Camp activities

People from different backgrounds meet on equal terms at camps. The goal is to support integration and the networking of families.

Volunteers from Red Cross branches can organise camps throughout the year. The camps can be day camps or camps lasting several days.

At the camp, participants can learn about nature, practice first aid skills, or, for example, practice how to act in various emergencies. The camp programme is shaped, among other things, by the location and the age of the campers. At the same time, there is an opportunity to get to know other people.

Volunteers design the programme themselves and act as tutors at the camp. Many things must be considered when organising a camp, and enough organisers are needed to take care of, for example, meals, activities, and transport. A camp can be organised in cooperation with other branches in the nearby area, partner organisations, or even the municipality.

How to get involved in camp activities

• Sign up as a volunteer in your local area by creating a profile on Oma Punainen Risti. Through the platform, you will receive more information about the activities of your local branch.
• You can also contact the district staff member, who will guide you forward. Contact details for district staff can be found here (in Finnish).

Training path

• Welcome to the Red Cross (45 min, online self-study)
• Supporting integration – find the next course on Oma Punainen Risti

Guidelines for working with minors

• Criminal record checks for volunteers working with children
• Instructions for the collection and processing of personal data of minors
• Child protection issues in volunteer activities (in Finnish)

Starting new camp activities

• Contact your branch and/or the district office in your area and let them know that you are planning a camp. The staff member responsible for immigration work at the district office will support you in organising the camp.
• Start planning the camp well in advance. Camps incur costs, so financing should be planned ahead of time (e.g. funding from the branch, other funding channels). Time should be reserved at least for booking the camp venue, recruiting and inducting camp tutors, marketing the camp, and handling participant registration. Designing the camp programme, dividing responsibilities, and making various purchases also take time. Note: Check the insurances and draw up a safety plan.
• Prepare the camp programme and budget.

Materials

• Materials to support volunteer activities that support integration can be found here.