Finland Summer Schools

FINLAND SUMMER SCHOOLS

Valkeakoski, Finland

“Experience the high-quality education and fantastic living standards in the happiest country in the world, FINLAND.”

-Edunation

MUSTANLAHDENKATU 3-7 [email protected] 33210 TAMPERE FINLAND +358 50 354 8603

INTRODUCTION

At EDUNATION we’re all about helping students experience the best education in the world. And where else would this be possible, if not in Finland? ü Finland’s primary education is the best in the world1 ü Finland ranks as the top OECD country in Education2 ü Education in Finland answers to future needs the 3rd best in the world3 We want international students to have both a meaningful and memorable experience, which is why, you can customize the summer camp according to your market needs. Get an insight into what Finnish education is all about, while enjoying the clean and green nature that Finland has to offer, no matter if it’s summer or winter.

WHY UNIQUE? We can organize it at any given time of the year.

HOW MUCH ? The price of the camp will depend on which modules you choose.

ü Regular Price Modules: 297 EUR /day / participant (All Inclusive)

ü Special Priced Modules: 347 – 397 EUR /day / participant (All Inclusive)

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS? We require a minimum of 20 students.

IS THE DURATION OR LENGTH OF EACH PROGRAM FIXED? No, you can pick and choose the modules you want, and thereby the duration of the camp can be adjusted to your desired length.

1 World Economic Forum (WEF), The Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017: Primary Education 2 OECD, Better Life Index: Education 3 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) & Yidan Prize, Worldwide Educating for the Future Index

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VALKEAKOSKI

Valkeakoski means White Rapids, it’s a small city and municipality in Finland, located in the country’s center lakeland.

Valkeakoski is a town of international business with good educational opportunities and a wide range of services. Internationalization and know-how are special focus areas in the city’s development plans. Valkeakoski offer great opportunities in Basic Education, Upper Secondary and Music School studies. There are also Vocational Schools and a university of applied sciences; Häme University of applied sciences, HAMK.

Valkeakoski has grown into a lively community thanks to its great education opportunities, tourist attractions as well as, for the investment opportunities it offers. Through this document, you’ll get a glimpse of the rich culture and history of Valkeakoski, Finland and you will learn how fun it is to study and live in Finland.

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CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 2 Valkeakoski ...... 3 Waltikka Summer and Winter Camp Modules ...... 5 Normal modules ...... 5 Special price modules ...... 9 Educational modules ...... 11 Winter camp modules ...... 12 Waltikka Summer and Winter Camp hosts ...... 15 Valkeakoski Highlights ...... 16 Education in Valkeakoski ...... 18 Basic Education ...... 18 Valkeakoski Tietotie, Upper Secondary School, Valkeakosken Tietotien lukio ...... 18 The Valkeakoski Music School ...... 19 Youth Art School ...... 19 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 20

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WALTIKKA SUMMER AND WINTER CAMP MODULES

Waltikka Camps include Accommodation (at hotel Waltikka), three meals a day and transportation in Finland + program/training & the modules you choose – based on Customer Expectations

