A pioneer camp is an organized camp vacation for children based on the principles of the Pioneer organization. In the RSFSR, pioneer camps were especially popular from the 1930s to the 1980s. In pioneer camps, children could devote time to a healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, outdoor games, and learning science and art.
Pioneer camps had very good conditions for children’s recreation and development. The camps were usually located in forests or near lakes and provided children with the opportunity to learn independence and how to organize their time.
The camps held various events, such as competitions, sports competitions, various classes of interest, excursions, etc. Pioneer organizations and counselors played an important role in the camp. They took care of the children, helped them in difficult situations and organized their leisure time.
Today, pioneer camps are still popular in Russia, but their format and character have changed significantly over the past few decades. They are no longer called pioneer camps. The camps have become more diverse and are aimed at developing children’s various interests, but they remain an important element of children’s recreation and education.