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Youth Camps and Nationalism in Post-Soviet Russia

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. Existed from 1922 - 1990.

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Youth Camps and Nationalism in Post-Soviet Russia

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  1. Youth Campsand Nationalismin Post-Soviet Russia

  2. Children at camp in Novosibirsk

  3. Introduction Why analyze youth camps as a subject of post-Soviet nationalism?

  4. 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).

  5. 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

  6. Young Pioneer pin

  7. Artek closing ceremony: 1935

  8. Welcome ceremony at camp “wave” in Anapa, August 2006

  9. …camp “wave”

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Artek comissar raising flag

  13. 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...

  14. Nashi: Spreading their message to Russian youth

  15. 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.

  16. Presidents and Propaganda: the use of children in politics Artek: 1937

  17. 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

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