NORMAL MODULES

No Module name and Content Duration 1 Opening ceremonies and the Way of Life in Finland 4h ü Welcome BBQ dinner ü Opening Ceremonies – Introduction of the Camp, hosts and participants & expectations ü Introduction of Finland + Cultural differences between Finland and China/HK, Finland Quiz ü Walk around the lake Mallasvesi – 5 bridges and beautiful views – and/or Finnish Sauna 2 Nordic Nature experience – Huittula hill and Finnish Forest 3-4h ü Climbing the ancient Huittula hill in Sääksmäki, Valkeakoski ü Learning in-depth knowledge about the Nordic plants, herbs, trees, animals… ü Nature Hiking and learning how to use forest to get food (Ms. Petra Pikkanen) ü Petra shows how easy it is to get food directly from the forest and how to use natural herbs 3 The Great Lake experience – Paddling, Sauna, Swimming, Playing 6h ü Learning how to paddle and row the boat in one of the most beautiful lakes in Finland ü Paddling practice in teams on the beautiful lake Vanajavesi in Valkeakoski ü Meeting & playing with Finnish young students at Pappilanniemi Camping Center ü Finnish Sauna, Swimming & Dinner at Pappilanniemi – with young Finnish students 4 The Secrets of Catching Fish (Wintertime Ice-Fishing) 2-3h ü Professional fishing guides will teach you tips and tricks how to catch a fish ü Fishing in practice – Lake Mallasvesi – guided by Mr. Pekka Kaskela & Veijo Takaniemi § Mr. Pekka Kaskela, Senior Chairman of Valkeakoski Fishermen club § Mr. Veijo Takaniemi and other Senior fishermen of Valkeakoski Fishermen club Ice-fishing is a state of mind. You walk into a great white space over frozen waters in the middle of nowhere. Then, you make a hole through the ground below you, dip in a fishing lure and sit down to wait, sometimes for hours on end. This is the true essence of ice-fishing and it is what countless of Finns yearn to do every winter. We try to explain this love affair. o The beauty of ice-fishing lies in its simplicity. A session of ice-fishing could almost be counted as a sort of meditation. Whilst waiting patiently for something to happen – and often nothing does – your mind clears itself unexpectedly and effortlessly. Infinity and silence are the key factors here. The spirituality is further enhanced by the strangely

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comforting idea of the vibrant underwater-life deep below the seemingly still and icy surface. Catching fish is a bonus, not the purpose. 5 The Great Forest Experience & Practising Orienteering 4-6h ü Learning the art of orienteering – in teams – in forest by using map and compass ü Learning to prepare a BBQ in the Nature and BBQ in the Nature 6 Visit to Heureka – Finnish Science Center in Vantaa 3-4h ü The aim of the science centre, is to popularize scientific information and to develop the methods to teach science and scientific concepts. Heureka features interactive exhibitions with exhibits that enable visitors to independently test different concepts and ideas. Heureka’s planetarium is one of the most modern digital planetariums in Europe. ü Lunch at Café Einstein inside of Heureka 7 Sightseeing in Helsinki – the Capital of Finland 2-4h ü Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Parliament, Brand New Oodi Library, Music hall… 8 Sightseeing in Hämeenlinna – Castle, Sibelius Museum + Escape room 4-8h ü Sightseeing – visit to Hämeenlinna Castle, Aulanko, Market Square, Museums… ü Visit to Sibelius Museum/Birth place, [email protected] ü Team work – historical exercise at Escape room, www.getaway.fi 9 Exploring Tampere – Pispala, Pyynikki, Särkänniemi Theme Park, Museums… 8h ü Tampere is the 2nd biggest and most attractive city in Finland ü Visit to Pispala Hill – The Old Tampere ü You will learn about restoration of historical environment. Pispala is beautifully restored old working-class neighborhood, with traditional wooden houses, narrow streets and magnificent views towards the two large lakes. Protected by a strict building plan, the unique village-like neighborhood is home to thousands of families, cats and dogs. ü Visit to Pyynikki Hill and Observation Tower ü One of the Tampere city centre neighbourhoods, Pyynikki, displays a great example of environmental protection in Tampere city centre. Pyynikki is home to a gorgeous pine tree forest on top of a ridge with illuminated jogging trails. We will climb up Pyynikki Watchtower to enjoy a cup of freshly ground coffee and a traditional Finnish doughnut! ü Spy Museum and/or Moomin museum and/or Vapriikki Museums ü Spy Museum, which is the world's first public museum of international espionage, ü The museum presents eavesdropping devices, covert microphones, miniature cameras, a lie detector, cryptography devices, radio devices, forgeries, maps, concealed weapons and optic devices. Visitors can also try out espionage devices for themselves. Among the devices they can use invisible ink, an infra-red vision device. ü The world’s only Moomin Museum has a permanent new home in the newly renovated Tampere Hall, taking visitors on a magical journey into the fairytale world of the original Moomin illustrations by Tove Jansson. Tampere Hall also houses an international Moomin reading library and a gift shop with exclusive Moomin products. ü Vapriikki Museum Centre offers things to see and do for the whole family.

