A memorable summer for the "little soldiers"

Practice starts with simple things.

While many of the younger trainees were still asleep, at 5:30 a.m., the wake-up bell rang throughout the camp. Within minutes, the trainees quickly got out of bed, folded their blankets, freshened up, and gathered on the field for morning exercises. Under the guidance of the instructors, their rhythmic footsteps and clear shouts created a serious and enthusiastic atmosphere for a new day.

After physical education class, the children returned to their rooms to tidy up. In room number 3, Dao Nguyen Khang, a 5th-grade student from Phuoc Long 2 Primary School, carefully folded each fold of his blanket. Despite his clumsy hands, which caused the blanket to be uneven several times, he persevered. Seeing this, the supervising staff member came to guide him on everything from folding the edges of the blanket and smoothing the corners to positioning the pillow. Khang shared: “Everything here is new. I didn't fold the blanket and tidy up correctly, but the staff were very helpful. I hope to learn more skills in the coming days to become more confident.”

At lunchtime, the atmosphere in the unit's mess hall became lively but still maintained order. While there was some initial awkwardness, in subsequent days, the children proactively lined up, settled into their seats, and followed the rules during meals. Each cadet sat in the correct posture, focused on eating, and avoided private conversations. After finishing their meal, they tidied up their trays, bowls, and chopsticks neatly before leaving the mess hall.

In the evening, after completing their daily activities, the trainees return to their rooms for personal hygiene and rest. These regularly maintained daily habits have contributed to the development of a scientific lifestyle, self-care skills, and a greater sense of responsibility in group activities. Lieutenant Le Hung Thinh, platoon leader of the New Recruit Training Battalion, shared: “Through this program, we hope that the trainees will not only cultivate good manners and discipline but also learn to take care of themselves, share, love, and be more responsible towards their families.”

Growing through experiences

Besides familiarizing themselves with military discipline, the trainees also participated in many skills-based workshops under the theme "Strengthening through Experience." Over seven days, they learned about drowning prevention; first aid and self-care; drill regulations; teamwork skills; gardening; online etiquette; and many practical activities. The lessons combined theory and practice, creating a friendly atmosphere that helped the trainees easily absorb the knowledge. Through each activity, the trainees not only gained essential life skills but also learned how to cooperate and support each other when working in teams.

One of the most memorable topics was "Respecting Differences - Moving Forward Together." No longer shy like in the early days, many students confidently raised their hands to speak, exchange ideas, and work together to handle situations presented by the speakers. Applause and laughter erupted as groups offered creative, witty, and meaningful solutions. Nguyen Hoang Hai, a 9th-grade student from Vo Thi Sau Secondary School (Nam Nha Trang ward), shared: "Through this topic, I understand that everyone has their own personality, circumstances, and strengths. Therefore, we need to listen to and respect the differences of our friends to build a united and close-knit group."

For parents, this is an opportunity for their children to experience an environment completely different from everyday life, thereby fostering independence and a sense of responsibility. Ms. Tran Le Nguyen (Nam Nha Trang ward), a parent of a student at the military academy, expressed: “At home, my child is still quite dependent on parents in daily life. Therefore, I hope the military environment will help my child develop independence, learn to take care of themselves, and become more responsible.” 

To ensure the program maintained the discipline of a military environment while also being suitable for the students' age group, the Youth Union of Nam Nha Trang Ward and the New Recruit Training Battalion closely coordinated from the planning, content, and organizational methods to the management and care of the trainees throughout the program. Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward and Secretary of the Youth Union of Nam Nha Trang Ward, said: “Youth Union officials and officers and soldiers of the military unit always accompanied and supported the trainees to create a serious yet friendly learning environment, helping them absorb knowledge and hone their skills. At the end of the 7-day journey, what the trainees took home were not only beautiful memories in military uniform but also many valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, self-reliance, and personal responsibility.”

Resources : https://baokhanhhoa.vn/doi-song/202607/mua-he-dang-nhocua-cac-chien-si-nhi-a2000ba/