The youth camp taught green skills and gave the courage to dream big

Mid-August Brought Wonderful Young People to Lake Võrtsjärv

In mid-August, a group of wonderful young people gathered by Lake Võrtsjärv — students from UNESCO Associated Schools and the Eco-Schools Programme who had just completed 7th or 8th grade in the spring. The environmental camp, held from August 18–20, was at once an adventure, an active learning experience, and a moment of relaxation before the new school year.

The goal of the camp was simple but profound: to help young people build a deeper connection with themselves and with nature, while gaining knowledge and skills that help protect the environment and inspire their communities to do the same. An additional value was the opportunity to meet like-minded peers from all over Estonia — people with whom to share both joy and new ideas.

Workshops Full of Inspiration

Each participant could choose the workshops that felt most meaningful to them.

Advocacy Simulation – How to Make Your Voice Heard?

Under the guidance of the Estonian Student Union, participants experienced what it means to stand up for their own ideas and needs. Discussions turned into lively debates where everyone learned to express their thoughts clearly and persuasively. They practiced debating around Eco-Schools focus themes — as if they were presenting to a school leadership team. Many later said that this workshop gave them the courage to advocate for green changes in their own schools and to consider joining their school’s eco-team or student council.

Greenfluencing – Spreading Green Messages on TikTok and Instagram

In the “Patterns of Success” workshop, participants dived into the world of social media with a new perspective. They explored what makes people stop scrolling and really listen. They experimented with how an environmental message can be as inspiring and engaging as a dance video or a meme. By the end of the session, participants had created their first eco-themed posts and stories — full of creativity and messages ready to share with the wider world.

Nature and Diversity Awareness – Learning to Notice Nature

PhD Johanna Paregis led a workshop in English where students learned, step by step, to notice nature in a completely new way. Quiet observation moments, drawings, and notes in personal journals made the surrounding environment feel renewed. The sketches that emerged showed how differently each person experiences nature — and yet how much we all share in our love for it. Many students said this workshop helped them notice small details that are easy to overlook in everyday life.

Citizen Science – Everyone Can Be a Scientist!

Under the guidance of Aire Orula and Maria Ivanova, the students discovered how they themselves can contribute to science. Using their phones and the PlutoF database, they identified species and recorded observations. By the end of the workshop, they realized that even a short walk can yield valuable biodiversity data. For some, it was the first time they felt their contribution could be part of something larger — real scientific work.

Special Guests and Big Ideas

One of the camp’s most anticipated highlights was the participation of PhD Johanna Paregis from Germany — an expert in outdoor and democratic education. Her stories and experiences illustrated how learning can be intertwined with freedom, trust, and nature.

UNESCO youth ambassadors from Finland also shared their perspectives, giving participants confidence that environmental protection and youth voices matter — not only in Estonia but all around the world.

Experiences in the Embrace of Nature

Alongside workshops and discussions, there was also time for simple joys — swimThe youth camp taught green skills and gave the courage to dream big.ming, games, and relaxation in the cozy setting of Veldemani Holiday House. The camp offered healthy, planet-friendly meals. A walk to the Vaibla Bird Station gave everyone a chance to see migratory birds up close and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the cycle of life around us.

Memories That Stay With You

The three days flew by, but every participant took something meaningful away from Lake Võrtsjärv — whether it was a new friend, an inspiring idea, a practical green skill, or simply a peaceful moment with oneself and nature in the fading Estonian summer.

The camp was more than just learning — it was an experience that gave young people confidence that together, we can make the world greener, happier, and fairer.