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The museum hosts about a dozen exhibitions each year, with varied themes from history to technology and natural sciences. Vapriikki is also a home to the Natural History Museum, the Finnish Ice Hockey Museum, Mineral Museum, Media Museum Rupriikki, Doll Museum, Postal Museum and the Finnish Museum of Games. Visitors can also enjoy museum restaurant and shop. ü City walking – Tampere Market Square, Tram café, Old City hall, Finlayson + Tampella ü Walking Satakuntasilta Bridge & Koskipuisto Park to Koskikeskus Shopping Mall in Tampere ü Lunch at a Chinese or Finnish Restaurant ü Särkänniemi Theme Park – featuring an aquarium, planetarium, zoo, art museum and Doghill Fairytale Farm, which is offer many exciting things to see and do. Various playgrounds, beautiful buildings and real Finnish farm animals’ welcome visitors to step into a 19th century world with a touch of modern fun! ü Tampere Market Hall – The Old Tampere ü Escape Rooms 10 Visiting a Finnish home – the Ilola Family Farm 4h ü Communication with the Ilola Farm people ü Relaxing with animals at the Family Farm ü Finnish home-made lunch at the Ilola Family Farm 11 Escape rooms 1-2h ü Inspiring Problem-based teamwork – solving together different task 12 Rage room/Anger room/Stress relief 1h ü You able to smash everything inside – and relief Stress 13 Interaction with Finnish students – Teamwork in the Finnish way 4h - Disco Dancing Class Petra Nystén, Rocking Flame - Hip Hop, Practice & teamwork – The Finnish way - Finnish Sauna and Swimming 14 Experiencing the Nature in Rutajärvi Nature Camp 11h On the 2nd part of the Summer Camp, the students will move to Rutajärvi Nature Camp and the students will learn useful Wilderness Skills in practice through exploration, games and hikes in the nature. Our Scout experts Mr. Timo Saarelainen will teach the camp participants the following skills: ü Nature Survival & Nature knowledge; Building up a shelter & campfire in forest ü Navigation & Orienteering: learning how to navigate in the nature with compass & map ü Cooking in open fire and lunch by an open fire ü Basics of fishing: how and where to catch fish and crayfish from the lakes ü Orientation and rules of the campground ü First Aid Exercises – First Aid certificate ü Preparing cottages and beds + Rutajärvi Camp Rules ü Orienteering competition in teams ü Heating up the Sauna practice ü Enjoying Finnish Sauna and swimming ü Outdoor Dinner and after that Fishing & Preparing Fish for Food 15 Experiencing the Nature in Rutajärvi Nature Camp 11h ü Nature Survival, Building up a Camp fire and a Shelter in forest

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ü Learning to cook in Open fire and lunch and dinner by an open fire ü Fishing in Practice – Lake Rutajärvi ü Hiking and Nature knowledge ü Finnish outdoor games ü Team-Presentation Competition (School, history, culture, languages, songs, cloths…) § Judges: Valkeakoski Chamber of Commerce Board members, Principals and Professors 16 Iiittala Glass Factory, Museums and Outlet 3-4h The story of Iittala began in 1881 when a glass factory was founded in the village of Iittala. That is where the world-famous design history of Iittala begins. The factory is still operating, and it is where the most known Finnish glass design artefact, Alvar Aalto’s Aalto or Savoy vase, is made. In the Iittala Glass Factory you can follow the production of all kinds of glass artefacts, as talented glassblowers create Aalto vases as well as Oiva Toikka birds from molten glass. The factory is nowadays part of the Fiskars Corporation. ü Guided tour at the Glass Factory and Museum

