Self-Denial 2026: Kids camp

In the fourth of five weekly videos, we find out about the Army's Loksa camp in Estonia.

This week, Lieutenant Renno Rannamäe is leaving his home in Tallinn and heading to the seaside. His destination is The Salvation Army’s Loksa camp, a residential centre that hosts weekends and retreats all through the year. And this week, it’s kids camp.

Children and young people have travelled here from all over Estonia. So many have signed up this time, they’ve had to put tents up in the garden, and Renno is here to offer a bit of support.

The leader of this week’s camp is Juri Põld. ‘Not once did I ever imagine that I’d work with children, teenagers or youth,’ Juri admits. ‘In my childhood, I didn’t have camps. I didn’t go anywhere. And my childhood didn’t go well. I ended up in a reform school and in prison, and my life went downhill.’

Juri’s day job is to manage the Hope House rehabilitation centre, which we saw in week two. Some of the men who have been through that programme have had training and are volunteering here this week.

Juri says: ‘Our principle is, just because someone’s been in rehab, doesn’t mean you should stigmatise them as an alcoholic or addict with a ruined life.

‘I decided to get involved in children’s, youth and teen camps as much as I can, so that I can tell kids about the life I lived and what God does for them, so I don’t have to visit them in prison later.’

Each evening, everyone gets together for a time of worship.

‘Everything comes from the streets, from their homes, from the city,’ Juri continues. ‘They arrive hardened and you spend the whole week trying to soften their hearts, to show them that we love them, and that God loves them.’

‘I was really looking forward to this trip,’ says one young attendee, ‘and I really like it here!’

‘Today we played sports games and ate and painted on stones,’ says another.

‘The most enjoyable thing from here was that I found already two friends in two days,’ reflects a third.

One of the highlights of the week is the beach games. Juri says: ‘I think camp is the place where kids truly show what’s happening in their lives back in the city. There is a special atmosphere in this place, with some special people, and it draws young people in.’

They couldn’t run these camps if the buildings weren’t up to scratch. Mission support money has been used to refurbish and upgrade the accommodation here. It means Juri and his team can focus on what they do best.

‘The young people come from different social backgrounds,’ Juri adds. ‘We talk to them, and they tell us about what’s happening in their lives, the good things and the bad, and they ask for prayers. There’s always room in our hearts for each one of them to talk, to share.’

On the last night, everyone heads down to the beach one last time.

‘My dreams and hopes for the children,’ Juri shares, ‘is that this won’t be just a once-a-year visit, year after year, but that something truly shifts in their lives. I want children to turn their hearts to God.’

• Based on this week’s Self-Denial Appeal video, available to watch at salvationist.org.uk/selfdenial.