Summer Programs Merging Traditions with Today’s World
Each year, more children decide to spend their summer at the camps provided by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LRU). In the upcoming season, the union plans to operate close to 60 camps, hosting over 6,000 children. Attendees include local Lithuanian youths, children of Lithuanian expatriates, and the offspring of Ukrainian soldiers who have sacrificed in their quest for freedom.
Global Attendance and Cultural Interaction
Sandra Vasiliauskienė, who leads the Civic Education Department at LRU, notes a rise in global attendance. “As our international activities grow, more children are arriving from Europe and the USA. Many come to visit family and participate in our programs, which helps them reconnect with the Lithuanian language and understand their national heritage,” she remarks.
Learning and Fun Activities
LRU camps primarily serve young individuals aged 11 to 18, showcasing their acquired skills from youth shooter clubs. The camps engage them in a variety of activities including Lithuanian history, survival techniques, first aid, marksmanship, and basic military skills. Besides these, there are also hiking, sports, and other fun activities.
Specialized Camp Offerings
The international “Žalgiris” camp this year is a chance for youths to gather, exchange insights, and participate in joint activities. “This camp helps break down language barriers and fosters friendships that might inspire a future return to Lithuania,” Vasiliauskienė states. This year’s camp welcomes new participants from countries like Sweden and Georgia, in addition to traditional attendees from Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine.
Broad and Educational Programs
Roughly half of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union camps are dedicated to education, culture, knowledge, sports, or survival training. They are open to young shooters and students from Lithuania and Lithuanian children living abroad. Some are day camps in updated Šauliai facilities, others in scenic rural areas.
Aid for Ukrainian Youth
“We’ve made it possible for 600 children to join day camps at our updated facility in Alytus. This summer, we are organizing 10 camps, welcoming over a thousand children, giving a break from the conflict to children from Ukraine,” shares Skirmantas Valatkevičius, captain of the Antanas Juozapavičius Šauliai (Alytus region) 1st selection.
The Švyturys Camp in Michigan, USA
Beyond the vibrant Lithuanian camps, the Lithuanian National Guard Inc., Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in Excile, reaches out to the USA with the Švyturys Camp in Michigan. This camp merges Lithuanian cultural values with American camping traditions, offering children of Lithuanian descent a chance to discover their roots while enjoying activities like bonfires, team sports, and arts and crafts. It acts as a cultural link, uniting young Lithuanians worldwide with their heritage and forming enduring memories.
Adapting to Changing Needs
As student needs shift and technologies progress, the LRU is enhancing its camps to keep them appealing and engaging. “We are focused on making our camps more captivating, and specialized camps are ideal for this,” Vasiliauskienė explains. Each year, the camps attract a record number of participants, maintaining their popularity and helping to build a strong community and national identity among the youth.
This article is based on “Šaulių sąjungos stovyklose vasaros daugiau nei 6 tūkst. vaikų” published on May 28, 2024, on the Šaulių Sąjunga website.
LTNationalGuard is the voice of the Lithuanian diaspora, focused on reflecting the unity and spirit of the global Lithuanian National Guard community. As the main writer for sauliai.org, LTNationalGuard shares the experiences and values of the Guards, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve Lithuanian heritage. Each piece of content connects with the community, capturing the essence of the National Guards and helping members stay connected worldwide.
