What was the Camp Like?
The camps were constructed in the woods to avoid contact with people outside the partisan. The partisans constructed dugouts for protection from the elements and to keep warm in the winter. Through out World War II Tuvia was able to keep the partisans civil and he maintained peace in his camp. In the camp Tuvia employed cobblers, tailors, carpenters, leather workers, and blacksmiths. In addition they had a mill, a bakery, and a laundry. Although the partisans encountered problems, they were able problem solve with the little resources that they had. For example, the partisans did not have any soap to bath themselves. In response to this issue the partisans used ashes. The ashes were able to repel lice from the people and their clothes. Eventually Sioma Pupko, a member of the otriad(partisan division of an army), knew how to make soap so they opened a soap factory. This led to the creation of a bathhouse for all partisan members to use. Even though the conditions were not perfect, Tuvia worked hard to make the camp a place where its members could feel at home.