Free for 21 days in the Carpathians: how to sign up children from Mykolaiv Oblast

Priority is given to children from frontline communities and those in eligible benefit categories

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09 Nov 2026

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Оздоровлення дітей із Миколаївщини за програмою «Карпатська зміна»

Children from Mykolaiv Oblast aged 7–18 can receive 21 days of free recreation and psychosocial recovery through the state-funded “Carpathian Shift” program. According to the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, participants will be welcomed at health and recreation facilities in western regions of Ukraine.

The program was created for children who face the threat of shelling and constant air raid alerts because of the war. During the program, they will be able to work with psychologists, take part in sporting activities and creative workshops, and go on excursions. Medical support will also be provided. The state budget will cover accommodation, meals, activities, and specialists’ services.

Priority will be given to the following categories:

children living in areas where hostilities are possible or ongoing;
displaced children who receive housing assistance;
children of fallen Defenders of Ukraine;
children returned from temporarily occupied territories or rescued from forced deportation.

The following children may also be eligible for the program:

children of Armed Forces of Ukraine service members;
children of National Guard service members;
children of border guards;
children of police officers;
children of rescuers;
children with disabilities;
children from families facing difficult life circumstances.

To apply, parents or legal guardians should contact the social protection office where the child is registered or actually lives. Documents can be submitted in person or by email. For electronic submission, the application must be signed using a Diia.Signature or a qualified electronic signature.

The following documents are required to apply:

an application in the prescribed form;
the passport or ID card of one of the parents and their tax identification number;
the child’s birth certificate or ID card;
proof of residence or an internally displaced person certificate;
a document confirming eligibility for benefits, if applicable.

Once participation is confirmed, parents will need to provide a medical certificate using form No. 079/o. Written consent for psychological support for the child is also required.

Further information is available from the Department of Social Protection of the Population of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration or district social protection offices.

During 2026, children from the region have already travelled to other parts of Ukraine and abroad for recreation. The Mykolaiv City Council also organized a separate summer program for children from eligible categories. Trips this year included:

In early January, children from frontline communities in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts travelled to Kyiv Oblast for a health and recreation program.
At the end of May, the first group of 100 children of Ukrainian defenders from Mykolaiv Oblast travelled to Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast as part of the “Carpathian Shift” project.
In June, 65 children from Mykolaiv travelled to the Carpathians as part of the city’s program. Their trip lasted 2 weeks.
In July, 30 children from military families in the region travelled to Lviv Oblast. The group included children of service members who continue to defend Ukraine, are recovering from injuries, have returned from captivity, or are listed as missing.
On July 22, another 32 children of service members travelled to the German city of Stade. Their itinerary included excursions, a visit to the zoo, time by the Elbe River, and participation in a children’s festival.
At the end of August, another 319 children were sent to Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and Zakarpattia as part of the city’s program.