Chernobyl, Ukraine is a city known worldwide for the 1986 nuclear disaster. Following the recent Fukushima disaster in Japan, the world is again thinking about nuclear energy, its benefits and dangers, and its potentially devastating effects on local populations. When considering nuclear catastrophe, it is easy to immediately jump to the oft-cited health problems - various cancers and reproductive diseases - as being the primary consequences of such an event. Less obvious, but no less devastating, however, are the psychological implications of living in a post-disaster area. In fact, the United Nations Chernobyl report of 2002 and the Chernobyl Forum of 2006 both state that pyschological stress is the most palpable consequence of such a disaster. The stresses and burdens of living in fear give way to other consequences: high rates of alcoholism, single-parent families, depression, and other psychological and physical illnesses all have compounding negative effects on Ukrainian society. Further, Ukraine lacks the social safety nets and support systems desperately needed by many families and communities, and youth often find themselves caught up in a cycle of victimization and disengagement. Ukraine is a place where youth leadership and community involvement are absolutely essential to moving the country forward, both economically and socially, but both can be hard to come by.

In order to better manage some of the negative psychological consequences experienced by those living in a post-disaster area, the UN has encouraged the launch of community development programs that make it possible for people to have an active role in making life in their communities more meaningful and rewarding. In 1995, UNESCO started five community centers in cities around the Chernobyl site. These centers were built in order to "provide comfort, support, education, and psychosocial rehabilitation to individuals and communities severely affected by the Chernobyl disaster in the immediate aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union when all social and economic institutions that had ruled their lives for over 75 years virtually fell apart." These centers are now funded by a US-based non-profit organization called the Friends of Chernobyl Centers US (FOCCUS) and through the work of full-time staff and dedicated volunteers in the US and Ukraine, they continue to promote safer, healthier living in contaminated areas. They serve as public information and advocacy centers, provide programs for both youth and the elderly, and encourage democratic principles of civic engagement. By empowering members of society to lead active and engaged lives, the Chernobyl Centers help people to envision and bring about better communities in which to live, work, and raise their families.

On Quest: Ukraine, students will have the opportunity to work closely with the Borodyanka Center, just one of the five Chernobyl Centers now working in the vicinity of the disaster. Located about a hour northwest of the capital city of Kiev, Borodyanka has a population of about 18,000 people, many of whom rely on the center's assistance for children and families in crisis, social work services, poverty aid, and civic and social activities. Quest students will spend the bulk of their trip experience facilitating a week-long summer camp for the children of Borodyanka. Students will have the responsibility of coming up with events, games, and activities to fill the week, but their efforts will be warmly welcomed by those in the community. The people of Borodyanka are thrilled to be able to open up their homes to the students of UW-Madison and are excited for their youth to be able to learn, grow, and create memories during this week of camp. After camp in the morning and afternoon, Quest students will also spend time working with the young adults of the community on a service project that will benefit families of the area for many years to come.

We hope you will consider joining us for Quest: Ukraine 2012! Feel free to get in touch with Stefanie Schroeder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Daniel Cochran at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  with any questions you might have about this incredible opportunity. The application deadline is Sunday, February 12! Spots will fill up quickly, so apply today and take the first step of your next adventure!

Trip Highlights:

The first-ever Quest: Ukraine will take place following final exams in May, 2012 and will incorporate facilitating a camp for middle school school students, homestays in Borodyanka, and visits to the Chernobyl reactor and other historical sites in Kiev and Lviv. Most of the group's time in Ukraine will be spent at a community center in Borodyanka, facilitating a camp for middle school children and working with high school aged young adults on a community service project. Other highlights will include:

• Visiting cultural and historic sites in Kiev and L'viv
• Home stays with Ukrainian families
• Celebrating International Children's Day with the community of Borodyanka
• Touring the Chernobyl reactor site

Pre-Trip Meetings:

Group meetings before departure not only allow participants to become familiar with the issues that are central to their destination, but they also give everyone a chance to get to know their fellow travelers. As these meetings are an integral part of the entire experience, it is important that you are able to commit to attending them upon receiving an invitation to travel with Quest. Meetings will begin in late February and take place on Sunday evenings around 7pm, about every two weeks throughout the spring semester leading up to departure.

Payment Information:

The trip cost includes all ground transportation, lodging, activities, and most meals. Airfare will be purchased separately under the direction of the Crossing. Fundraising activities can significantly defray the cost of the trip, and many students find that half or more of their total trip cost can be covered by participanting in Quest's fundraising program. This cost does not include any personal expenditures, and we recommend that participants bring about $100 of spending money per week for snacks, gifts, souvenirs, and incidental expenses.

If you are invited to travel on Quest: Ukraine, a $250 non-refundable deposit will be required within five days of acceptance to secure your spot on the trip.