An interview with Donatas Vaisvalavičius discussing the influence and future of Lithuanian National Guard youth camps in the U.S.
The first Lithuanian National Guard youth camp in the United States, known as Švyturys 2024, represented a significant step forward in connecting Lithuanian traditions with the younger generation living abroad. Situated in Rake, this camp offered a unique opportunity for young attendees to immerse themselves in traditional Lithuanian activities while gaining essential life skills in a structured and supportive setting. One of the key contributors to the camp’s success was Donatas Vaisvalavičius, an experienced instructor from the Antanas Juozapavičius Šaulių 1st Unit in Alytus, Lithuania. His experience and commitment played a significant role in developing the camp’s curriculum and ensuring the experience was educational and memorable for all participants.
Below is an in-depth interview with Donatas Vaisvalavičius, where he provides his thoughts and reflections on the Švyturys 2024 Camp experience.
Q: We often hear about the successful experiences of youth camps organized by the Lithuanian National Guard. How does the experience of a camp in the U.S. compare to those held in Lithuania?
Donatas Vaisvalavičius: In Lithuania, children attending our camps typically know what to expect. They are familiar with the rules and routines, making guiding them through the program easier. In the U.S., it was the first time that many children attended a National Guard camp, so they had an element of the unknown. While some had experience with scouting camps, this environment was different, requiring more discipline and structure. However, the children adapted quickly and embraced the experience, which was encouraging. We had to balance maintaining discipline and ensuring the activities were engaging so the kids wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. It was challenging, but seeing their growing confidence each day made it all worthwhile.
Q: What activities were included in the Švyturys 2024 camp, and how do they differ from those in Lithuanian camps?
Donatas Vaisvalavičius: Our objective was to introduce the children to the activities we regularly conduct in Lithuanian camps, such as fire-building and water filtration. In Lithuania, we follow a structured progression of camp levels, where children advance from one level to the next as they gain more experience. The first level is more introductory, while higher levels explore specific skills in greater depth. The U.S. camp was similar, but we had to adjust to the children’s varying experiences and familiarity with such activities. The kids were very enthusiastic, and despite the initial challenges, they learned a lot. The satisfaction of watching them achieve tasks they initially thought were beyond their capabilities is something I will always treasure.
Q: How many summer camps are organized by the Lithuanian National Guard, and do they fill up quickly?
Donatas Vaisvalavičius: We organize approximately 50 summer camps in Lithuania, and all spots are usually filled very quickly. For instance, this year, we announced the camps in late May, and by early June, every place was taken. Children are eager to attend, and we see significant interest from returning participants and newcomers. It’s impressive to witness the excitement and dedication these young people have. They are genuinely passionate about being part of these camps, and this passion drives us to continue providing these opportunities year after year.
Q: You mentioned specialized camps. Can you tell us more about these?
Donatas Vaisvalavičius: Yes, besides the general camps, we also organize specialized camps that focus on specific skills such as marksmanship, radio communication, medical training, and leadership. These camps are designed to help children deepen their knowledge in particular areas, providing them with valuable skills they can carry forward in life. We also have survival camps where children learn to navigate challenging environments and become self-reliant. This year, we even had a survival camp where the kids traveled by bike, train, and canoe, prepared their meals, and learned to start fires using different methods, including friction. These experiences teach them resilience and resourcefulness, which are essential life skills.
Q: What is the future of National Guard camps in the U.S.?
Donatas Vaisvalavičius: The Švyturys 2024 camp was a great start, and I believe it opened up many possibilities for the future. It allowed the children to disconnect from technology, explore their abilities, and learn essential life skills. I hope we can continue to build on this experience, perhaps even introducing more specialized camps in the future, similar to what we have in Lithuania. It’s about allowing children to grow, learn, and develop in a supportive environment. I also want to emphasize that such camps are essential in shaping responsible and capable individuals who can confidently face life’s challenges. It’s been an honor to be part of this journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The dedication and effort put into this camp by everyone involved, from the organizers to the children, is truly inspiring. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful experience.
I look forward to seeing how these camps will evolve and continue to impact young lives positively.
* * *
The Švyturys 2024 camp was more than just an event; it was a life-changing experience for everyone involved. Donatas Vaisvalavičius’s reflections highlight the challenges and successes of introducing Lithuanian National Guard traditions to a new audience in the United States. His commitment and passion were vital in making this camp a success, offering the children an unforgettable experience that will hopefully spark a lasting interest in Lithuanian heritage and National Guard values.
Looking ahead to future camps, both in the U.S. and Lithuania, it is clear that these experiences play a crucial role in fostering personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of community among the participants. We are fortunate to have leaders like Donatas Vaisvalavičius, whose dedication to youth development ensures that these camps will continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
Also, read – Interview with Sandra Vasiliauskienė and Interview with Ralfas Andriūnas.
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.
