For Campers
Welcome to the International Youth Firefighters’ Camp in Masku, July 11-17, 2026. The most anticipated event of the year brings together Finnish and international children and youths who are excited about volunteer firefighting. We hope to see you there, too!
Here are 5 reasons to get involved
- Approximately 3,000 persons aged 7 to 17 from all over Finland and the world are coming to the Häly 2026 camp.
- It will be a week-long experience to remember, offering unforgettable memories.
- You will get to train with people of your age group, to develop your skills, and to practice for the real thing.
- You will get to know new youth firefighters and trainers as well as other firefighters from across departments and regions. Häly 2026 brings together different generations, competences, and a shared passion for volunteer firefighting.
- You can make memories with friends both old and new. The thoughtfully planned programme, relaxed free-time activities, and camping in the middle of beautiful Finnish summer will not be easily forgotten.
A Greeting from the Camp Host of HÄLY 2026
Dear HÄLY 2026 campers, instructors, trainers, and everyone arriving at the camp,
It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome you to the HÄLY 2026 camp. I will be serving as the camp host, and in my everyday work I am the Director of the Southwest Finland Rescue Department. My name is Vesa Halonen.
In the interest of honesty, I want to admit one thing right from the start: I do not personally have experience from fire brigade youth camps. Many of you are therefore more experienced in this than your camp host, and that is a wonderful thing. There is a lot to learn from you about what makes a youth fire brigade camp exactly what it is.
However, I do have camp experience from my childhood and youth through other hobbies, and I have only positive memories from those times. What stands out most are the fellow campers and the special atmosphere that forms when like-minded people come together to do things together – to learn new skills, challenge themselves, laugh, and sometimes also push through rainy moments. It is precisely this sense of togetherness and friendship that stays with you for years and decades. Individual program activities may be forgotten, but the people and the shared spirit remain.
I hope that each of you will gain similar memories from the HÄLY 2026 camp: new friendships from across Finland, shared learning experiences, successes, and those small unexpected moments that make a camp truly special. Youth fire brigade activities help develop the people that rescue services will need in the future – but above all, they build great individuals and lasting friendships.
Take good care of yourselves and one another, follow the guidance of your instructors, and enjoy the camp to the fullest. I fully intend to do the same.
Welcome to HÄLY 2026!
Vesa Halonen
Camp Host, Rescue Director, Southwest Finland Rescue Department
What is youth firefighting all about?
Pedagogic goals:
Youth firefighting supports your development into an independent, self-confident, and cooperative adult.
Training goals:
The purpose of the activity is to help you develop the readiness required for acting correctly and safely in various life situations. Skills safeguarding human life are emphasised.
Safety communication goals:
Youth firefighting activities bring to life and nurture an interest in safety. It engenders a positive attitude towards safety and related matters in youth firefighters.
More information about the camp!
Programme
See what happens at camp!
HÄLY 2026 is more than just a camp! It is an entire village raised in Masku – a little tent town full of team spirit, the joy of learning, and firefighting excitement.
The camp offers plenty of interesting activities every day. Family members, friends, and anyone interested can also come visit the camp on Tuesday, 14.7.2026. You can find the camp program below in both timetable and text format!
Camp area map
Where can you find what?
Where is the camping area, where do you eat, and where should you go for training sessions? No worries – below you’ll find a map of the camp area that will help you easily locate the accommodation areas, programme locations, and the camp’s most important meeting points. Please note that an English-language version of the map will also be available later.
Registration
Reserve your place at the unforgettable camp!
It’s great that you would like to come enjoy volunteer firefighting activities with old and new friends and Häly the Cat!
Register for the international HÄLY 2026 camp:
haka.spek.fi
- Registration opens 3.11.2025
- Search for the event “HÄLY 2026, International Youth Firefighters’ Camp”
- If you need assistance, send an email to heli.koponen@haly2026.fi
Registration fees
The earlier you register, the cheaper it is!
- €190 per person when registering by 28.2.2026
- €240 per person when registering between 1.3.2026 and 31.5.2026
- €290 per person when registering on or after 1.6.2026
The price includes training, other events, services, and food on all camp days. Please note that the registration is binding. It can be cancelled free of charge by presenting a medical certificate in case of illness or an employment certificate in case of e.g. taking up a summer job. If you are unable to attend for any other reason, you can also donate your ticket to another youth firefighter.
Registration INFORMATION
The address of the camp registration desk is Kankaisten Kauppatie 2, Masku.
Signs will be posted starting from Highway 8.
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, fire departments are expected to follow the following staggered arrival schedule when arriving at the camp.
09:00 – 10:00 Turku, Vakka-Suomi
10:00 – 11:00 Salo, Rauma, Auranmaa
11:00 – 12:00 KaSaSa, Pori, PoSa
12:00 – 13:00 Häme
13:00 – 14:30 Helpe, UPL
14:30 – 16:00 FSB, Kaspeli
Fire brigades from other districts may arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Friendship fire brigades of foreign fire brigades will arrive at the same time as their guests.
