News

Following the Council of Legislators meeting in Penza - the first to be held in the region - Governor Oleg Melnichenko shared with journalists the results of modernizing children's recreational camps in Penza Oblast. The 76th council meeting focused on accessibility of mass sports, development of sports infrastructure, and children's health improvement programs.
Presidential Envoy Igor Komarov noted legislators' interest in comprehensive solutions: "Regarding summer recreation: despite previous neglect, the number of children's camps has tripled. The Volga Federal District shows positive trends - over 10,000 organizations will host children this year, with 1.5 million children able to vacation this summer, including those with special needs."
Since 2022, Penza Oblast has implemented a camp renovation program, allocating 517 million rubles over three years to upgrade five facilities. Participation in a federal program enabled construction of two new 50-bed dormitories each at Nadezhda sanatorium, Yunost and Meridian camps.
"We successfully joined the Federation Council's program initiated by Valentina Matviyenko and supported by the President, increasing camp capacity by 1,200 children," Melnichenko stated.
In 2025, 264 million rubles were allocated for:
Complete renovation of 4 dormitories and utility upgrades at Lastochka camp (Kuznetsk district)
Window replacements and medical block modernization at Yunost labor camp (Spassky district)
Kitchen renovation at Chaika camp (Serdobsk)
Shower facility repairs at Belka camp
The Governor highlighted comprehensive renovations at Meridian sports camp: "We're completing works - new football field, 400m stadium, basketball/volleyball courts, and a pool opening July 1. The camp has been reborn as a venue for national events."
Penza Oblast now has 358 camps: 16 residential, 319 school-based, 22 labor camps, and 1 tent camp. This year, over 62,000 children will participate in programs, including 43,000 during summer.