"'Artek' raises patriots of Russia": alumni congratulate the camp on its anniversary

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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.