It was quite an adventure for a group of Russian children — aged 8 to 17 — who took part in a military training camp earlier this week. Soldiers supervised the kids and teens as they participated in a “route march” on the shore of the River Don in southern Russia — running, doing pushups, crawling in sand and through water, Reuters reported.
Some even held real weapons, while others carried replica rifles.
One 8-year-old was asked about the most memorable part of the experience.
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“How we threw hand grenades and fired dummy shots,” he said.
This exercise is part of a larger movement in Russia aimed at teaching young children military-related skills, preparing them for potential future military service, according to Reuters.
“Why am I here? It’s because I want to tie my future with military service. [I want] to serve my country and be loyal to my cause until the very end,” one of the older boys said.
Support or indoctrination?
People have different opinions about the training activities for the kids. Supporters believe the training helps build patriotism and resilience, while critics say it’s a form of indoctrination.
Alexander Shopin, a training instructor who was wounded in the war in Ukraine, talked about the importance of teamwork and the close, family-like relationships that form during the training.
Camaraderie and commitment
One Russian mother named Natalia said her son loves interacting with the other kids at camp.
“Here, we accompany our children and help the instructors with whatever we can, including in the kitchen. It is a big and close-knit team. It is very interesting to be here. The program keeps children busy every day. They feel tired in the evening, but still very happy about everything that is going on here,” she said. “When asked whether they were going to give up, they shout ‘No way!’ They start another day with new strength, do physical exercise.”
The instructor noted that the kids develop “understanding and knowledge” from the experience, according to Reuters.
“Patriotic training is very important,” he said. “They don’t want to hang out in back alleyways. It’s much more fun for them here.”
