Moldovan youth can discover Romania through ARC Camps 2026; registration until June 26
Students and young people from the Republic of Moldova have the opportunity to explore Romania. Registration for the 17th edition of the ARC Camp Program is open until June 26, with 9,000 free spots available across eight locations in Romania.
The Department for Romanians Abroad (DRP) has launched a program aimed at students and young people who are legally recognized as members of the Romanian diaspora. This initiative offers them the chance to explore Romania, enhance their understanding of the Romanian language, and connect with Romanian cultural and identity values.
Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, the director responsible for secretarial duties at the DRP, stated, “ARC camps are one of the most important programs through which Romania maintains contact with new generations of Romanians living abroad and those from historical communities. These camps provide children and young people the opportunity to discover places, traditions, and experiences that help them understand their roots and strengthen their sense of belonging. We want each participant to feel welcomed, make friends, and leave with memories that bring them closer to Romania."
Participation in the ARC Camps is free of charge; the program covers the costs of accommodation, meals, and educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Additionally, for this year's edition, transportation expenses are reimbursed up to 600 Romanian lei per person for participants from the diaspora and historical communities in countries that do not share a border with Romania. For historical communities along the border, round-trip transportation will be provided by the DRP from the specified cities, as outlined in the participation regulations.
The ARC 2026 Camps will run from June 30 to September 1, 2026, in consecutive eight-day sessions at various locations, including:
- National Sports Center Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
- Recreation Center Gălăciuc, Vrancea County
- Recreation Center Oglinzi, Neamț County
- Recreation Center Codrii de Aramă, Botoșani County
- Caraiman Monastery, Bușteni, Prahova County
- "Liviu Rebreanu" Technological Lyceum, Bălan, Harghita County
- Straja Camp, Hunedoara County
- IC Ponor Padiș Holiday Village, Cluj County
Each evening, participants will enhance their knowledge of Romania and improve their Romanian communication skills through interactive workshops focusing on Romanian traditions, culture, and sports activities. They will also attend preventive education sessions on first aid, road safety, fire prevention, and drug use prevention. The program includes meetings with local authorities and activities highlighting cultural heritage. Young people will explore traditional crafts, learn about handicraft-making techniques, and familiarize themselves with elements of folk costumes.
Participants will engage in cultural, artistic, and sports activities and will have opportunities for excursions to significant tourist and cultural sites. Through these experiences, they will gain a better understanding of Romania's history, geography, and cultural heritage.
Registrations are open until June 26, and can be completed through an application process. This process is facilitated by diplomatic missions, educational institutions, Romanian organizations and associations abroad, and religious institutions.
The registration application is also available for young individuals interested in volunteering for the program. Volunteers will interact with the new generation of Romanians from the diaspora and historical communities, helping promote Romanian values and identity.
This year's edition is organized with the support of the National Agency for Sports, the Romanian Patriarchate, and the "Liviu Rebreanu" Technological Lyceum in Bălan, Harghita County.
