Camp life

Soon after its formation, the National Socialist German Workers' Party (also known as the NSDAP or Nazi party), recognized the importance of training and influencing young boys and girls. The Deutsches Jungvolk ("German Youth") was a youth organization in Nazi Germany for boys aged 10 to 14 that was part of the larger Hitler Youth movement. Through a program of outdoor activities, parades, and sports, the Deutsches Jungvolk indoctrinated young boys in the principles of Nazi ideology. Beginning in December 1936, boys were required to register with the Reich Youth Office once they reached the age of 10. Membership in the Hitler Youth was regarded as a civic duty. In 1939, membership became compulsory for all young people.

The camp pictured in these photographs was a Deutsches Jungvolk camp located about 90 kilometers southwest of Munich in Schongau, Bavaria.