March 12, 2025

Take a Trip to Romania This Summer!

Chicago, United States of America – Romanian United Foundation (RUF) is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Cultural Exchange Program, an immersive summer experience designed to connect participants with the rich traditions of Romania. 

Across four distinct camps, the program offers a rare blend of volunteering, learning, skill building and adventure, with a special focus on engaging youth from the Romanian diaspora.

Set along the scenic Via Transilvanica, each camp provides hands-on work in restoration, outdoor exploration, and discovery, in the land of myths and legends.

2025 Camps & Programs:

1. Restoring the Past, Shaping the Future – Păușa Camp, July 11 - 19, 2025

The program is a unique opportunity for youth aged 16-21 to both volunteer and form a strong bond with their ancestral culture. Fully involved in the authentic daily village life, campers will restore the historic wooden church of Păușa, Sălaj County, thus maintaining an important piece of heritage for future generations. Find out more and apply.

2. Rediscover Romania: Semenic Explorer Youth Camp, July 3 - 8, 2025

This bilingual adventure camp is designed for youth aged 8 - 14 and aims to foster resilience, teamwork, and survival skills, in the heart of nature, at the highest-altitude lodge in the Semenic-Caraș Gorge National Park, Caraș-Severin county. Various team-building activities–hiking, archery, ziplining, campfires and more–are occasions to make unforgettable memories in the midst of stunning landscapes. To learn more and sign up, visit Rediscover Romania: Semenic Explorer Youth Camp, 2025 - RUF.

3. Angels Trip To Terra Banatica, July 3 - 8, 2025

This special six-day hiking or e-biking tour honors RUF Angels, the key supporters of our foundation who make a lasting impact through their contributions to education, health, and community development. 

Addressed exclusively to adults and led by expert guides, the journey showcases breathtaking landscapes and ethnic treasures along Via Transilvanica, crossing the Banat region. To reconnect with your heritage and join us as RUF Angels in this memorable event, visit 2025 Angels Trip to Terra Banatica.

4. Restore, Explore, and Inspire: A Journey of Volunteering in Banat, June 30 - July 8, 2025

Based in Grădinari, Caraș-Severin county, the project is a collaboration with Color the Village by Asociația Acasă în Banat that seeks to combine restoration work with understanding traditional values. 

High schoolers, aged 15 - 18, will help conserve traditional homes while enjoying day trips to landmarks along the Danube River. The experience offers a perfect balance of public service and deep appreciation of local traditions. For more information, visit Restore, Explore, and Inspire: A Journey of Volunteering in Banat.

5. 2025 Trip on Via Transilvanica - Vatra Dornei to Tășuleasa Social, June 24 - 28, 2025

This a 5-day hiking adventure along Via Transilvanica, exploring the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Bucovina and Transylvania. This unforgettable journey takes you from Vatra Dornei to Tășuleasa Social, the birthplace of Via Transilvanica. Over the course of four days, you’ll hike through diverse terrains, challenge yourself physically, and be inspired by the beauty and history of Romania. Join this trip here.

Join Us in 2025!

Through these programs, Romanian United Foundation continues its mission of preserving historical legacy, fostering community engagement, and strengthening ties to the homeland. Whether you are looking to give back, learn, or rediscover your roots and live life at a slower pace in the heart of local communities, there is a camp designed for you. And that's not all - this year's Via Transilvanica trip is RUF's 5th edition, and we are proud to say that every year we have added new camps to include new activities and new age groups, all based on the suggestions received from our amazing Romanian-American community. 

To find out more and to sign up, visit Trips to Romania - Romanian United Fund.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Madi Bucheru
Director of Communication & Marketing
[email protected]
https://www.romanianunitedfund.org