In Poland, military camps for children and teenagers are gaining popularity. The young participants are put through boot camps, challenged physically, mentally, and are even taught how to use weapons. This comes as the country sees a rise in nationalism, led by the Law and Justice Party leading some to link the two. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic visited one camp in the capital Warsaw.

This Saturday morning, a small group of boys between 16 and 18 years old gathered on the outskirts of Warsaw for their regular military training. They are part of the pro-military organization Strzelec, or "Shooter" in English. Their commander is a Second Lieutenant of the Polish Army, Mariusz Kostaniak. He is putting the boys through a military training routine, copied from the Polish Army. All wear Polish camouflage uniforms and carry very realistic replica weapons.

ALJOSA MILENKOVIC WARSAW "Although the tradition of having camps like this goes as far as back as the 1920s, popular narrative today implies that these are the product of a recent surge of nationalistic feelings and rhetoric coming from the ruling elites."

But Lieutenant Kostaniak disputes reports that the numbers enrolled in these para-military organizations in Poland are on the rise and says the opposite is true, with enrollment down and fewer youngsters interested in taking part.

He also dismissed public criticism over the program's military focus.

MARIUSZ KOSTANIAK PRO-MILITARY ORGANIZATION STRZELEC "There is very little criticism. A young person has a choice: to spend the time in some club drinking and smoking or spend time here, exercising and working on his body and mind, and for example, increasing skills which you've seen here."

A leading sociologist in Poland agrees that paramilitary organizations are providing "life boats" for some youngsters who need them.

BARBARA FATYGA, SOCIOLOGY PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW "Youth in Poland since the beginning of transformation when asked about important values for them, listed predictability and security. In the current world those are missing. Because of that a lot of youth feel insecure and are looking for channels or activity that will provide them certainty and security. And paramilitary gives that."

Organizations like Strzelec are also seen as a training school for those who'd like to seek a military career later in life. Sixteen-year-old Mateusz from Warsaw is among them. He doesn't have a military family background but says his parents are very supportive and proud of him. And it's not just his family taking notice.

MARIUSZ PERZYNA PRO-MILITARY ORGANIZATION STRZELEC "In fact, my friends really admire me because, as most say, they wouldn't be able to do this when I tell them what's happening here at Streletz. Also, I'm very proud of wearing the flag. I always wanted this."

Here in the field, it is hard to see organizations like Strzelec as being at the center of fierce clashes between left and right political forces. On the surface at least, these appear to be boys, here just to have great fun. Aljosa Milenkovic.