For Campers

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!

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.

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!

Meals and Dining Equipment

Meals for camp participants are primarily served at Hemming School. If a course is held away from the main camp area during the day, meals will be arranged at or near the training location.

Please bring your own dining equipment to the camp: a plate, a mug, and cutlery. You will use the same dining equipment throughout the entire camp week, so we recommend labelling it with your name. After each meal, participants wash their own dishes at the designated washing stations, so remember to pack a small dish towel as well.

Charging Facilities

There are facilities for charging mobile phones and other small electronic devices at the camp, but the number of charging points is limited. We recommend bringing your own power bank so that your phone can remain available throughout the day if needed.

Please note that the camp organisers are not responsible for devices left unattended for charging.

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.

Tune in to the HÄLY 2026 atmosphere and listen to the camp radio throughout the entire camp week! The broadcasts feature the day’s most important announcements, camp news, interviews, music, and highlights from across the camp.

The camp radio broadcasts on 93.4 MHz, so bring a radio with you or listen online. Family and friends at home can also follow the camp atmosphere through the camp radio.

Save the frequency – 93.4 MHz!

Trusted adults are on duty throughout the HÄLY 2026 camp for all campers. These trusted adults are right where the campers are, and they’re there for everyone – whether campers need to share their successes and fun moments at camp or need a safe adult to talk to when they’re feeling homesick.

Trusted adults listen and offer comfort, and if needed, help campers resolve any problems weighing on their minds. You can spot them by their high-visibility vests, which have “Luottoaikuinen” printed on the back, and by the fact that they might suddenly come up to you and ask, “How are you doing?”

There’s also a quiet space at camp if you feel like you need a break from the hustle and bustle. You can go to the quiet space to calm down for a moment, take a break, and have some personal space away from the camp’s commotion. The room is equipped with items and resources designed for sensory regulation and relaxation. The space is available to all campers, regardless of age, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a moment to catch your breath away from the noise, the crowds, or even just a break from the sunshine. The quiet space is located on the camp grounds at Kurittula School.

And then there’s one important thing: Every adult at camp is a trusted adult whom a young person can turn to if they need help or advice. It is the responsibility of every single adult to intervene in cases of discrimination or bullying and to offer comfort if a young person is feeling down – whether they’re from your own fire department or another. If a situation feels too complicated to resolve on your own or within your own fire department, you can always turn to the trusted adults or the camp infirmary.

Fire brigade leaders and counselors: remember to ask the young people in your fire brigade every day how they’re doing and how things are going, and be there for them – because that’s how we help ease homesickness, worries, and troubles!

Two national Finnish Championship competitions will be held during HÄLY2026: the Bucket Pump Finnish Championship (Sankoruisku SM) and SM-Iines. Camp participants are welcome to watch the competitions and cheer on the teams. We encourage everyone to show great sportsmanship and create an enthusiastic atmosphere for the competitors.

Bucket Pump Finnish Championship (Sankoruisku SM)

The Bucket Pump Finnish Championship will take place on Tuesday, 14 July, at 12:30 pm at Kurittula School, immediately after lunch.

The competing teams are to report to the competition area at 12:30 pm. Teams must have the equipment required by the competition rules. Competition runs will begin from the quarantine area, with two teams competing at a time according to the instructions of the competition officials.

SM-Iines

SM-Iines will be held on Monday, 13 July. It is a national knowledge and skills competition, with the 2026 theme “Responsibility”. The competition consists of a written knowledge test and practical skills challenges.

The competition programme begins at 12:30 pm with arrival at Kurittula School. After the knowledge test, the teams will proceed to the practical skills stations via the quarantine area, following the instructions of the competition officials. The competition day concludes with the award ceremony and dinner.

Camper! Are you expecting guests on visiting day? That’s great! To ensure the day goes smoothly and safely for everyone, we’ve put together this checklist of the most important things to remember. Go over the tips in advance and share them with your guests, too. That way, you can focus on enjoying your day together at camp!

FOLLOW THE CAMP WHATSAPP CHANNEL!

Would you like to stay connected to the camp atmosphere from home? We have created a dedicated WhatsApp channel for families and supporters, where you can receive the latest updates, important announcements, and the day’s biggest news directly on your phone.

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!

The camp’s training programme includes both classroom sessions and practical exercises. During the training day, it is recommended to carry a daypack containing at least a water bottle, eating utensils, and note-taking supplies. Weather conditions may change throughout the day, so it is also a good idea to bring rain gear or a change of clothes.

The required equipment varies depending on the course. Please review the equipment list for your course well before the camp and make sure you have all the necessary gear with you.

EXPLORE THE RENEWED TRAINING PATHWAY

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!

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

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.