Instructor Ralfas Andriūnas shares his experience at Švyturys 2024, highlighting how Lithuanian children embraced leadership and cultural heritage.
The Švyturys 2024 Summer Camp in the United States brought Lithuanian children together, providing them a platform to develop essential life skills like leadership, discipline, and teamwork. The camp was a crucial link for these children, helping them strengthen their connection to Lithuanian culture and heritage. Ralfas Andriūnas, one of the camp’s youngest instructors, offers a detailed account of his experiences and thoughts on how the camp unfolded.
Q: You are the youngest of the three instructors who came from Lithuania to help with Švyturys 2024. Could you tell us more about your background?
Ralfas Andriūnas: That’s right, I am the youngest and have only been working in the Lithuanian National Guard for about half a year since November. However, I’ve been involved with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union for much longer – since 2013. I first joined as a cadet. After taking a short break from my studies and music, I returned as a full member. Since then, I have completed basic training and actively participated in my unit’s activities.
Q: Despite your relatively short time in the Riflemen’s Union, you were selected to instruct at a children’s camp in the U.S. What do you believe made you the right choice for this role?
Ralfas Andriūnas: I think what makes me suitable for this role is my experience on both sides – as someone who was once a cadet and now as an instructor. I know what it’s like to be a cadet, and I understand the responsibilities of an instructor. That gives me a unique perspective. Flexibility is essential in a camp setting, especially here, where we had to adjust our usual processes to fit this new environment. We have specific routines in Lithuania, but I needed to modify them here to ensure the children wouldn’t feel overwhelmed.
Q: What experiences from the camp have left the strongest impression on you?
Ralfas Andriūnas: The most powerful moment for me was when the children sang the Lithuanian national anthem. Many of these kids were born in the U.S., and some come from mixed families, but they sang the anthem flawlessly. It was a deeply emotional moment. Another highlight was seeing one of the younger boys practicing a chant, even during his free time. His determination to learn was inspiring. Watching the children’s dedication and motivation throughout the camp was truly special.
Q: Your role as an instructor required you to give commands and guide the children. How did they respond to your leadership style?
Ralfas Andriūnas: At first, some kids didn’t fully understand the commands, thinking they might be personal. But after I explained that commands are necessary for maintaining order and discipline in camp, they began to trust me. They realized that I wasn’t singling anyone out. Over time, they started to understand that I was doing what was needed to ensure things ran smoothly. Children are very intuitive. They can sense when someone knows what they’re doing. That’s why I always made it a point to be confident and consistent in my approach.
Q: You divided the children into three groups, giving each one a chance to be a leader. How did this method work for you?
Ralfas Andriūnas: We organized the children into three mixed groups, and each child, regardless of age or size, had the opportunity to lead. This approach gave every camper a taste of leadership, and by the end of the camp, we had the youngest ones leading the older kids. It was amazing to see the confidence this built in them. The whole point was to teach them that leadership is something everyone can experience and learn from.
Q: We understand that camps in Lithuania are set up differently. Could you tell us how they compare to the one held here?
Ralfas Andriūnas: Yes, in Lithuania, we usually hold camps on military bases, and the environment is more structured. Parents drop off the kids at the gates, and we immediately start the program. There’s no assistance from parents with things like setting up tents. We also check all the children’s belongings to ensure they’re not bringing unnecessary items. This helps us maintain a specific routine and discipline throughout the camp. Another key difference is that we separate friends into different groups. This encourages more interaction with others, ensuring the kids collaborate and make new connections.
* * *
Ralfas Andriūnas’ reflections on Švyturys Camp 2024 emphasize the camp’s vital role in helping children learn leadership, teamwork, and discipline while strengthening their connection to their Lithuanian roots. His experiences showcase the importance of adaptability, patience, and consistency when working with young people in unfamiliar environments. This camp was more than just about learning skills – building confidence and fostering a sense of cultural pride.
Also, read – Interview with Sandra Vasiliauskienė and Interview with Donatas Vaisvalavičius.
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.
