The refugees had lost Latvia, but they created it anewóin the DP camps.At least in the first years after the War many refugees hoped that Latvia would be liberated from the Soviet occupation and that they could soon return home. In the camps a special Latvian environment was created, promoted and perpetuated. The residents called it ďLittle LatviaĒ. Latvian festivals were celebrated, traditions preserved and despite the poverty, traditional national costumes made, Latvian parishes, student fraternities and other organisations created.

A great number of children had lost a school year during the flight in the last winter of the War. No more time could be wasted in their education. Therefore schools were rapidly created. Their curricula were organised to correspond to the education laws of the free Latvia. The scout movement was also re-established with equal speed.

Schools and the scout movement paid great attention to patriotic education. The camp surroundings also sometimes reminded one of the lost homeland, as the Latvian flag flew at DP festivities. This was considered a great crime at that time in Latvia.