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

  1. Approximately 2,000 persons aged 7 to 17 from all over Finland and the world are coming to the Häly 2026 camp.
  2. It will be a week-long experience to remember, offering unforgettable memories.
  3. You will get to train with people of your age group, to develop your skills, and to practice for the real thing.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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. More detailed programme plans are to be released closer to the camp start – so stay tuned!

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.

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 and safety

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!

How to get ready for camp

You will need things like the following:

  • A tent with associated equipment, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad
  • Warm and weather-appropriate clothes and shoes
  • Clothes for changing
  • Personal hygiene supplies, a towel, and swimwear
  • Sunscreen and mosquito spray (just to be sure)
  • Phone and charger
  • Any medications you need and their instructions for use
  • A refill water bottle
  • Snacks you like (if you want something extra)
  • Some pocket money for shopping
  • Plenty of camping attitude and team spirit

We recommend you put your name on at least the biggest and most important items. Don’t forget to practice setting up your tent at home, although we will help you at camp too if needed!

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.

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!

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.