More detailed instructions regarding arrival arrangements will be published in Camp Letter 4, which will be released later this spring.
Questions regarding arrival:
Erkki Tuominen
erkki.tuominen@maarianvpk.fi
+358 44 5760601
Construction and deconstruction camp
A camp does not build itself – it is created together. The construction camp lays the foundation for a successful event: training shelters and activity areas are set up, event areas as well as dining and dishwashing stations are built, and electricity and water systems are installed. The construction camp begins on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, and continues until the start of the camp on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
When the main camp ends on Friday, 17 July 2026, the dismantling camp begins. During this phase, all structures are taken down, and the area is cleaned and restored to its original condition. The goal is to complete the dismantling work by Sunday, 19 July 2026.
You can participate in the construction and dismantling camps flexibly according to your own schedule – for a few hours, a full day, or the entire period. Many volunteers are needed to ensure that both the construction and dismantling processes run efficiently and on schedule. Participants are provided with accommodation and meals by the camp for the entire duration of their participation. This is a great opportunity to help bring the camp to life even before it begins and to continue the shared spirit of teamwork after it ends.
Registration for the construction and dismantling camps opens in the spring after the main camp registration period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
Camp construction and deconstruction manager
Kalle Kaunisvaara
kalle.kaunisvaara@hotmail.com
Training
There are also some interesting changes! The youth firefighter training system reform project financed by the Finnish Fire Protection Fund and executed by the Finnish National Rescue Association will be made concrete at camp with the adoption of the updated training system. The youth firefighters’ training path age groups at camp are 7 to 9-year-olds, 10 to 12-year-olds, 13 to 15-year-olds, and 15 to 18-year-olds. Read more about the reformed training path!
Practical information, safety and camp rules
Read about getting ready and what to bring with you!
HÄLY 2026 is a joyful and educational adventure for youth firefighters aged 7 to 17. It offers training arranged by age group, trips, and relaxed leisure activities. At night, we sleep in our private tents. Get started by downloading the checklist for responsible camping!
Save the packing list tips for later!
We’ve put together a ready-made packing list for campers to make packing for the most anticipated camp of the summer easy and hassle-free!
Safety is key
Safety takes centre stage at the international HÄLY 2026 camp. There are about a thousand safe and dependable adults looking after the children and youths. They will make sure the campers are well and that the camp goes well. The camp is managed with skills and experiences gained from previous camps. If you have any questions about safety, do get in touch!
Camp principles
Cooperation and sharing responsibility
We work together and support each other across sector boundaries. We accept responsibility and share information and experiences. We prepare for meetings and do what we promise.
Openness and communication
We communicate openly and encourage asking questions. We listen to each other and are genuinely present. We are honest and brave to address grievances properly.
Respect and safety
We consider everyone’s backgrounds and special needs. We create an environment that is safe and free of harassment. We remember good manners and provide good feedback.
Flexibility and wellness
We are flexible and understanding. We forgive ourselves and each other. We thank, praise, and encourage each other.
Sustainable development and youth inclusion
We consider environmental impacts in our decision-making. We listen to young persons and act in their best interest.
Let’s work together to maintain a good atmosphere by following the camp rules!
Let’s make this a great camp together! Our shared rules help keep the atmosphere positive and everyone safe. Please familiarize yourself with the camp rules before camp begins – you will find them below.
For guardians
See information for parents!
It’s great that your child is one irreplaceable youth firefighter. Your child is warmly welcome to attend the international HÄLY 2026 camp to learn skills that will be useful for life.
The expertly managed HÄLY 2026 camp offers memorable experiences to youth firefighters. You are also invited to experience the international atmosphere at camp on the visit day on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Please also follow Häly on social media to keep up to date on camp news and the latest happenings!
HÄLY 2026 on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
If there are any questions before or during camp, do get in touch!
PRE-CAMP MATERIAL FOR PARTICIPANTS
Below you will find pre-camp material intended for camp participants. Go through the materials before the camp so you know what to expect and are ready for the best camp week of the summer!
How do you deal with disappointment if you didn’t get into the course you wanted?
We have compiled separate material packages for both young participants and adult campers to help deal with disappointment in a situation where the desired course did not take place. The adults’ material package provides support on how to handle disappointment together with a young person. Explore the packages below for more details!
Medication Storage During Camp
Use the button below to find instructions on how campers’ medications should be stored and handled during the camp. Careful preparation helps daily life run smoothly at camp and ensures everyone’s safety. Please read the instructions carefully before arriving at the camp and make sure all necessary medication information is included.
HÄLY the Cat wants you to know something!
Youth firefighting activity in a nutshell
- Recreational activity for young persons aged 7 to 17
- Provides children and youths with safety skills and other important life skills
- Secures the continuity of firefighting services
- There are more than 9,000 youth firefighters in Finland
- 3,000 young persons from Finland and abroad are coming to the Häly 2026 camp. About 1,000 volunteers are involved.
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