A week of cultural enrichment and patriotism with the Lithuanian National Guard as part of the Stipri Lietuva Initiative. Voting starts on September 23.
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| Camp Švyturys 2024 | Organized by the Lithuanian National Guard, focusing on youth and culture. |
| Lietuvos Galia Project | Camp Švyturys was selected as a key project under the Stipri Lietuva initiative. |
| Voting Date | Voting to support Camp Švyturys begins on September 23, 2024. |
| Youth Participation | Brought together Lithuanian youth from the diaspora for immersive activities. |
| Cultural Reconnection | A unique opportunity for youth to reconnect with their Lithuanian heritage. |
| Leadership Development | Focused on building leadership through team-based challenges. |
| Cultural Milestone | Reinforced Lithuanian cultural pride within the diaspora community. |
From Camp Švyturys to the Stipri Lietuva Project
The Stipri Lietuva initiative at Lietuvos Galia, led by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, aims to strengthen Lithuania’s cultural identity and unity. This national effort fosters cultural pride, patriotism, and a deep connection to Lithuania, particularly within the global Lithuanian community. Among the many projects under Stipri Lietuva is Camp Švyturys, an initiative designed to give Lithuanian youth worldwide a chance to engage in meaningful cultural experiences.
Švyturys Camp 2024 was selected as a key project for its impact on promoting Lithuanian values and nurturing the next generation of leaders within the diaspora. Voting to support this project begins on September 23, and readers are encouraged to vote and ensure the continued success of initiatives that preserve Lithuanian heritage abroad.
Camp Švyturys Activities and Youth Impact
In August, over twenty Lithuanian youth aged 12-17 gathered in Michigan to participate in Camp Švyturys. They lived in tents for one week, participated in various outdoor activities, and learned essential survival skills such as building shelters and lighting campfires. The camp’s remote location, without access to mobile phones or technology, encouraged participants to engage with each other and develop their teamwork and leadership skills.
The activities at Camp Švyturys went beyond outdoor survival training. The camp was designed to instill a sense of pride in Lithuanian identity and heritage. Through group challenges and leadership exercises, campers gained confidence and learned the core values of the Lithuanian National Guard.
Ovidijus Bernatonis, Commander of the LNG, emphasized the importance of this project. “You are making history,” he told the participants. “This camp is the first of its kind and will set the stage for future generations to remain connected to Lithuania.”
Roma Bikulcius, Vice Commander of LNG, reflected on the experience: “This camp brought the children back to their roots. They may live far from Lithuania, but they understand what it means to be Lithuanian here. It wasn’t just about fun and reconnecting with our shared heritage.”
Language barriers were overcome through the camp’s immersive environment. Many participants came from families where English was the primary language, but the camp’s activities were in Lithuanian. Fellow campers often translated for one another, which helped deepen their bonds and appreciation for their cultural roots.
One participant shared, “At first, I didn’t think I’d enjoy a week without my phone, but it helped me realize what I can achieve when I focus on making real connections and learning new things. I feel much closer to my Lithuanian roots now.”
Also, see – Interview with Sandra Vasiliauskienė , Interview with Ralfas Andriūnas, and Interview with Donatas Vaisvalavičius.
Cultural Significance of Camp Švyturys
Camp Švyturys represents much more than a typical summer camp. It serves as a bridge between Lithuania and the Lithuanian diaspora, providing a platform for young people to reconnect with their heritage. As part of the broader Stipri Lietuva movement, the camp ensures that Lithuanian culture and identity remain strong, even among youth living far from their homeland.
Camp Švyturys’s success is largely due to the collaboration between the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the Ministry of Lithuanian National Defence, and local diaspora organizations. This teamwork showcases the enduring commitment to preserving Lithuanian traditions and values, ensuring that future generations stay connected to their cultural identity.
One of the camp’s instructors noted, “The collaboration between the Lithuanian National Guard and the diaspora is an excellent example of how we can work together to preserve our heritage. By teaching these children values like teamwork, perseverance, and patriotism, we ensure that Lithuanian culture will continue to thrive.”
Lithuania and its global community partnership have proven critical in uniting Lithuanians worldwide. The success of Camp Švyturys demonstrates that the Lithuanian spirit remains strong even across borders. Programs like this ensure that future generations of the diaspora will continue to carry forward Lithuanian culture and pride.
Voting for the Lietuvos Galia Project
Camp Švyturys has been nominated as a key project under the Stipri Lietuva initiative, and voting will occur from September 23 to October 21. This is more than just a vote for a camp – it is a vote to support the preservation of Lithuanian culture, values, and community within the diaspora. Every vote helps maintain programs like Camp Švyturys, vital in keeping Lithuanian youth connected to their roots.
By supporting initiatives like Camp Švyturys, voters help ensure that future generations of Lithuanian youth will continue accessing programs that foster identity, leadership, and cultural pride. Mark your calendars for September 23, and make sure your vote counts.
A Call to Support the Lithuanian Diaspora
Camp Švyturys wasn’t just a week-long camp but a cultural milestone for the Lithuanian diaspora. As the first camp, it provided a platform for young Lithuanians to reconnect with their roots, build leadership skills, and form lasting friendships. This camp symbolizes the future for the broader Lithuanian community, where Lithuanian culture remains vibrant and robust, even outside national borders.
Through the efforts of the Lithuanian National Guard and its collaboration with local diaspora organizations, the camp proved the power of community and cultural pride. As voting begins on September 23, the Lithuanian diaspora must show its support. Every vote contributes to the continuation of these essential programs that strengthen the ties between Lithuania and its global community.
Please mark your calendars, encourage others to vote, and support the young patriots as they continue to carry Lithuania’s torch forward.
Julius Tatarunas is an active member of the Lithuanian National Guard’s “Klaipėda” Company, where he guides the LNG’s digital presence. Since joining in 2023, Julius has played a vital role in ensuring that the Lithuanian National Guard’s stories and activities reach a broader audience through online platforms. His work helps to maintain a strong connection between the Guard and the e-community, preserving the cultural heritage for future generations.
