Meaningful summer vacation for the "little soldiers"

The program “Semester in the Army” organized by the Provincial Youth Union in coordination with the Provincial Military Command every summer is a useful and attractive playground, an environment for “young soldiers” to express their dreams and ambitions, foster personality and develop talents for youth. This is not only a special summer vacation but also a profound educational journey, bringing many humanistic values ​​and maturity lessons to the young generation.

The "little soldiers" learn how to fold blankets when participating in the "Semester in the Army" program in 2025.

With the theme "Future People's Army Soldiers" with the motto of experience and maturity, the course takes place in 7 days (from June 8 to June 14, 2025) at Infantry Regiment 180 in Nghia An commune (Nam Truc) with a variety of content. The students will become real soldiers, equipped with valuable lessons on discipline, self-awareness, courage, creativity, sharing and the will to rise up in life through morning physical exercises; physical games; forums to build awareness and personality; cultural exchange activities, arts, physical education, sports, field trips, writing diaries, offering incense at the Martyrs' cemetery, volunteer activities for community life... In addition to being equipped with knowledge and getting acquainted with the military environment, the students will also be trained in social skills, life skills, and collective living skills; Educating young people on ethics, personality, and lifestyle; arousing patriotism, national pride, and self-respect; helping young people improve their adaptability, confidence, independence, responsibility, solidarity, creativity, and maturity in thinking and action.

From the first steps of confusion and unfamiliarity, to the graduation day, the "little soldiers" have changed their daily lives significantly: knowing how to fold blankets neatly, obeying the schedule, boldly speaking up, proactively helping friends and confidently performing on stage. These changes come not only from physical training but also from spiritual enlightenment, awakening moral values ​​and a positive lifestyle in them. All of this creates a memorable and emotional "summer training session" for the children. Tran Thi Phuong Uyen, Squad Leader of Squad 1, emotionally shared after completing 7 days of training: "When I first joined, I was quite worried because I had never lived away from my family and had to take care of myself in a strict disciplined environment like the army. But after 7 days, I felt much more mature. I learned how to fold blankets, live on time, care for friends and was no longer afraid of challenges. In particular, the "Family Gala" performance made me very emotional and I cried when writing a letter to my parents. I thank the program for giving me wonderful and meaningful experiences."

The program "Semester in the Army" has been held regularly since 2013. This year, the semester class in the provincial army was held with the participation of 71 young soldiers from districts and cities in the province. The program has affirmed its correctness and creativity, creating trust from parents and support from all levels, sectors and the whole society. The course content is increasingly rich and diverse, associated with political and ideological education for the young generation, especially education on national defense and security knowledge in the new situation, physical training, social skills and sense of organization and discipline to help them be more confident and steadfast in life. The program not only arouses patriotism and sense of discipline, but also helps the young generation connect more deeply with the heroic tradition of the nation and the Vietnam People's Army. During the experience, the children learned about the history of the Army, interacted with soldiers, etc. These were vivid experiences that contributed to fostering revolutionary ideals and civic responsibility in young people. Comrade Vu Thi Thuy Nga, Head of the Provincial Youth Union's School Youth Union, Vice President of the Provincial Youth Union Council, said: "After many years of organization, the military semester has become a quality program, creating consensus, support, and great interest from parents as well as youth and children every summer. To achieve that result, every year the Program Steering Committee regularly holds experience-sharing meetings, in which special focus is placed on propaganda work so that the program can spread widely to the localities, helping children in the whole province have the opportunity to access and participate. At the same time, the Organizing Committee also maximizes the coordination role of units, improves the quality of thematic and training content, contributing to creating newness and inspiration for children; focuses on training and fostering framework cadres and coordinators so that the program can truly become a useful playground." At the end of the program, the “little soldiers” received certificates and souvenirs, and together they recalled the memorable memories of the 7 days together. The hugs, tears and promises to keep in touch were proof of a meaningful summer, opening a new journey in the spiritual life of the children.

With a systematic organization, rich content, and rich humanity, the "Semester in the Army" program in 2025 was successful beyond expectations, leaving a deep impression on the "young soldiers" and parents, while affirming the pioneering role of the Provincial Youth Union in innovating methods of educating youth and children.

Article and photos: Van Huynh

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/xa-hoi/202506/ky-nghi-he-y-nghiacua-cac-chien-si-nhi-b292440/