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SPECIAL PRICE MODULES ü Viking Line Cruise to Tallinn or Stockholm 1-3 ü Visit to Lapland days 17 Viking Line Luxury Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn – the capital of Estonia 1- 2 ü Old Tallinn is the most beautiful city in Northern Europe with great medieval days architecture. It is located only 2 hours boat trip from Helsinki. Tallinn is a great place to learn history and architecture of Medieval Europe. Tallinn received city rights in 1248. ü Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During its long history Tallinn has been ruled Danish, Swedish, Polish, German and Soviets – It is bursting with wonderful sights – ancient churches, medieval streetscapes and noble merchants' houses. We’ll be making an interesting walking tour in Tallinn through the history – Estonia’s most exciting attractions ü The Seaplane Harbour Estonian Maritime Museum. Housing 200 genuine items incl. a sub-marine called Lembit, built 1936 & 100 years-old icebreaker called Suur Tõll (originally built for the Russian Empire in 1914), this museum is one of the most memorable you are ever likely to visit. The building itself is really the star attraction. As you walk around, the lighting and sound effects give off the illusion that you are underwater. ü Seaplane Harbor Museum – Explore historical boats + The underwater archaeology experience room will introduce you to the fascinating underwater world through large interactive projected screens and U-Cat, Estonia’s very own underwater robot, http://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/ ü Sightseeing and Learning about History of Tallinn ü Viking Line Luxury Ferry from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki – Dinner on Ferry 18 The capital cruise between Stockholm and Helsinki by Viking Line Ferry 40h ü Travel between the two capital cities; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. When you travel with Viking Line you travel from city center to city center. Experience the scenery of the famous Finnish and Stockholm archipelago and the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the variety of restaurants and bars, excellent duty-free shopping, and great music and entertainment on board the Viking ships. ü Spend two nights on board and one day ashore, before returning. In total a 40-hour cruise.

ü Want to see one of the cleanest, most beautiful capital cities in the world? Then hop aboard one of our cruise ferries bound for Stockholm. This city is packed with architectural wonders and has more museums than any other European capital. Take a walk around the city and discover why Stockholm, bordering on a beautiful archipelago, is often referred to as "The Venice of the North". ü Ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm ü Lecture – Food, Customer service, Automation, Management & Leadership at Viking ü Buffet Dinner ü Duty-free shopping and a variety of restaurants and bars

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ü Sightseeing in the beautiful City Center and the Old City ü Ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki – Viking Line ü Buffet Dinner ü Viking Quiz 19 Different Sports activities – based on customer expectations – guided by 4h Professional coaches ü Football ü Floorball ü Volleyball ü Basketball ü Ice-Hockey ü Cross-country skiing & Downhill skiing ü Bowling ü Mölkky ü Fresbee Golf ü Super Ball Golf ü Petanque 20 International sports day with Finnish students 4h ü International sports day with Finnish students. Sports Activities with HAMK, High School and VAAO Students – Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and SAHLY. The Focus is Learning the teamwork in multi-cultural teams. SAHLY: Finnish indoor hockey is played in every school in Finland and it is fast becoming “another national sport” in Finland. 21 Special Sports training programs – based on customer expectations 5-14 ü Football, Ice-Hockey, Floorball, Speed skating, Volleyball days ü 5-15-day training programs – based on customer needs ü Professional coaches and teachers

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EDUCATIONAL MODULES

Valkeakoski is a town of international business with good educational opportunities and a wide range of services. Internationalization and know-how are special targets in towns’s development plans. There are great opportunities for Basic Education, Upper Secondary and Music School studies in Valkeakoski at schools owned by the City of Valkeakoski. There are also Vocational School and Häme University of applied sciences, HAMK, campus located in Valkeakoski and owned partly by the City of Valkeakoski. All these Public schools follow – based on the Finnish Law – the National and local Curriculum and Syllabus, principles and regulations – under the guidance and control of the City of Valkeakoski.

