For more than 30 years, Brian Nielsen has been a volunteer at Danish People's Aid's holiday camps. Every year, he experiences how a week's holiday can give children and adults new memories, stronger relationships and a much-needed respite from a difficult everyday life.
When Brian Nielsen volunteered back in 1995, he didn't know that it was the beginning of more than thirty years of dedication to giving families with children the world's best summer vacation.
“When I started as a volunteer, Danish People's Aid organized recreation stays for Russian children after the Chernobyl disaster. It simply made sense to me, and the following year I became a holiday leader,” says Brian Nielsen.
Since then, he has helped organize vacations all over the country, giving financially needy families the opportunity to take a vacation – often for the first time in many years.
“What makes the biggest impression is that you can see with your own eyes the results of the help you give. You can feel that it makes a difference.”
For many families, the alternative is to stay home. According to a survey by the Danish People's Aid, 83 percent of families with children surveyed did not take a week's summer vacation in 2022, and 93 percent point to poor finances as the primary reason. At the same time, 70 percent of parents respond that they did not get the vacation they wanted. The consequence is that many children miss out on experiences and communities.
During the holiday stays, the volunteers create the framework for a week of activities, shared meals and presence. There is room for play, peace and new relationships.
“"The most important thing for us is clearly to create joy – both among the families and in the volunteer team. When the families can feel that we ourselves are happy and have things under control, it is contagious," says Brian Nielsen.
For many of the children, the stay begins with a certain amount of nervousness, but that changes quickly. “The holidays mean a lot. Children are good at quickly getting along and forming friendships. Many gain new relationships and networks that they hold on to after the holidays.”
Over the years, Brian Nielsen has had many experiences that have made an impression.
“I remember one girl in particular who cried and cried because she didn’t want to go home. She brought a teddy bear from camp, and her mother later wrote to me that she slept with it every night. It really made an impression.”
Brian Nielsen sees this development again and again on his vacations.
“I have experienced several times that the children are really sad when they have to go home. They show up at the beginning and are a bit reserved, but when the holiday is over, they come over and give a hug and are really happy. That's probably what hits me the most – and it happens every year.”
Families often face both financial challenges and a stressful everyday life.
“The families we meet often struggle with many things in everyday life – finances and other challenges. The alternative is to stay home because they can’t afford a summer vacation, so it means a lot to them,” says Brian Nielsen.
After three decades as a volunteer, he has met countless families, and Brian Nielsen finds that the needs have changed. “What has changed the most over the years is that we meet more families with diagnoses and greater needs. It requires a little more attention and patience.”
The motivation is the same, however.
“Personally, it gives me great joy to help others. It is satisfying to see families have good experiences. Just being with many happy people gives a lot.”
To others considering volunteering, his message is clear. “If you’re considering volunteering, just jump in. You meet a lot of people and a lot of stories, and you quickly find out if it’s something. Even though I’ve been there many times, I’m looking forward to this summer’s stay.”
Photo: Family Journal
