Youth CampsYouth Campsand and

NationalismNationalismin Post-Soviet in Post-Soviet

RussiaRussia

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 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:

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

Focus on the “glorious past” and tradition. Educating youth in Russian history and culture. Promoting patriotism and pride in one’s nation. Importance of the national anthem and flag. In regards to elite camps like Artek: notion of the

“chosen people” as future leaders of country.

Case study: Artek

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

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

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

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