Most people associate summer holidays with experiences and travel, but not all families have the opportunity to go on vacation or visit popular amusement parks.

Children from economically disadvantaged families often experience deprivation, particularly during holidays and special occasions, and develop a sense of being different. At Gestus Nord, we want to give these children the opportunity to experience things that are taken for granted by most children in Denmark, says Jette Nørsøller Uhrenholt, project manager at Gestus Nord.

"We are grateful that the Sol og Strand Foundation Sol og Strand chosen to support our work. With this support, we can ensure that 90 children get a summer experience they would otherwise not have had the opportunity to have," she says, adding that Gestus Nord's efforts depend on donations from foundations, companies, and private individuals.

Gestus Nord, established in 2013 by a group of passionate individuals from Aalborg, aims to help vulnerable children and young people achieve a higher quality of life by allowing them to be part of strong and rewarding communities.

Community, experiences, and learning

For several years, the summer camp, which is aimed at children aged 8-14, has been part of Gestus Nord's offerings.

"We are seeing an increasing number of inquiries from families and municipal employees about children who want to attend our summer camp. It is therefore gratifying that we are able to accommodate more of the inquiries we receive, says Jette Nørsøller Uhrenholt, adding that Gestus Nord is working with various municipalities to identify the children who are most in need of help.

Another initiative is Gestus Kids, which currently has more than 1,100 children aged 6-14 from all over North Jutland participating. They take part in various activities that both create community and new experiences.

"We try to put together a program that provides opportunities for learning, personal development, and community. This could be a trip to the climbing park or painting ceramics. We also focus on educational opportunities and, in this connection, we visited Aalborg Air Base to give the children an insight into different career paths," says Jette Nørsøller Uhrenholt.

This summer, a total of three camps are planned, taking place at Camp Gestus, a scenic campsite by the Limfjord, where children will have the opportunity to experience a safe and strong community.

"The aim of the summer camps is to give the children a break from a daily life characterized by limited resources and deprivation. Through play and socializing, they strengthen their self-confidence, make new friends, and take home fond memories," says Jette Nørsøller Uhrenholt, who emphasizes that Gestus Nord is not a treatment program.

"Here, children and young people are met by caring adults and given the opportunity to become part of a safe community with like-minded people," she says.