22 Participating lessons at Valkeakoski Roukko School – Grades 1-9 4- ü The first comprehensive school in Valkeakoski 20h ü Modern classrooms and study environment ü Open atmosphere and communication between teachers, pupils and parents ü 46 classrooms and half of them are special classrooms (Cooking, IT, Sports, Biology, Arts, Physics and Chemistry) + Sports classes in different Sport Halls, Centers and Forest (Orienteering and Skiing) in Valkeakoski ü Extra courses from handwork, music, physical education, home economics. ü Meeting students and teachers ü School lunch 23 Visit to the most modern High School in Finland – Valkeakoski Tietotie High School 4- ü Participating lessons 20h ü Upper secondary school courses according to the Finnish national syllabus ü Extensive selection of languages (in addition to English and Swedish you can study Russian, French, German and Spanish) ü International Baccalaureate courses in English (entitled to IB single subject diplomas) ü Music class and Drawing Class etc. ü Campus tour and meeting students and teachers ü School lunch Visit to the most modern Vocational School in Finland – VAAO ü Participating lessons at Valkeakoski Vocational School (VAAO) 24 ü Presentations of students + Campus tour and meeting students and teachers 4- ü Hair dressing, Cosmetology, Catering, Construction, Robots, 3D Printing, Car repairing… 20h ü Robola Robots & 3D printing ü School lunch 25 SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL MODULES 4h- ü Art School and Music School programs 20h ü Special training programs ü Teacher training programs ü Kindergarten, Primary School, Junior High School, Senior High School ü Secrets of the Finnish Education ü Education System and Basic Education Reform in Finland ü Educational policy in Finland ü Guidance Councelling ü Phenomenal Education; Multi-disciplinary study units; Transversal competencies ü Finnish Pedagogy

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WINTER CAMP MODULES

26 ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY AND COMPANY VISITS 2- 3d ü Advanced Environmental Technology in Finland ü Lesson: Introduction of the Environmental-Friendly Way of Living and Circular economy in Finland ü According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Finland is the greenest and most environmentally-friendly country in the world. ü The core strength of Finland is that the society as a whole is committed to protecting the environment. Wide-ranging and detailed environmental data and high levels of advanced technological skills form the basis of Finland’s effective environmental protection policies. ü The objective is to understand the overall Environmental approach in Finland and visit 3 advanced environmental technology companies to learn and understand how they are developing and utilizing the advanced environmental technologies ü Company visits – based on customer expectations

WINTER CAMP MODULES ü Modules 1, 4, 6–13, 16-26 + ü Special Winter Camp modules 27-30 27 Down-hill/Cross-country skiing at Korkeakangas Skiing Center 4h ü Cross-country Skiing ü Downhill Skiing ü Modern artificial snow installation, two illuminated slopes ü Max height difference 62 m, max slope length 330 m ü T-bar, capacity 1500 people per hour ü Baton lift for children and slope for sledging ü Street, ramps, rails and press 28 Excotic Kicksled on the lake – You can walk, run, ski and skate on the lake… 1-3h ü A type of small sled consisting of a handlebar mounted on a pair of flexible metal runners. ü The driver stands on the runners and kicks the sled forward with one foot. ü In front of the handlebar there's often a seat for a passenger. 29 Visit to Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village 1-2 ü Night train from Tampere to Rovaniemi days ü Bus to Hostel Koti (Hostel Home) in the City Center of Rovaniemi ü Certificate of Crossing the Arctic Circle ü Visiting the Santa Claus Chamber + taking photos with Santa Claus ü Santa Claus Post Office at Santa Claus Village ü Snowman land etc., ü Husky Drive at Arctic Circle Husky Park ü Meet the reindeer at the Santa Claus Village ü Short visit to University of Lapland (Northernmost University in Finland) ü Visit – by Bus – to the Sami Family Kangasniemi – Atmosphere of Lapland lifestyle, opportunity to make your own reindeer horn “jewelry” ü Lunch at the Sport Institute Santasport

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ü Ounasvaara /Santasport – Snow-Shoe Walking in forest ü Science Center Arktikum and Pilke display Northern, Arctic life, guided interactive activities ü Dinner at a Turkish restaurant – Haruno in Rovaniemi ü Night train from Rovaniemi to Tampere

