The Prometheus Camps

The Prometheus Camp is a politically and ideologically non-aligned alternative to the Christian confirmation camp. The camps are primarily aimed at pupils who dont belong to any religious order, but everyone that has passed the eight grade, or equivalent of, the Finnish primary school is welcome to attend. During the eight days of the camp, you get to know yourself, the other participants and the camp leaders. Upon this you will have an opportunity to share ideas and acquire knowledge to develop and strengthen your personal conception of the world. The camp is organized by the Prometheus Camp association.

The Camp Venues. All campsites have indoors facilities for work, meals and accommodation. The living quarters are comfortable but they may be somewhat modest. The participants stay in several smaller rooms or in one big room. Most camp sites are located by the water, at places of natural beauty. At all camps theres opportunities for swimming and other summer activities both indoors and out doors. Each evening there's also sauna.

Food? Please tell us about any allergies and possible special dietary preferences you might have at the time you enrol. Thus we can ensure that everybody gets good and suitable food.

What does it cost? The charge for the year 2007 camp is &185 euro;. The fee includes the camp program, full board & accommodation and accident insurance. The traveling expenses to the camp and back are not included. The charge for some special theme camps, of which there is more information in our Finnish camp brochure, is 275 or 305 €.

Language? There are three language alternatives available: English, Swedish and Finnish. You are of course welcome to participate in a non-English camp, but the prerequisite is a fairly advanced skill in Finnish or Swedish language depending on the camp you choose.

You can get detailed information about the camps from our association actives, your teacher in life stance and ethics, or you can contact the Prometheus Camp association's office.

What do we do at a Prometheus Camp?

During the camp we discuss issues important to young people in small groups or all together. We have no lectures. Instead, we work on the topics by open discussions, debating, group work, small drama plays or just simply by playing games. The topics are grouped into main topics and supplementary topics, which are included according to interest and time. The supplementary topics are environmental issues, personal relations, sexuality, dating, and what influences young people in the Finnish society. The main topics are presented in a fixed order.

The first day you get to know the place, your fellow participants and the camp team members. The following days you deal with:

Differences, prejudice and discrimination: Your own experiences. Occurrence in the society. What is tolerance?

Drugs, alcohol and addiction: To use or not to? Choices, how is the neighborhood affected?

Young in the society and social issues: Rights, responsibilities. How one can make a difference in the society.

The future: Hopes and fears. Who and what affects how the future turns out?

Worldviews, ideologies and religions: What's the truth? Whats right? What can one trust?

The worldview panel, where invited guest representing different religious beliefs answer questions by the participants.

The camp ends in a Prometheus Ceremony, where our participants celebrate, with their parents, relatives and friends, their journey towards adulthood.

The summer 2007 Prometheus Camps

About 70 camps will be held during the summer of 2007. Of these one is English speaking and two are Swedish speaking. There are two senior camps, if you're born in 1990 or earlier. Among the special theme camps, there are two sailing camps, two hiking camps in Lapland, an art camp, three theater camps and one camp in Estonia. You can find more info about the special theme and ordinary camps in our Finnish camp brochure, which can be ordered from our office, or which you can read on the Internet.