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In this long-term documentary project, I revisit the Russian scout camp of my youth.
St George Pathfinders of America is a mixed-gender scouting organization that serves the Russian diaspora. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, scouting itself was driven into exile and established outposts all over the world.
How does a traditional Orthodox organization adapt to the needs of the 21st century? With a membership whose ancestors hail from throughout the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine, how do we celebrate Russian heritage while distancing ourselves from nationalist politics?
This project imperfectly grapples with these questions, while also showing the formation of identity that comes from going away to summer camp. Who do you decide to be when you're away from home for the first time in your life? For me, camp is being caked in dust and scabs, catching creek fish with my hands, marching in unison, lighting a fire and singeing off my eyebrows, trading carved wood зажимы with my best friend. This collection is a reflection of my own experiences at a camp where time seems to stand still.
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