30 Paradise of Ice-Waterfalls, Korouoma Canyon, Shamanes & Aurora Borealis 2–3 ü Night train from Tampere to Rovaniemi days ü Bus from Rovaniemi to Posio "Surrounded by Fresh Snow and Complete Silence" The town of Posio is situated in an idyllic part of southern Lapland; surrounded by ancient forests, lakes, canyons and waterways. This magical part of northern Finland, an old Sámi minority district, has long been a popular destination with nature lovers. ü Check-in (http://www.kirikeskus.fi/eramaahotelli) & Lunch at Hotel Kirikeskus ü Korouoma Canyon – Paradise of Ice-Waterfalls (http://www.luontoon.fi/korouoma) Thrilling heights, breathtaking sceneries and challenging landscapes. ü Korouoma Canyon, which is known for its magnificent frozen waterfalls that cover the tall cliffs in the winter. Korouoma welcomes hikers of all experience levels all year round. ü Drums and Songs of Shamane and Exotic drinks In the evening we will have Sami Shaman Drum show. In Sami culture, a shaman is a person regarded as a messenger between the human world and the spirit world. The shaman typically even enters into trance state during a ritual where he drums on his magical drum. ü Sami minority people have lived in the Arctic region for thousands of years, some findings suggest as long as 4,000 years. The Sami today maintain their rich culture and traditions. The Sami were originally nomads, they lived in tents and traditionally survived by hunting and fishing, and in more recent years, by herding reindeer. Today, the Sami only use tents as very temporary accommodations during reindeer migrations. ü Husky Safaris (http://kota-husky.fi/) ü Husky safari is essential part of life in the North. The dogs used on the safaris are mainly Siberian and Alaskan huskies. Both breeds are strong, they like the cold and also love long journeys. The northernmost area of Finland has around 4,000 huskies on 50 husky farms. ü Lunch at the Empire of the White Reindeer & Feeding the reindeers with lichen ü Snow-Shoeing in Wild Finnish forest ü Northern, Arctic life, Learning Cross-Country Skiing, Northern Lights ü You can enjoy the Real Finnish Winter Wonderland – Blue Sky and White Snow. You will learn Finnish Cross-Country Skiing. ü Walking to the Exotic Riisitunturi Mountain The snow-covered trees of Riisitunturi National Park are known among nature photographers worldwide. (Riisitunturi = rice mountain) Riisitunturi National Park provides a delightful playground for nature lovers. The hillsides of the park offer breathtaking views over Lake Kitkajärvi and the forests beyond. In the winter the candle-like spruces have a thick coating of condensed frost, creating a photogenic white forest.

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ü Coffee Break – Carbon Black Coffee Pot & Forest BBQ at Riisitunturi Mountain ü Pentik Culture Centre – Manor & Gallery (https://www.pentik.com/fi/pentik- kartano) A home of art dedicated to Finnish design and ceramics. Art Ceramic Anu Pentik is probably the most famous Finnish Art Ceramic who wants to bring northern beauty and cosyness to homes. Her ceramics are produced in town of Posio, where she has the World’s northern-most ceramic factory and Pentik manor which was originally reindeer farm. ü Lappish Lunch at Pentik Manor – reindeer farm converted into a beautiful gallery. ü Taivaan tulet – Aurora Borealis (http://www.posiolapland.com/taikamaan- tarinapolut) If the sky is clear you can see the Northern Lights that can only be experienced in the polar regions of the Earth. The lights are created when the solar wind hits the atmosphere of the Earth. The Finnish name for the Nordic Lights is "Revontulet", the fire of the fox. According to Sami myth Nordic lights are created by a fox running across the fells and lighting up the sky as its tail hits the snow. ü There seems to be no point in this peculiar wintery past-time. None whatsoever. First, you walk into a great white space over frozen waters in the middle of nowhere. Then, you make a hole through the ground below you, dip in a fishing lure and sit down to wait, sometimes for hours on end. This is the true essence of ice-fishing and it is what countless of Finns yearn to do every winter. We try to explain this love affair. Ice-fishing is a state of mind. ü The beauty of ice-fishing lies in its simplicity. A session of ice-fishing could almost be counted as a sort of meditation. Whilst waiting patiently for something to happen – and often nothing does – your mind clears itself unexpectedly and effortlessly. Infinity and silence are the key factors here. The spirituality is further enhanced by the strangely comforting idea of the vibrant underwater-life deep below the seemingly still and icy surface. Catching fish is a bonus, not the purpose.

