural days. Every day, we strive to offer the children a rich and diverse experience that encourages their growth and development.
Together We Provide Their Daily Lunch
Although the work of our volunteers is entirely unpaid, the basic costs of running the camp — especially meals — remain a significant challenge. This is why, for many years now, we have been organising a dedicated fundraiser to provide daily lunches, which are an essential part of the programme.
Your contribution, even a small one, helps us ensure that every child receives a simple and nutritious lunch each day during the camp. With approximately ten euros, we can provide one child with lunches for an entire month. Every donation makes a meaningful difference and helps us keep the camp accessible to children from more vulnerable backgrounds.
How Can You Help?
We invite you to join our annual fundraising campaign for children’s lunches. By contributing, you’re not only supporting a single meal — you’re supporting the entire programme that brings children new knowledge, joy in play, and a sense of community.
Every donation counts!
Donation Details
Account Name: VOLUNTEER TRAILS – THE GAMBIA
Account Number (GMD): 6240037610
Account Number (EUR): 6240037611
Swift Code: ECOCGMGMXXX
Beneficiary Bank: Ecobank Gambia Ltd.
Beneficiary Bank Address: 42 Kairaba Avenue, Serekunda – The Gambia.
Contributions and Gratitude
We are deeply thankful to everyone who helped us provide daily lunches for the children in our summer camp – volunteers, partners, and donors from Slovenia, The Gambia, and around the world. Every contribution, every shared resource, and every act of kindness truly makes a difference.
Every meal counts. Every contribution helps a young life grow.