One of the most successful Polish social initiatives of the second half of the 19th century was the organization of summer camps for children from the poorest Warsaw families. The initiator and a long-term coordinator of this initiative was a well-known physician and social activist, Stanisław Markiewicz (1839-1911). The camps were his most famous achievement, nevertheless, he made every effort to improve the sanitary conditions of Warsaw. He worked in the committee dealing with the reconstruction of the municipal sewage system, acted for the expansion of green areas in the city, also dealt with the hygiene of schools, provided “a glass of milk” to children and babies, and published scientific papers.

The first summer camps were organized in 1881. A year later, the Summer Camp Committee was established. These activities were organized for children aged 8 to 13, who were in poor health and at the same time were born into the poorest families. The support covered all families regardless of religion.

The long-term success of this initiative was possible thanks to the broad social commitment. Stanisław Markiewicz was supported by other doctors from Warsaw, and the press regularly printed appeals for private funds to be allocated to such projects. And wealthy property owners hosted children in the villages. Here, far from the stuffiness of the city, the kids could repair their impaired health.

The famous Jewish doctor and educator Janusz Korczak (1878-1942), who looked after the health of children and also worked as a guardian and educator, was also involved in the organization of summer camps. He also presented the Warsaw public his reports about the life of the tiny Commonwealth (“Kurier Poranny” 1909), the atmosphere and charm of the camps. He talked about the carefree worries of kids, the states created during the construction of huts and the use of the spontaneous activity of children in educational work.

The Summer Camp Committee was legalized by the Russian powers in the second half of the 1890s as the Summer Camp Society for the Poor Children of Warsaw. It worked until 1939.