Blending Technology and Tradition at the First Lithuanian National Guard Camp for American Youth
August 8, 2024 – The fifth day of Švyturys Camp 2024 marked another significant moment in the history of the Lithuanian National Guard (LNG) first camp for American youth of Lithuanian descent. Nestled in the peaceful forests of Rako, the camp continues to combine technology, tradition, and cultural pride, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for the young attendees.
Drones in the Sky
The day kicked off with a session led by Brother Darius Rudis, a veteran scout with more than 40 years of experience. Rudis introduced the campers to the world of drones, explaining their functions, how they work, and the basics of flying them. He also answered many questions from the campers, such as whether birds can interfere with drones, how high drones can fly, and how far they can go.
Every camper got the chance to fly a drone, learning how to take off, turn, and capture photos and videos from the air. The excitement was clear as the drones flew over the wooded campgrounds, capturing stunning views from above. These videos will be included in next week’s camp chronicle, and everyone is eagerly waiting for their release.
Connecting with the World Through Radio
Later in the day, Brother Linas Jablonskis shared his love for radio communication with the campers. Using his call sign KD9SDX, Jablonskis showed how a radio transceiver works and even made contact with another operator in Indiana. This hands-on experience allowed campers to ask questions, learn about global communication through amateur radio, and even talk about their camp activities.
Jablonskis also taught the campers about the NATO phonetic alphabet and Morse code, giving them a deeper understanding of radio communication. To ensure the best signal in the dense Rako forests, Jablonskis set up an antenna and grounding, making the shortwave radio work far better than the unreliable cell phone and internet coverage in the area.
A Special Song from the Sea Scouts
The camp received a warm message from Norway, sent by Nikolajus Juzeliūnas, the leader of the Lithuanian Sea Scout unit. Juzeliūnas, along with his cousin, wrote a song called “Jūros Šaulių Maršas” (“The Sea Scouts’ March”). This unexpected gift brought joy to the camp, and there are hopes that the song will be sung by the campers soon. This gesture of support highlights the strong connections within the Lithuanian community worldwide.
Camp Spirit in Full Force
The day’s events were not just about learning; they also helped build a strong sense of community and national pride among the campers. The kitchen volunteers were surprised with beautiful bouquets of flowers, a thank you from the well-fed brothers of the scouting group.
The day ended with the campers and their leaders chanting a new camp song. Marching together, they sang:
| Lithuanian Song | English Translation (Rhymed) |
|---|---|
| Vienas, vienas, viens du trys | One, one, one, two, three |
| Išeivijos mes būrys, | We’re a group from overseas, |
| Miegam naktį palapinėj, | Sleeping in our tents at night, |
| Nebaisu net lietui lyjant, | Rain won’t give us any fright, |
| Žengiam kairę, žengiam dešinę, | Left, right, we march in line, |
| Labai mylim savo kraštą, | Loving our homeland is a sign, |
| Vėliavas kasdien mes keliam, | Raising flags, our daily pride, |
| Ir į ežerą mes neriam, | To the lake, we take a dive, |
| Kuriam ugnį, kuriam laužą, | Making fire, lighting blaze, |
| Ir suvalgom ką prikrauna. | Eating all that fills our trays. |
This chant captures the spirit of the camp, reflecting their connection to Lithuanian heritage and their pride in it. The song speaks to their daily experiences and reinforces values like unity, courage, and love for their homeland.
Looking Ahead
As the camp progresses into the 5th day, the excitement for the remaining days builds, with many more activities and surprises planned for the participants. Švyturys Camp is more than just a camp; it is a place where young American Lithuanians can connect with their heritage, learn new skills, and build lifelong friendships. The blend of tradition and modernity is creating an environment that not only educates but also fosters a deep sense of identity and pride in their Lithuanian roots.
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The camp continues to be a key event for the Lithuanian National Guard in August 2024, providing these young people with an experience that strengthens their ties to Lithuania while giving them practical skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned for more updates as the stories of these young Guards (Šauliai continue to unfold and inspire.
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More on Camp Švyturys 2024: Camp Opening, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Camp Closing
Vilma Kava is a Lithuanian-American author and journalist with a strong interest in Lithuanian culture and history. She has written two books that explore Lithuania’s heritage and traditions. Vilma regularly writes for Draugas newspaper, offering articles that resonate with the Lithuanian diaspora. She also contributes to the Lithuanian National Guard Facebook page, sharing stories and content that promote community engagement and cultural awareness.
