The Story of Our Emotions
AlpiniÈ™ Family Camp – July 2025
In the fast-paced world of today, the Alpinis Leadership Center is increasingly becoming a place where parents and children reconnect. Beyond a welcoming setting, our family camps—whether skiing in the winter or enjoying the quiet of the mountains in the summer—represent a voice of the gospel in family life.
This July, we had the joy of hosting ten families at our “The Story of Our Emotions” camp. It was a week full of captivating stories and workshops led by Ina Bulzan, psychotherapist and story teller, designed for both parents and children. In addition to creative crafts, interactions and sports activities, we explored nature together through hikes and a treasure hunt, flew kites, and had fun with water games. We also had moments of spiritual reflection, with songs and Bible stories adapted to the camp’s theme.
After this experience, Ina Bulzan shared some valuable thoughts:
“I consider the family camp to be a unique vacation opportunity for parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their children, actively participate in their lives, and fully embrace their parental role. The theme of emotions proved to be extremely beneficial, allowing for a variety of activities and, most importantly, contributing positively to relational dynamics. It was a significant effort for both children and parents to learn how to recognize, experience, express, and, at times, regulate their emotions.”
Ina added that “managing frustration, fatigue, agitation, focus, and conflicts is an ongoing effort for a parent alongside their child. However, in the relaxed context of the camp, alongside other participants, this work becomes easier. The group brings additional challenges but also numerous advantages: new friendships for children and parents, role models, support, and valuable resources.”
The families’ interest, openness, and willingness to participate in everything offered, and their flexibility and joy were remarkable.
“For me, the parents’ discussion group was a truly special moment. It was a rich source of ideas and support, vital, I would say—the ‘village’ we all need to raise our children. It was an excellent opportunity, fully utilized by parents, including for expressing their spiritual convictions.”
A truly remarkable aspect was the presence and contribution of adoptive and foster families. We believe the impact was mutual: these families, in turn, found acceptance, support, and encouragement from the other parents.
There are so many voices and models that shape parent-child relationships. We see a growing need among families for these kinds of experiences—a need for authentic reconnection, a search for what is best. Through these camps, we offer an alternative anchored in Christian values, a framework where parents and children can rediscover the joy of being together.
“This was the second year we gladly returned to the family camp at Paltinis. From hikes, water play, sports activities, competitions, and so much more, lovingly planned by Cosmin, to crafts, games, and stories about feelings carefully prepared by Ina, the camp week flew by, but we left with a ton of family memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.”
