Children's Recreation Center Orlyonok (Deniz)
Children's Recreation Center Orlenok (Deniz) – a wonderful vacation for your child
I spent almost my entire childhood at Issyk-Kul, in numerous pioneer camps scattered along the shores of this wonderful high-altitude lake. The coastline, so reminiscent of the sea, the purest mountain air, the healing waters of Issyk-Kul, and the abundance of thermal springs and healing mud deposits made Issyk-Kul one of the most popular health resorts in all of Asia. Children from all over the Soviet Union came to the pioneer camps of Issyk-Kul for vacation. The unique mountain-sea climate favorably distinguished it from the famous Black Sea resorts.
Among the most popular pioneer camps, the famous Orlenok stood out – a well-equipped, spacious camp, a real town with many comfortable cottages, numerous playgrounds, a luxurious beach, and a wonderful team. It was located in the village of Kursk (now Sary-Oy), just ten kilometers from the famous resort center of northern Issyk-Kul – the city of Cholpon-Ata. I loved vacationing at the Orlenok camp – a vast green territory with luxurious fruit gardens, numerous shady alleys, unforgettable bonfires on the shore with mandatory baked potatoes and songs by the guitar, Zarnitsy, cheerful and kind counselors, in short, everything a child needs to feel free and happy.
Imagine my surprise when, almost fifteen years later, I discovered that the Orlenok camp continues to welcome its little guests, just as before. Children still vacation here for several shifts in the summer, still go to the dining hall in noisy crowds, sing songs by the campfire, and splash joyfully in the warm waters of Issyk-Kul under the watchful eyes of the counselors.
The territory of Orlenok is vast – it covers an area of four hectares. Orlenok is rightly considered the greenest camp on the entire coast. Decades-old birches, beautiful blue spruces, and unique Tian Shan firs stretch their branches to the sky. Over the decades of the camp's existence, the trees have grown so large that walking along its alleys makes you feel like a small child again, looking up at their tops disappearing into the sky. Shady alleys, dozens of cozy benches hidden in dense thickets give the camp a special charm – here, one wants to wander for hours, inhaling the rich scent of decaying needles mixed with the delicate aroma of wormwood and sea breeze. The picture is completed by well-kept lawns, luxurious rose gardens, and a large fruit orchard, the fruits of which the children enjoy daily in the camp's dining hall. Children live in cozy one-story buildings, in rooms with eight beds.
The beach of Orlenok has always been considered one of the best-equipped in the Kursk area. The cleanest fine sand, a gently sloping lake bottom, and relatively shallow depth make it the perfect place for swimming and relaxing for children. Experienced swimming instructors monitor their safety, strictly controlling the time children spend in the water and preventing them from swimming where they shouldn't. If necessary, they can easily teach a child to swim and dive, explaining how to sunbathe correctly to avoid sunburn. Various water competitions and sports games are regularly held on the beach. Just the Neptune Festival alone is worth it! A bright, colorful performance, numerous fun contests, cheerful races, songs and dances right on the shore will delight every child.
The camp also has a large indoor pool with thermal water, where children can swim in cool weather.
Children will definitely not get bored at the camp – various clubs and sections operate on the territory, concerts and competitions are constantly held, and every evening ends with a mandatory disco.
The counselors, along with experienced instructors, organize exciting hikes in the mountains and interesting excursions to historical sites. A wonderful tradition of lighting the pioneer campfire has also been preserved here. The campfire area of Orlenok is located right on the shore, offering a beautiful view of the endless calm surface of the lake and the boundless sky above it, where hundreds of stars shine brightly. A large bonfire for the opening and closing of shifts, small group campfires, songs by the guitar, and baked potatoes in the ashes leave the most unforgettable impressions.
Meals at the camp are five times a day, sanatorium-style. In addition to the traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner, children are offered an afternoon snack after quiet time and a light second dinner before the evening disco. A variety of dishes from local and European cuisine, fresh vegetables and fruits from the camp's own garden, fresh pastries, and natural juices are served at the table. Experienced staff carefully ensure that children receive all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for their growing bodies, and the health of the young vacationers is monitored by qualified medical personnel.
