Adventure Day Camps

Adventure Day Camps are for younger children (ages 6–11) who may not yet be ready for a sleep-away camp experience, or for younger siblings of Salolampi villagers, there is now a way to take part in Salolampi. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Finnish Language Village near Bemidji. Combine a “stay-vacation” in Minnesota’s north woods (for you!) with an experience at Salolampi’s Adventure Day Camp (for your children!)

Tervetuloa! Welcome! When you cross the border into Finnish Adventure Day Camp, you might take a Sauna followed by a plunge in the lake or play jalkapallo (soccer) or learn kankaankudonta (weaving) on a floor loom. You might see a Reindeer in the woods or a midsummer bonfire on the surface of the lake or make a “graduation cap” and celebrate the national holiday of Vappu! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you learn while having fun at the Finnish Adventure Day Camp.

Lunch is included.  Extended Day sessions and transportation from Bemidji are offered.

Registration information will be provided in the near future.

Summer Youth Programs

First, a friendly staff member will greet you in Finnish and help you go through “customs” and select a Finnish name. From that moment on, Finnish will be incorporated into every daily activity — from summer camp favorites like canoeing, swimming, and soccer, to culturally authentic Finnish activities like kyykkä (Karelian skittles), pesäpallo (Finnish style baseball) and kankaankudonta (loom weaving).

At Salolampi, you can participate in sports such as kyykkä (Karelian skittles) and jalkapallo (soccer). In addition to swimming or canoeing, you’ll enjoy trying your hand at tuohenpunota (birchbark crafts) or kankaankudonta (loom weaving). Sing, act or dance at the ulkoilmalava (pavilion). Personalized, hands-on learning activities give you fun opportunities to learn and practice new vocabulary as native and expert speakers introduce you to modern Finland. Salolampi villagers love following the popular Finnish practice of enjoying the village’s sauna, followed by a plunge into Turtle River Lake or — depending upon the season — a roll in the snow. If you come during one of our winter programs, you may even get to try out favorite Finnish activities like cross-country skiing. No matter which Salolampi program you select, you’ll be immersed in Finnish language and culture from the moment you arrive. Our goal is to provide an environment in which you find the courage and confidence to explore Finnish language and culture. We will use gestures, repetition, songs, and games to make sure you know what to do, where to go, and what’s going on from the moment you arrive. And, with constant help and support from our dedicated staff, you’ll be amazed by how quickly you learn — even if you are brand new to the Finnish language.

Your time at Salolampi’s beautiful wooded, lakefront site will give you the chance to live like the Finns, who typically spend a lot of time outdoors walking, swimming and boating. You’ll have opportunities to swim, canoe, play soccer, sing Finnish songs, learn about Finnish music, and try a variety of arts and crafts. We offer a variety of choices to please every taste, and we never get bored!

Salolampi has a relaxed atmosphere. You won’t need much more than shorts, T-shirts, a swimsuit, long pants, and warm sweatshirts. You’ll have the opportunity to dress up for a few events if you wish, such as Restaurant Night.

More Details on Youth Programs ->

Family Programs

Finnish family weeks and weekends allow grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins the opportunity to explore Finnish language and the culture together and to share experiences and build memories that will last a lifetime. Week long sessions are held during the summer, while weekends are held during the school year. You'll enjoy delicious food and the same rich setting that is offered during the summer sessions for young people.

PLUS...TRY THESE FUN ACTIVITIES!
• Make birchbark crafts (tuohenpunonta)
• Weave on our looms (kankaankudonta)
• Cook Karjalan piirakat
• Explore the Salolampi forest (bring your cross-country skis!)
• Play the kantele
• Sing familiar Finnish songs and learn new ones.
• Relax in the hot sauna then take a roll in the snow!

This is also an ideal way to prepare for a trip to Finland or learn more about the heritage of family members.

Location
Finnish family programs are located at Salolampi, our Finnish Language Village on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minn.

Housing
Stay with your family in cabins with bathrooms. Two or three families will be housed in each cabin. There is also limited single-family housing in the main building, with separate bathrooms.

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Adults

If you’re 18 years or older and want to sharpen your Finnish or just stretch your mind, our Adult Immersion Week sessions are perfect for you. They can help you improve your pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, learn new conversational skills, and broaden your knowledge of Finnish cultures.

Our talented and motivated staff members provide expert instruction in small and large group settings catered specifically to your language abilities. They make sure sessions include ample opportunity for practicing your Finnish as well as for meeting new people and for having fun.

While the adult sessions are carefully adapted to suit the ages of the participants, Salolampi adult weeks offer participants the same authentic menus, and many of the same fun-filled daily routines as the summer sessions for young people.

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Adult Scholarships

• College and Unversity Student Scholarships
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• Finder/Findee Scholarship
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• Adult Travel Scholarships
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• Work Weekend Coupons
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