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WALTIKKA SUMMER AND WINTER CAMP HOSTS

Activity Name Background Camp host Mr. Mikko Hatakka CEO, Entrepreneur, Mikko Hoo, 20-year experience arranging different training camps, part-time teacher.

Mr. Antti Isoviita Entrepreneur, Antti Isoviita Oy, 40-year experience in Education Business, Export of Education, Student recruitment and Consultant, former teacher at HAMK UAS, Business and Engineering Colleges and Universities, Head of Degree programme in International Business Camping Mr. Hannu Kokkola Experienced Senior Camp host, ex-policeman activities Mr. Esa Nyman Experienced Senior Camping host, former social worker Mr. Erkki Penttilä Experienced Senior adventure Camp host and organizer Mr. Henry Rantaniemi Experienced Senior Camp host, Photographer, Journalist Mr. Timo Saarelainen Experienced Senior Camping host, ex-teacher Dancing Mrs. Petra Nystén Teacher, Dancing Rocking Flames First Aid Mr. Timo Saarelainen Experienced Senior First Aid instructor, ex-teacher Mr. Esa Nyman Experienced Senior First Aid instructor, former social worker Fishing Mr. Pekka Kaskela Senior Chairman of Valkeakoski Fishermen club Mr. Veijo Takaniemi Senior fisherman of Valkeakoski Fishermen club Kayaking and Mr. Marko Itkonen Pappilanniemi Camping Center, social and youth workers Youth work Nature hiking Ms. Petra Pikkanen Experienced entrepreneur of nature and herbs Natural herbs Nature survival Mr. Timo Saarelainen Experienced Senior Camping host, ex-teacher Orienteering Mr. Esa Nyman Experienced Senior Camping host, former social worker

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VALKEAKOSKI HIGHLIGHTS

1. VALKEAKOSKI AND HÄME REGION - THE REAL ANCIENT CORE OF FINLAND The Valkeakoski and surrounding Häme-region is the Real Ancient core of Finland. The area is full of lakes and at the crossroads of big waterways. This area is known to have been inhabited since the iron age. The ancient tribes who were living in this area were called *hämäläiset*. The characteristic of people from Häme were considered thoughtful, dependable, persistent, at the same time silent and slow, unyielding people who never give up. Häme people have been regarded as "true hereditary Finns", in which the characteristics of Finnish people become more evident than in other Finnish tribes. 2. VALKEAKOSKI IS SURROUNDED BY THE FINLAND’S NATIONAL LANDSCAPE The Vanajavesi valley, which is surrounding the town of Valkeakoski is one of Finland's national landscapes. The terrain and landscape consist of lakes, fields, and ridges. Rapola hill, located in Valkeakoski is the biggest ancient hill fortress in Finland. At the end of 1800 a strong National Romanticism movement rose in Finland. National Romanticism means a style that favors national themes or romance colored by nationality. It has an aspiration to explore the native landscapes and become familiar with the folk life of your own country. Not surprisingly, given the beautiful national landscape in Vanajavesi, the famous Finnish sculptor Emil Wikström decided to build up his artistic studio called Visavuori here between 1893 and 1912. This was the first wilderness studio in Finland. Wikström Visavuori studio was frequently visited by other famous Finnish national romantic artists. 3. OBSERVE THE REAL NORDIC LIFESTYLE: SMALL TOWN LIFE CLOSE TO THE NATURE Valkeakoski is a small town of 22,000 people. However, the majority of Finnish people live in small towns like this; you live in an urban environment but at the same time very close to the nature and lakes. The city center is surrounded by several beautiful lakes and Vakeakoski offers a great combination of lakes, forest, nature, schools, sports and cultural activities Valkeakoski is an excellent place to experience the everyday life in Finland, and how people live in the Nordic welfare countries. If you want to understand how Finnish people live, it’s difficult to find a better place than Valkeakoski.

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4. EXPLORE THE WORLD-FAMOUS FINNISH EDUCATION ON ALL LEVELS IN VALKEAKOSKI Valkeakoski is a town with very good educational opportunities for all levels of learners. Valkeakoski offer e.g. great opportunities for Basic Education, Upper Secondary and Music School studies. Moreover, Häme University of applied sciences has one campus in Valkeakoski, and the city can also boast with having one of the most advanced Vocational Schools in Finland.

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EDUCATION IN VALKEAKOSKI

BASIC EDUCATION

Grades 1-6 ü Kärjenniemi, Kärjenniemen koulu ü Leppälä, Leppälän koulu ü Rauhala, Rauhalan koulu ü Sassi (Grades 1-2 only), Sassin koulu ü Sorrila, Sorrilan koulu ü Tarttila, Tarttilan koulu ü Tietola (Grades 1-6, Special classes 0-9), Tietolan koulu Grades 7-9 ü Naakka, Naakan koulu

Grades 1-9 ü Roukko, Roukon yhtenäiskoulu

VALKEAKOSKI TIETOTIE, UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL, VALKEAKOSKEN TIETOTIEN LUKIO Valkeakoski Upper Secondary School International Programme ü Upper secondary school courses according to the Finnish national syllabus, taught mainly in English ü Extensive selection of languages (in addition to English and Swedish you can study Russian, French, German and Spanish) ü International Baccalaureate courses (entitled to IB single subject diplomas) ü You can also study up to 30 credits of International Business or Automation and Engineering courses at Häme University of applied sciences, HAMK (a joint campus with the upper secondary school) entitling you to higher level degree place at HAMK Valkeakoski.

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THE VALKEAKOSKI MUSIC SCHOOL The Valkeakoski Music School offers basic music training primarily for young people. The aim is to support goal-oriented studies and to take into consideration the special needs of pupils aiming at a career in music. Instruction is part of the national arts curriculum. Training for adults is usually arranged in periods and is not subsidized by the state. There is also a music-oriented pre-school for very young children. In addition, the Valkeakoski Music School organizes shorter courses during weekends or in the summer and holds concerts throughout the terms. The school offers instruction in most western orchestral instruments as well as in singing, playing the kantele (a traditional Finnish harp), the guitar, the accordion and the piano. In addition, the curriculum includes theoretical subjects, music appreciation and history of music. There are also various bands, orchestras, choirs and a band school which pupil can join according to the stage they have reached in their studies.

YOUTH ART SCHOOL The Valkeakoski Youth Art School offers children and young people aged 6-18 basic training in general visual arts. Instruction is based on the basic national arts curriculum. The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to practice visual arts as a hobby or to train for further studies in a particular field of visual arts. On top of the basic curriculum, advanced studies offer the possibility for students to focus on a special field of their choice such as drawing and painting, ceramics, photography and architecture. The Art School organizes exhibitions of pupils' works, shorter art courses and excursions to museums and exhibitions. Enrolment takes place in spring.

WWW.EDUNATION.CO 19 MUSTANLAHDENKATU 3-7 [email protected] 33210 TAMPERE FINLAND +358 50 354 8603

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What information/documentswould you need from the applicants to join the camp? ü Age ü Gender ü School level/Grade ü Birthday for ViSA application ü Passport or ID for VISA application

2. What are the specific requirements for acceptance to the camp? ü No specific requirements for the camp.

3. Will you help the applicants to organize their visas, or send them some instructions? ü We will send Invitation for the whole group.