Youth Camps
and Nationalism
in Post-Soviet Russia
Children at camp in Novosibirsk
Introduction
Why analyze youth camps as a subject of post-Soviet nationalism?
Historical Background: The
Young Pioneer Organization of
the Soviet Union
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Existed from 1922 - 1990.
A mass youth organization of the USSR for children ages
10-15.
N. Krupskaya (Lenin’s wife) played a significant role in
the Pioneer movement, advocating a combination of
Communist values with games, sports, tourism, and
survival skills.
From 1923 - 1975 the number of Young Pioneer
members rose from 75 thousand to 25 million.
Thousands of Young Pioneer camps were established
where children went for summer vacation and winter
holidays - this was free (funded by the government and
trade unions).
Membership optional (but almost every child was a
Pioneer).
Symbols, Rituals, and
Traditions of the Soviet era:
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Main symbols of Young Pioneers: red banner, flag, red
tie, badge.
Main attributes: bugle, drum, uniform.
Rituals: salute, parades, banner bearing, raising of the
flag, elaborate closing ceremonies.
Traditions: youth rally (usually around a bonfire) and
festivals.
Songs: various Soviet era songs which are still used
today...
Portraits of Lenin (and other leaders)
Statues and memorials
Morning exercises
Regimented schedule
Young Pioneer pin
Artek closing ceremony: 1935
Welcome ceremony at camp
“wave” in Anapa, August 2006
…camp “wave”
Aspects of Nationalism
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Focus on the “glorious past” and tradition.
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Educating youth in Russian history and culture.
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Promoting patriotism and pride in one’s nation.
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Importance of the national anthem and flag.
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In regards to elite camps like Artek: notion of the “chosen
people” as future leaders of country.
Case study: Artek
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Prestigious international camp located in Crimea.
Created in 1925: originally aimed at boys.
State-funded camp for children of élites and children who
earned academic success.
Uniforms were and still are required.
Very proud of camp history and currently very active in
maintaining Soviet-style model of camp.
Numerous high-profile people have visited the camp:
revolutionaries, generals, politicians, celebrities.
In 2000, Artek celebrated their 75th anniversary. Though
the camp claims to be a non-political children’s sanctuary,
astronauts, journalists, and the President Kuchma attended
the celebration.
Artek comissar raising
flag
Aspects of media in relation
to youth camps
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Advertisements of camps on television for summer
season.
Internet: The more elite and state-funded camps have
sophisticated websites, including history of camp,
extensive photos, and promotion of their own children’s
books and songs.
Promotion of camp newspapers which provide
information on camp history (relating again to Soviet
past)
Main point: children are cut off from outside media while
at camp. Youth organizations and NGOs...
Nashi: Spreading their
message to Russian youth
Conclusion
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Summer camps in Russia exist in a variety of formats,
yet they all promote nationalism in both banal and
active ways. (implicit and explicit)
Political youth organizations are targeting children and
young adults by bringing their message to the camps
through training sessions and through the internet and
advertising.
Presidents and Propaganda: the
use of children in politics
Artek: 1937
Sources
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Radio Free Europe
Thomas J. Garza: “Conservative Vanguard? The Politics of
New Russia’s Youth.”
BBC News
www.nashi.su
www.artek.ru
www.artekovetc.org
www.orlyonok.ru
www.themoscowtimes.com
http://kozlowsk.club.fr/insight.html
Interviews
www.kremlin.ru
www.gazeta.ru