"'Artek' raises patriots of Russia": alumni congratulate the camp on its anniversary
The
centenary of the "Artek" International Children's Centre was
celebrated with a festive concert at the National Centre RUSSIA on June 4. The
event marked the beginning of a major anniversary marathon dedicated to the
camp’s anniversary which is celebrated on June 16. On this day, the culmination
of the celebrations will take place in "Artek" itself.
The
anniversary concert at the National Centre RUSSIA welcomed guests from 89
regions of Russia, including ministers of education, heads of constituent
entities of the Russian Federation, children recognised as "Artek"
stars over the years, and veterans of the International Children's Centre "Artek".
In addition, foreign delegations from around 30 countries attended the event.
Maria
Kharina, an alumna of "Artek" and the Young Tour Guides School at the
National Centre RUSSIA, spoke about the connection between the legendary
children’s centre and the modern educational space, both united by a shared
mission of nurturing patriotism.
"2025
is a jubilee year — 'Artek'
celebrates its centenary. Many generations have grown up in the camp, including
my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. 'Artek' has raised a
generation of children who are fuelled by dreams, who cherish their childhood
and their homeland. Because 'Artek' raises patriots of their
country. At the concert, I recalled my own 'Artek' memories — I
attended the camp three times. At the anniversary celebration in the National
Centre, I once again felt those touching, warm and familial emotions,"
shared Maria Kharina.
Reflecting
on the continuity of traditions, Maria noted a parallel between the work of
young guides at the National Centre and the counsellors at "Artek",
highlighting their shared ability to inspire love for the homeland through live
communication and the transmission of knowledge.
"'Artek' has wonderful
counsellors. It was thanks to them that I once fell in love with 'Artek'
— they showed me its nature, told me the camp’s history, and taught me to love
my country. Perhaps in the future I will return to 'Artek' with
the experience I have gained at the National Centre RUSSIA and share my
knowledge with the children," said Maria Kharina.
During
their visit to the exposition "Journey Across Russia," "Artek"
alumni rediscovered the diversity of their homeland.
"The
National Centre RUSSIA is really great. I liked the atmosphere around —
everyone was wearing 'Arte'k'
uniforms. I really enjoyed the tour of the exposition 'Journey Across Russia.'
Siberia stood out especially because I am from Novosibirsk myself. I also liked
the Kaliningrad section and the riverboat," shared Yekaterina Vozhak, an
alumna of the camp from 2019 and 2024.
Yana Gulpa
has been to "Artek" three times. She spoke about how the friendships
and traditions of "Artek" become a lifelong part of one’s life.
"Here at the National Centre RUSSIA, there are many people, and it feels like I’m back at 'Artek'. It’s as if a piece of my soul is once again at the camp, and that is very pleasant. There are no former 'Artek' campers. You leave, but you keep friends all across the country. 'Artek' friendships last a lifetime. I follow 'Artek' traditions and listen to camp songs instead of modern ones. I feel like I live 'Artek'," Yana Gulpa shared.
On June 16,
2025, the "Artek" International Children's Centre will celebrate its
100th anniversary. Earlier, themed photo exhibitions were held at the State
Duma and the Federation Council. An important event was the issuance of a
decree by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin awarding the "Artek"
team the Order of Honour.
To mark the
anniversary, 12 films have been made, including the feature "100 Years of
Happy Childhood," which premiered in January 2025. Together with Samara
University and the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations in Space, a branded
small spacecraft was launched, and on February 28, a rocket carrier bearing the
"Artek" anniversary logo was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
At the end of May, the 6th jubilee shift started at the children’s centre and
will continue until June 17–18.
On June 9,
an exhibition under the slogan "'Artek' at 100!" will open at GUM
(Moscow), showcasing unique archival materials. Visitors will also enjoy an
interactive programme led by camp counsellors. On June 12, the International
Children’s Festival "Let There Always Be Sunshine" will begin.
Event photobank
The participants got the idea that ordinary household waste can become an unusual material for creativity.
On June 26, the annual final meeting of the Board of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) was held at the National Centre RUSSIA.
A panel discussion of the EISI "Video games as a tool for teaching values and protecting historical memory" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA.