Lithuanian Riflemen Union’s Youth Camps Now International, with a Historic First in the USA
As summer 2024 comes to an end, the Lithuanian Riflemen Union (Šaulių sąjunga) looks back on a season filled with success. This year, over 5,500 kids and teens joined their camps. They learned, faced challenges, and made new friends. The camps weren’t just in Lithuania; for the first time, they reached the United States with the historic Švyturys camp. This camp offered Lithuanian-American youth a chance to learn survival skills and connect with their heritage.
These camps welcome all kids aged 11 and up, not just young Riflemen. Here, kids can learn about Lithuanian history, pick up important life skills, and build lifelong friendships while staying connected to their roots.
Record Numbers and Global Participation
The summer of 2024 was special for the Riflemen Union’s camps, with a record number of kids attending. Sandra Vasiliauskienė, who leads the Civic Education Department, said that the increase in numbers shows more kids are interested in what the Riflemen Union offers. She pointed out that many kids who attend the camps often join the Riflemen’s clubs because they enjoy the active and engaging experiences.
The camps also attracted kids from seven other countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, and Georgia. The Žalgiris camp was especially important, bringing together some of the brightest young people from Lithuania and beyond. Held at the Brigadier General Motiejus Pečiulionis Artillery Battalion, this camp gave young leaders a chance to develop their skills in a multicultural environment.
Švyturys Camp – A First in the USA
One of the highlights this summer was the first-ever camp Švyturys in the United States. Held in Michigan, this camp brought together Lithuanian-American youth aged 12-17 from states like Illinois, Michigan, and Florida. For many of these kids, it was a rare chance to connect with their Lithuanian roots while learning survival skills in the outdoors.
Vilma Kava, one of the organizers, said she was proud of how much the kids grew during the week. They learned to set up tents, navigate the wilderness, and become more confident in their cultural identity. The camp was more than just about learning – it marked a key event for Lithuanian culture in the USA. The kids sang the Lithuanian national anthem, “Tautiška giesmė,” and took part in activities that helped them connect more deeply with their heritage.
The success of this camp shows how the Lithuanian National Guard can reach out to the Lithuanian diaspora and keep their culture alive, even far from home.
Camps for All Kids
The Lithuanian Riflemen Union offers a variety of camps to meet the needs and interests of the kids who attend. Some camps focus on military training and teaching kids how to be good citizens. Others are about cultural awareness and survival skills. One of the standout camps this summer was the “Traveling Survival Camp” (Keliaujanti išgyvenimo stovykla). In this camp, 50 young Riflemen covered more than 230 kilometers by bike, canoe, and on foot. They slept under the stars, cooked their food over open fires, and practiced survival skills that would stick with them for life.
Camp leader Donatas Vaisvalavičius said that these experiences are priceless. The kids not only learned how to survive in the wild, but they also built resilience and strong friendships. They honored the memory of those who fought for freedom, learning the importance of never giving up and being patriotic.
For kids of Lithuanian descent who live in other countries, these camps are a great way to stay connected to their roots. Many of the kids who came from abroad used this chance to improve their Lithuanian language skills and to learn more about their culture.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2025
As these camps grow in popularity, families should start planning now for next summer. Whether you live in Lithuania or somewhere else, these camps give young people the chance to build their skills, stay connected to their heritage, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To save a spot for next year’s camps, including Švyturys, families can send an email request and a deposit of $50. If the camp is canceled, the deposit will be refunded. If the camp goes on as planned, the deposit will be applied to the camp fee. However, if your child doesn’t attend, the deposit won’t be refunded. Reserve a spot in Camp Švyturys 2025 by sending a request on our contact page.
The Lithuanian Riflemen Union’s camps have given thousands of kids valuable experiences. With spots filling up fast, it’s important to reserve early. Don’t let your child miss out on being part of this growing tradition.
Source: Šauliškos stovyklos jaunimui nuo Lietuvos iki JAV
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