Romania launches ARC camps to reconnect 9,000 diaspora youth with their heritage

The 2026 edition of the ARC Camps programme officially opened in Bucharest on Monday, with around 9,000 Romanian children and young people from the diaspora and historic Romanian communities expected to take part in activities throughout the summer aimed at strengthening their connection to Romania’s language, culture and traditions.

According to a press release from the Department for Romanians Abroad, the opening ceremony took place at the National Military Circle in Bucharest, attended by representatives of state institutions, the Romanian Patriarchate, diplomatic missions and Romanian communities abroad.

The event featured a traditional cultural programme prepared by volunteers and children from the first camp session, who arrived from Romanian communities in Ukraine and Italy. Young performers from the Romanian Song Offspring ensemble of the Romanian Folklore Foundation, led by Professor Valeria Arnăutu, also took part.

Keeping Romania close to heart Lavinia Arnăutu, director of the Department for Romanians Abroad. Photo credit: Facebook / Department for Romanians Abroad Lavinia Arnăutu, acting Director with the rank of State Secretary at the Department for…