Campers’ Testimonials

This summer, a group of girls from different schools and backgrounds came together at GLOW Camp — and left with more than just great memories. What started as a fun summer opportunity quickly turned into a life-changing experience, full of personal growth, new friendships, laughter, and learning that reached far beyond the campgrounds.

Mihaela, a 15-year-old medical student, the camp became a place to build self-confidence and learn how to better communicate with others. “Everything we learned is something we can use in everyday life — and the friendships still remain.”

Ema, 14, arrived nervous but hopeful — and left with a full heart. She described the camp as fun, educational, and deeply empowering. “I learned to speak in front of others without being shy,” she said. “I got better at working in a team, made friends, and became more confident.”

Ana Marija, also 15, felt that these activities should be experienced by all teenagers — even adults. The camp taught her practical and emotional lessons that, as she said, “changed my daily life.” She believes this kind of camp is especially important for younger generations to disconnect from their phones and connect more with people.

Emilija, 16, called her GLOW experience “amazing.” She found not just joy in the moment, but tools for life — learning the value of resilience, leadership, and how true strength lies in unity and support. “No one teaches you these things the way camp does,” she said. “The friendships, the skills, the memories — they stay with you.”

Angela, 14, embraced every activity — from setting up a tent for the first time to learning how to express herself with more confidence. “Since camp, I’ve started taking better care of myself and speaking up more,” she shared. “It helped me open up and work as a team.”

And for Jana, 15, the magic was in the energy. “It was fun, educational, and helped me be more open,” she said. She especially enjoyed the water games, teamwork, and the feeling of learning through playing.

These girls came to GLOW Camp looking for something new. They left with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are — and who they can become.

Staff Testimonials

“I really appreciate being part of the first time bringing back to the camp. It is only up from here. Thank you so much!”
 — Lizzie Bradshaw, Peace Corps Volunteer

“Particularly with GLOW camp, there was enthusiasm and excitement to participate. It was clear that meaningful bonds were established. The counselors worked really well together, and there are clear opportunities to grow the program next year!”
 — Shayna Meltzer, Peace Corps Volunteer

“This was a challenge for me, because it was the first time I was directly involved in planning outdoor camps, working with a team from the USA who have rich and real-world experience behind them. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to more such or similar activities in the future.”
 — Natasa Darkov, YMCA staff

“The girls had an amazing time, which is the main goal. I’m really happy the camps are happening again, and I cannot wait to see how I can contribute to getting them back to their former glory! Godspeed!”
 — Roberta Petrovska, Local Volunteer

Campers’ Survey

After participating in the camp, many girls feel significantly more confident in their decision-making abilities (72% high level of agreement) and committed to fulfilling their obligations (67%). Most participants stated that they are more aware and proactive in taking care of their physical and emotional health (78%), as well as having a significant increase in self-confidence, security, and independence (67%).

Many of them feel more effective in teamwork (78%), their ability to cooperate with others has improved (78%), and they are also more willing to put the goals of the group before their own (72%). Also, 72% value and consider different opinions more and understand group dynamics better.

Participants showed an increased interest in exploring new experiences (89%), and a great willingness to get out of their comfort zone and try new things (85%). They feel more confident when meeting and interacting with new people (79%) and more effective in working in a group (85%).

Parents’ Survey

To better understand the impact of this year’s GLOW Camp, we asked the parents of participants to share their impressions. Their responses showed not only strong satisfaction with the experience but also visible changes in their daughters after the camp.

All parents agreed that the camp was useful for their daughters — a clear sign that GLOW continues to offer meaningful content and a supportive environment. When it came to the overall camp experience, a big majority of parents rated it as excellent, with the remaining saying it was above average or average. The activities also received high praise with most of them describing them as excellent and a few as very good.

One of the most encouraging results came from the question about changes in the children after the camp. Most parents said they saw a positive difference — their daughters came home happier, more confident, more creative, and more socially engaged. A few noted they were smiling more, initiating conversations, or expressing themselves in new ways, and a few were not sure yet or saw no noticeable change.

Most parents felt the camp met their expectations and when asked how GLOW compared to other camps in the country, half said it was among the best, while others did not have a comparison point.

Parents described GLOW as a safe space where girls could express themselves, try new things, and grow – emotionally, socially, and creatively. Many expressed gratitude that such a program exists and hope to see it continue in the years to come.