The first summer shift of the military-patriotic camp "I Want to Become a Paratrooper" started at Marshal Zhukov Square in Nizhny Novgorod.

      A solemn event dedicated to the start of the first shift of the military-patriotic camp "I Want to Become a Paratrooper" took place at Marshal Zhukov Square near the "Eternal Flame" memorial. More than 90 schoolchildren went to the camp for three weeks to undergo training in the basics of military and airborne training. This was reported by the city department of social policy. Traditionally, the event began with the performance of the national anthem of the Russian Federation, after which the head of the administration of the Prioksky district, Mikhail Shatilov, addressed the children with parting words, emphasizing the unique role of the camp in shaping personality and choosing a life path. "The camp 'I Want to Become a Paratrooper' is not just a shift; it is a school of real life. I see the same fire in your eyes that burned in the hundreds of boys before you. Many of them, having come here for the first time, now wear officer epaulettes and honorably defend our Motherland. I wish you a successful shift, strong friendships, and to definitely return here next year!" said Mikhail Shatilov. The director of the city department of social policy, Galina Gurenko, addressed not only the children but also their parents, assuring them of the children's safety and the high professionalism of the mentors. "In the camp, they will be greeted by knowledgeable commanders with vast military service experience and pedagogical experience working with youth. All of them are employees, educators, and instructors of the Maxim Nastin Center for Military-Patriotic Education. Among those going to the camp are students of the center who have completed the 'Junior Commanders School,' have rich experience in camp shifts, and good military-applied skills. They will guide and help the newcomers in everything. On June 22, we will see our boys again – beautiful, strengthened, in uniform, marching in step at the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, where the shift will be closed," noted Galina Gurenko. Participants were also welcomed by the chairman of the executive committee of the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the All-Russian public organization of veterans "Combat Brotherhood," veteran of combat operations, Lieutenant General Anatoly Dzhumaev. "I have known the camp 'I Want to Become a Paratrooper' for many years. During this time, many boys have been raised there – future defenders of our Fatherland. Today, you also have this opportunity – to acquire a large amount of special military knowledge that may come in handy for you in the future. I wish you good health, successful studies, great victories over yourselves, and success in mastering knowledge," said Anatoly Dzhumaev. "You are taking the first step on the path of great service. After the shift, you will join the brotherhood with the motto 'Nobody but us.' This is the elite of our country. This is a high love for the Motherland and a high responsibility. In the camp, you will receive not only military but also spiritual knowledge to be strong in spirit and physical strength. But the most valuable thing is friends, many of whom you will go through your whole life with. Safe travels!" encouraged the children the camp's regimental priest, veteran of combat operations, Archpriest Viktor Polyakov. The participants of the event honored the memory of the soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War with a moment of silence and laid flowers at the "Eternal Flame" memorial. Parents and relatives of the students of the first shift of the camp "I Want to Become a Paratrooper" shared their expectations. "My grandson is going to the camp for the second time; he is very much looking forward to his first solo parachute jump. I am sure he will succeed; he will meet all the necessary standards for this. I expect that after the shift he will mature, gain invaluable experience, and master military disciplines," shared the grandmother of a camp student, Galina Sharygina. "My daughter has been waiting for this shift all year. Her friends from the Center for Military-Patriotic Education, with whom she has made friends in classes, are going with her. I am very glad that there are people nearby whom she can rely on one hundred percent. I really like that throughout the year the child is always busy and surrounded by like-minded people. She already has four solo jumps; I hope there will be a fifth by the end of the shift," noted the mother of one of the camp students, Anastasia Vyazemskaya. "My daughter is going for the first time, but in this shift, she wants to make her first solo jump. She really likes the Center for Military-Patriotic Education and the camp 'I Want to Become a Paratrooper.' There, teenagers primarily gain character 'hardening' and mature faster, approaching life situations more responsibly," said the father of a camp student, Andrey Telegaev. "The grandchildren are looking forward to new impressions and challenges for the development of their physical fitness and character. They are looking forward to their solo parachute jump, and according to them, they have no fear of jumping," added Elena Denegkina. The children have a busy program ahead: receiving uniforms, being assigned to platoons, and immersing themselves in a strict daily routine. Their successes can be followed in the official group "I Want to Become a Paratrooper" on the social network "VKontakte." The first shift will conclude on June 22 with a solemn ceremony at the "Eternal Flame" memorial in the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, where participants of the military-patriotic camp who made their first solo parachute jump will receive "Paratrooper Certificates" and badges. Earlier, the head of the city, Yuri Shalabaev, announced that preparations are beginning in Nizhny Novgorod for the creation of the fourth branch of the Center for Military-Patriotic Education. The new branch will open in the Lenin district.