Camp Courage

In the idyllic setting of the Austrian Alps, a summer camp offers refuge to numerous international students, all aiming to learn essential outdoor skills while forming lasting friendships. Camp Courage, amidst its lush green surroundings and picturesque backdrop, appears to be an ideal place for children and adults alike to escape the troubles of their troubled past. Among the camp's new arrivals are Olga, a determined woman in her sixties, and her spirited seven-year-old granddaughter Milana. Orphaned during the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the duo has been forced to navigate a harsh reality in search of safety and hope. As they embark on their journey, they face numerous challenges: their uncertain future, the language barrier, and the emotional scars of their past trauma. Upon arrival at Camp Courage, Olga and Milana are warmly welcomed by the camp's kind-hearted director, Frau Hofstätter, and her enthusiastic staff. The camp's diverse range of instructors and activities is designed to teach essential skills like rock climbing, rafting, and teambuilding. As Olga and Milana settle into their new surroundings, it becomes apparent that their struggles extend beyond their Ukrainian past. Olga's tough exterior hides a desperate longing for a sense of belonging and security, while Milana's resilience and determination mask a deep-seated fear of abandonment. As the days pass, the unlikely duo begins to form tentative connections with their fellow campers, including a group of rambunctious Ukrainian and Polish children whose families have also been affected by the ongoing conflict. Milana, initially hesitant to open up to her peers, warms up to the camp environment under the guidance of her 'Big Buddy,' a friendly and adventurous Austrian youth named Luka. Through a series of thrilling outdoor pursuits, poignant conversations, and gentle encouragement, Luka and the other campers slowly chip away at Milana's defenses. As the young girl learns to trust her new friends, her confidence grows, and she begins to confront the emotional wounds inflicted by her traumatic experiences. Olga, observing her granddaughter's transformation with a mix of pride and concern, starts to confront her own fears and emotional scars. The process, far from easy, forces both women to re-evaluate their priorities and confront the uncertainty of their future. Meanwhile, a mysterious camp volunteer appears to be keeping a close eye on Olga and Milana. His motives, unclear at first, are eventually revealed to be rooted in his own painful connection to the war in Ukraine. As the story unfolds, this enigmatic character's backstory weaves itself into the narrative, offering a poignant reflection on the shared experiences and emotional aftermath of those directly affected by the ongoing conflict. Throughout their journey at Camp Courage, Olga and Milana's bond continues to strengthen as they learn to navigate the complexities of trust, vulnerability, and resilience. With the gentle guidance of Frau Hofstätter and her team, they discover that the real challenge lies not in the external dangers of the war but in the unspoken fears and doubts that have come to define their lives. As the campers' final days at Camp Courage draw to a close, Olga and Milana are faced with an emotionally charged decision: should they return to their war-torn homeland or forge a new life in a foreign land? Their choice, influenced by the transformative experiences they've shared, reflects a poignant acknowledgment of the fragility and strength of their bond.