Youth Camps and Nationalism in PostSoviet Russi

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Youth Campsand Nationalismin Post-Soviet Russia
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Children at camp in Novosibirsk
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Introduction

• Why analyze youth camps as a subject of
  post-Soviet nationalism?

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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 (Lenins 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).

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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

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Young Pioneer pin
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Artek closing ceremony 1935
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Welcome ceremony at camp wave in Anapa, August
2006
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camp wave
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Aspects of Nationalism

• Focus on the glorious past and tradition.

• Educating youth in Russian history and culture.

• Promoting patriotism and pride in ones 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.

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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
  childrens sanctuary, astronauts, journalists,
  and the President Kuchma attended the celebration.

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Artek comissar raising flag
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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 childrens 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...

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Nashi Spreading their message to Russian youth
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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.

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Presidents and Propaganda the use of children in
politics

• Artek 1937

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Sources

• Radio Free Europe
• Thomas J. Garza Conservative Vanguard? The
  Politics of New Russias 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