Lešť Summer Camp 2025 brings children adventure, discipline, military training and experiences of a lifetime

The Lešť Summer Camp 2025 – organised by the Slovak Defence Ministry – welcomed a total of 60 physically active boys and girls from all over Slovakia to the Training Centre (TC) Lešť. There was a choice of two start dates available: 21 July - 25 July and 28 July - 1 August. The camp was designed for those wanting to experience the authentic atmosphere of military training by working on their skillset in a team under the leadership of military professionals.

Each camp was attended by 30 children who were assigned to three teams, led by experienced Slovak Armed Forces instructors. Adapted to the children's age and abilities, the programme was designed as close to real military training as it could be.

Encouraging the Army's team culture to build young learners' physical, military and social skills they can take on to their future endeavours, the camp's organisers said: “Our goal is not just to show the military environment to children, but rather to teach them how to work together as a team, respect authority, and handle challenges. We try to give them real-life experiences that will enrich their everyday lives.”

The campers' daily routine began with reveille, an early morning physical training (PT) session, room cleanup and inspection before breakfast, followed by an all-day intensive programme at several thematic stations covering a wide range of military skills across: marksmanship, self-defence, helicopter abseiling, and rock climbing (Jacob Climbing Wall/Bralce Rock Climbing Facility). In addition, they took on the challenge of basic tactical drills (BTD), close quarter battle (CQB), basic casualty drills (BCD), a water obstacle course, and survival drills – including map reading and navigation with a compass and a GPS receiver.

As part of the programme, they had a go at moving across a contaminated area with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Among the most demanding activities – yet absolute favourites – was the NATO CISMA obstacle course through which they were guided under the watchful eye of three-time Men's World Fitness Champion Michal Barbier. They also tried out paintballing and observed a series of the SVK Military Police's capability demonstrations.

For many, a simulated night ambush was a powerful experience, which tested their ability to handle stressful situations in an unfamiliar environment. Aside from the training activities, the programme was enriched by evening discussions as well as trust and team building games. The culmination of the camp was a Spartan-style race – where the campers put all the acquired skills and knowledge to good use.

The participants of both camps, taking home a wealth of experiences and the pride of surpassing their limits, all agreed to say: “It was challenging, yet still so much fun! What we enjoyed the most was tackling the obstacle course, abseiling from the helicopter, and conducting the night ambush. We have learnt to work effectively as a team and handle things that seemed impossible in the beginning.”

The Lešť Summer Camp is not just about adrenaline and action; it instils in children the responsibility and discipline they need to work as a team. They have learnt to look out for each other, help each other, control their actions and reactions, and watch their words and gestures. Importantly, they always had the option to say “STOP” to any one of the activities they did not feel comfortable with.

At the Lešť Summer Camp 2025, instructors of the Training Centre Lešť once again demonstrated their expertise and determination to put together a programme of activities that was engaging, enriching and safe for everyone. The event thus confirmed the uniqueness of MOD-organised military and adventurous training for young people.