FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are here to serve. You ask, we’ve got the answer. In case you cannot find a particular piece of information, please contact us and we’ll get back to you in a blink of an eye.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP?
EduCamp Finland provides tailored educational camps for groups. Fill out our contact form. You will soon be contacted by our staff. Please note that submitting the form does not bind you into anything.
WHERE IS EDUCAMP FINLAND LOCATED?
EduCamp Finland is held at the beautiful Kiipula Education Centre which is located in Janakkala, a small countryside city one hour drive away from Helsinki. From June to the beginning of August the center is used for summer camps.
HOW DO I GET TO THE CAMP SITE?
You will be picked up from Helsinki airport. You'll be met by our staff members right outside the customs area.
In case a participant wishes to arrive independently to the campsite, please let us know in advance so that we are aware of your plans.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE CAMP IN THE SUMMER?
You can always reach us by e-mail on info@educampfinland.com. During the camp, our on-site office phone can be reached 24 hours a day. You will receive a full list of contact information before the camp.
HOW DO I STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY CHILD WHILE THEY ARE AT CAMP?
You can send your child an email through info@educampfinland.com. They will then be printed and given to the recipient. You can also call/text your child’s mobile phone. Please note that at times we are in the middle of activities and the participants will not be available. Also note the time difference. During the night time (22.30-08.00) the campers turn off their own devices for the night. On urgent matters our on-site office phone can always be reached 24 hours a day.
CAN I VISIT THE CAMP SITE?
Parents are welcome to visit and take a tour on our campsite during the daytime. In case you plan on visiting us we ask that you notify our office and make arrangements prior to the date.
DO THE CAMPERS NEED A VISA FOR THEIR TRIP TO FINLAND?
You can check if you need to apply for a visa HERE on Finnish foreign ministry’s website.
In case a visa is required for your stay we will send you an invitation letter if needed. We advise you to carry a photocopy of your passport and leave one photocopy at home just in case.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN FINLAND?
During the summertime the weather varies from around 15 degrees Celsius to a maximum of almost 30 degrees. Usually it’s quite pleasant and without long periods of extreme heat. Sometimes it is a bit colder, so do bring warm clothing as well.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY CHILD WILL BE SAFE AT THE CAMP?
Safety is always our top priority at Educamp Finland. We are based on way more than 10 years of experience in organizing Summer Camps and handling safety and health procedures. Our staff also goes through an extensive yearly training which covers safety as well as First Aid as CPR.
We have a safe on the camp premises, where we recommend the participants to store their passports, credit cards, cash money and other valuables in.
WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS ILL?
Most of the times when a camper feels ill, it’s due to being overtired or a little homesick. Sometimes a camper actually gets sick and needs medical attention. Our staff will treat their symptoms and contact you in case there is need to visit a local doctor or hospital or if we have a question about your child's medical form.
CAN A CHILD IN NEED OF DAILY MEDICATION ATTEND THE CAMP?
Yes. It’s very important to let us know everything related to the camper's health for safety reasons. You will also need to bring your own medication as well as the prescription with you in your carry-on luggage.
WHAT IS THE STAFF-TO-CAMPER RATIO?
Our staff to camper ratio is always at least 1:8.
DO THE STAFF MEMBERS HAVE BACKGROUND CHECKS?
We police check the background of every teacher. They are all university trained professional teachers who know all about youth development. They take part in our extensive staff orientation that covers our curriculum, safety/emergency procedures, activity leadership, behavior management, and so on.
CAN I SEE PHOTOS OF MY CHILD WHILE THEY ARE AT CAMP?
We actively photograph our fun activities and all the other camp life. You can follow our camp on Instagram #educampfinland. We take various photos at camp each day and while we try to publish a variety of shots not every camper will necessarily appear in a photo every day.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
Our modern and comfortable rooms accommodate between 2 and 4 campers. The rooms include beds with pillows, covers and sheets plus a nightstand with a bedside lamp. There are also large wardrobes, a table with chairs and a refrigerator for your convenience. Each room has their individual bathroom and shower with towels.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING WITH THEM?
EduCamp Finland is full of activities both outside and indoors. We will provide a full packing list for your convenience before the camp. Please mark all your important clothing and equipment with the camper’s name. This will help in packing up once leaving the camp.
CAN SIBLINGS SHARE A ROOM?
Yes. See the previous question.
CAN WE MAKE A ROOMMATE REQUEST?
Campers would often like to share room with a friend. We do our best to honor these requests as long as the campers are of the same gender. EduCamp Finland is also a great opportunity for children to meet new people, have new experiences and make new friends so quite many campers actually choose to share a room with new friends.
We always arrange the roommate to be of the same approximate age.
CAN MY CHILD BRING THEIR PHONE/TABLET ETC? CAN THEY RE-CHARGE THEM?
Yes they can. Please note that EduCamp Finland is not accountable for lost or broken items. If you choose to bring devices with you, they are at your own risk.
During the night time all devices must be switched off or on “do not disturb” mode. During our activities (especially outdoors) the devices are to be kept in your room with the doors locked.
In Finland the power sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You may need to purchase a travel adapter for your device.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES?
We accommodate for a variety of dietary needs and restrictions. Please don’t forget to contact us and let us know of your needs or restrictions so that we can make sure that everything is perfect from day one. You are also advised to inform us of any possible allergies and dietary needs in your camper’s health form.
WHAT DO THE PARTICIPANTS EAT AT THE CAMP?
Our food service provides us with breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack each day. Meals at the camp are a balance of nutritious meets delicious. We make sure all of our meals follow a healthy, balanced menu. On our camps you never go hungry! Dietary restrictions and allergies need to be informed before the camp.
DOES THE CAMP DO LAUNDRY?
Usually the campers find no need to do laundry during their stay. There are self-service laundry machines at the campsite that we can help you operate in case you need to do some washing.
WHY ARE THERE 10 EDUCATIONAL THEMES?
All of our teachers have a master’s degree in education from Finnish universities. Their knowledge of youth development and pedagogy is world-renowned. We have discovered that our campers get the most out of the camps when we introduce specific themes in our activities. Our themes are decided according to the needs of the 21st century. Learn more about our themes.
CAN THE CAMPERS BUY SNACKS?
Yes. There is a small and sympathetic farmers’ market on the entrance of our camp site where you can find local products, treats etc. We also run a camp shop, where different treats and goods can be purchased. It’s also nice to bring a small quantity of familiar snacks or sweets from your home country.
ARE THERE LECTURES OR CLASSES LIKE IN SCHOOL?
Our campers are on their summer holiday so we introduce our themes in fun and inspiring ways. EduCamp Finland is all about learning-by-doing so on our camps the campers have the opportunity to really understand the phenomenons we address.
WILL THE CAMPERS BE DIVIDED INTO GROUPS ACCORDING TO THEIR AGE?
It depends on the activity. Some activities are collective for all our campers, while on other days we organise workshops according to the participants’ age or interests. The Finnish way of learning and teaching does not require separation by age but in fact we see the participants learning more deeply when sharing their experience with kids of different age.