From June 23 to June 26, 2025, a camp titled "Together Towards Independence" was held at Terme Ozren (Kakmuž), aimed at families of children with disabilities. The camp brought together 15 parents and 18 children, with the support of a team of facilitators, trainers, and assistants. The goal of the camp was to empower families in the process of gradually relinquishing control to their children, through trust exercises, practical workshops, and joint reflection.

The camp was realized with the support of partners: MyRight Sweden and STIL Sweden.

Children lead – parents learn to let go.
On the first day of the workshop, parents found themselves in an unusual role – they followed their children through an obstacle course, blindfolded, relying only on their instructions. Through exercises like guiding with a blindfold and balancing with a ball, important questions arose: how much do we really trust our children? Are we ready to let them try – and fail?

One mother said: 'The hardest thing for me was not to correct her while she was leading. But for the first time, I felt how much she actually knows.'

In the pool – trust in action
The third day was dedicated to a symbolic, yet powerful exercise: parents sat by the pool and watched as their children, with the support of assistants, swam, dove, and explored the water. No interference. No jumping in. Just observation. For many parents, it was the first time they were not within reach. The emotions were strong. "I didn't know my son could put on the mask by himself." "It was hard for me to watch, but even harder to admit that he can do it without me."

Working with parents – the pillar of the camp
One of the most important segments of the camp was working with parents – through psychological workshops, guided discussions, writing letters to themselves, symbolic objects, and group reflections. The goal was to give parents space to talk about their own boundaries, fears, and fatigue – and to recognize their own strength. "I haven't thought about myself for a long time. Today I fell apart – and then put myself back together." Learning about independence is not reserved only for children – parents also learn to let go, to trust, and to empower themselves.

The power of unity
The camp "Together Towards Independence" was not just education. It was a meeting. Joint learning. An experience that stays with you long after the last day.

We thank all the families, assistants, and partners who participated in this powerful and emotional journey.

To believe in a child means to believe in the future.