Metsäkartano Educational Camp Packages - Summer Programme

Forests around Metsäkartano are continental climate and belonging to the boreal vegetation zone. In most countries, forests are divided based on tree types. However in Finland, the forest types are independent of the tree species and characterised by distinct and largely identical plant species.

Objectives: The goal is to get to know surrounding nature areas and its flora and fauna. The participants will learn to explore the nature by walking through different terrain and to share information with each other.

Description: With the help of an instructor, the participants will start to collect information by exploring and taking notes. Participants will also be encouraged to discuss and ask questions.

Note: Weather conditions determine required clothing and suitable terrain to explore.

During the canoeing trip we will get to know the lake by surveying the flora and fauna in and around the lake. The closeby lake, Lake Ylä-Keyritty, is approx. 360 hectares and has 30 kilometres of shoreline. The peninsula where Metsäkartano is located is sheltered from the wind, making it safe for canoeing.

Objectives: The goal is for participants to learn about the surrounding flora and fauna above and below the lake. Participants will learn to canoe in a safe way and to work as a team.

Description: The instructor will teach participants about safe canoeing techniques and reveal the mysterious aquatic ecosystem and its critters. Participants will work as teams to, e.g., build catamarans, making it suitable for all types of participants. Metsäkartano provides canoes, safety vests, paddles, and water proof bags.

Optional: It is possible to bring picnic equipment and food or a snack.

Note: Have appropriate clothing (rain jackets and rain boots available by request).

A true local delicacy, Carelian pies ("Karjalanpiirakka" in Finnish) are savory, melt in your mouth treats made from thin rye dough and filled with creamy rice porridge.

Roll out the dough! Spoon in the rice! Pinch the edges! You and your friends will make these pies from the scratch with the help of an instructor. After baking them in the oven, slather on traditional egg butter and take a well-earned bite. How many do you think you can eat?

Objectives: The goal is to give students the skills to bake a traditional Finnish pastry and learn more about the Finnish food culture.

Description: Instructors will teach the participants the special technique to make the pies. Participants will practise making the pies from scratch using local and mostly organic ingredients. After baking the pies, participants will enjoy eating the pies together while reflecting about the activity.

Note: Please inform us beforehand if anyone has allergies (gluten, egg, dairy, etc.) or sensitivity to dust.

Imagine creating something that you can always have with you as a memory of your experience. Or would you like to make a gift for a special person in your life with your own hands?

Natural local soapstone is one of the highest quality in the world. It is easy to work with and shape into unique forms with hand tools.

Objectives: Participants will harness their creativity and individual aesthetics to handcraft their own soapstone pendant. Participants will reflect about their own taste and characteristics. Participants will learn the process of bringing an idea into reality.

Description: The instructors will teach participants how to safely use the tools and techniques to bring the visions to life. Participants will be able to take the pendant home as a memory of their experience or even as a gift.

Note: Please inform us beforehand if anyone has a sensitivity to dust. The workshop is dusty, so take it into consideration when choosing clothing. More specific instructions regarding clothing will be given by the instructor.

Historically, wilderness skills were part of survival skills. Surviving in changing seasons, weather, and terrains requires the knowledge of how to safely use a knife, make fire, and build shelter.

Objectives: Participants will gain knowledge and skills for wilderness survival: safe ways to use a knife, different ways to make fire, and different techniques to build temporary shelters.

Description: The instructor will first give a theory lesson for wilderness skills indoors. Afterwards, participants will practise the skills outdoors. The instructor will teach the best ways to use the tools and techniques in practical situations. All tools and equipment are provided.

Optional: Possibilities include cooking at the locations and even spending the night.

Note: Choose appropriate clothing suitable for the terrain and weather.

“Kammi”, turf cabin used to be the accommodation in ancient times in Finland. Oldest found turf cabin dates 8500 years ago. Metsäkartanos turf cabin is modernized version offering perfect opportunity to have a meal by the fire next to the lake and still protected from elements. During the evening we will enjoy meal by the fire, learn stories from Finnish anthem “Kalevala” and have special ceremony based on traditional protectors of nature

Objectives: Students will have experience and information about the past housing in Finland. Students will be active part of evening program.

Description: Turf cabin is situated approx. 700 meters from main building area. Moving to turf cabin can happen by foot, by canoe or by sliding snow shoes depending on season and weather. Turf cabin is protected from rain. During the evening instructor will give students demonstration and program about Finnish culture and traditions. End of the program group will enjoy meal prepared by the fire. Metsäkartano provides needed equipment´s for all activities and meal during workshop.

Note: Wear clothing according to the weather. Turf cabin is under the soil so there is little bit colder than outside during summer time.

"Pumpulikirkko" ("Cotton Ball Church" in Finnish) is part of the nature conservation area near Metsäkartano. Pumpulikirkko is a huge natural rock formation created during the last ice age (about 10 000 years ago). It is called a giant's cauldron, because the humongous rocks are open on one side. Step inside the cauldron to see the sheer cliff walls and the surrounding forest. The Finnish name, Pumpulikirkko, was probably given because of the thick ice covering its walls during winter. In spring when the ice melts, it looks like cottony clouds. The trip to Pumpulikirkko includes a bike ride and a hike through the forest.

Objectives: Learn about the surrounding landscape and how the terrain has been created throughout history. The professional guides will also teach about the various types of terrain, flora, and fauna seen during the trip. Participants will learn how to ride a bike, and those who already know will improve their skills by learning how to ride through different terrain.

Description: The guided bike trip to Pumpulikirkko is 8 kilometres, and then you park the bikes and hike 1,3 kilometres to the Giant's Cauldron (the return trip is the same). This trip is suitable for beginners and advanced bikers and hikers.

Optional: It is possible to adjust the route to include a stop for a snack.

Note: Choose appropriate clothing (especially good hiking shoes) suitable for the terrain and weather. Metsäkartano provides bicycles and helmets.

Finns have a very strong sense of national identity. This is rooted in the country’s history – particularly its honorable wartime achievements and significant sporting merits – and is today nurtured by pride in Finland’s high-tech expertise. Via different creative methods we have chance to learn Finnish language, culture, music, movies and past time glory.

Objectives: With the help of instructor students will have basic information of Finnish culture and creative methods to create a play from learned subjects. At the play students will introduce their own viewpoint of Finnish.

Description: Instructor will give students basic information about Finnish culture in interactive workshop. Students will have time to develop their own play by using learned methods. Metsäkartano will provide needed equipments and tools used during workshop.

The main objective of Finnish education policy is to offer all citizens equal opportunities to receive education. The structure of the education system reflects these principles. The system is highly permeable, that is, there are no dead-ends preventing progression to higher levels of education. The focus in education is on learning rather than testing. There are no national tests for pupils in basic education in Finland. Instead, teachers are responsible for assessment in their respective subjects on the basis of the objectives included in the curriculum. Rautavaara school is small school having just over 100 students in elementary and high school combined.

Objectives: Students will have personal experience of Finnish schooling system and contact with Finnish students and teachers. Students will present their own schooling system and culture to Finnish students.

Description: Rautavaara school is located 24 kilometers from Metsäkartano. Group will go to school by bus organized by Metsäkartano or group by selves. During the study visit students will be interaction with Rautavaara school students and teachers and have possibility to follow school work.

Note: Be prepared to introduce your own culture and school system