ARC Camps: 9,000 free places for young Romanians in the diaspora

The Department for Romanians Abroad (DRP) announced the opening of the registration session for the 17th edition of the ARC Camps Program. The program offers 9,000 free places for Romanian students and young people living outside the country.

The initiative aims to maintain the connection with the new generations in the diaspora and historical communities, offering participants the opportunity to discover Romania through educational, cultural and recreational activities. "The ARC camps represent one of the most important programs through which Romania maintains contact with the new generations of Romanians from the diaspora and from historical communities. Here, children and young people have the chance to discover places, traditions and experiences that help them better understand their roots and strengthen their sense of belonging,” said Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, Director with the duties of Secretary of State within the DRP.

• Free participation and support for transportation

Participation in the camps is free, with the costs of accommodation, meals and activities being fully covered by the organizers. For this year's edition, the DRP is also offering support for transportation:

reimbursement of up to 600 lei/person for participants from the diaspora and historical communities from states without borders with Romania; fully insured transportation for communities from neighboring states, with pick-up from cities established by regulation.

Participation is carried out through diplomatic missions, educational institutions, Romanian organizations abroad and parishes or other community structures. The program is organized with the support of the National Agency for Sports, the Romanian Patriarchate and the "Liviu Rebreanu” Technological High School in Bălan, Harghita County. The ARC camps will take place between June 30 and September 1, in eight-day series, in eight locations in Romania: the "Arcul de Triumf” National Sports Center - Bucharest, the Gălăciuc Recreation Center - Vrancea, the Oglinzi Recreation Center - Neamţ, the "Codrii de Aramă” Recreation Center - Botoşani, the Caraiman Monastery - Buşteni, Prahova,

"Liviu Rebreanu” Technological High School - Bălan, Harghita, the Straja Camp - Hunedoara,

IC Ponor Padiş - Cluj.

• Education, culture and practical experiences

During the camps, young people will participate in workshops dedicated to Romanian traditions and heritage, learn about crafts and folk costumes, and take part in cultural and sports activities. The program also includes preventive education sessions (first aid, road safety, fire and drug prevention), as well as meetings with representatives of local authorities and excursions to tourist attractions.

The registration application is also open for volunteers. They will have the role of supporting the organization of the program and interacting with participants from the diaspora, contributing to the promotion of Romanian identity and values.