Satahanka XIV
Nauvo, Parainen, Finland
60°17’58.99″ N 22°18’1.44″ E
We are excited to invite all of our International Guide and Scout Friends to join Satahanka XIV, The Sea Guiding and Scouting Camp in Finland in summer 2025. We are expecting 2000 participants. Check out the after movie from Satahanka XII below to see the magic in action! Join our mailing list for updates and future Q&A session links. Our International Team is here to support with additional information and promotional material – just contact us at international.satahanka@scout.fi.
Sail away on the memorable scout journey with us!
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What is Satahanka?
In Finland, special Sea Scout and Guide groups focus on water activities, using their own ships, sailboats, or motorboats as part of their scouting program. These sea scouting troops, whether based by the sea or a lake, teach young people to grow up as sailors in natural water areas. Sea Scouting is an official part of the Finnish Scouting program.
Satahanka is a unique camp for all guides and scouts interested in sea guiding and scouting. Activities take place on land, on the shore, and on the water. While maritime skills are a highlight, Satahanka is also a traditional Finnish scout camp, where participants live in tents, sleep outdoors, and build their own temporary camp structures. Expect an active, hands-on program where you’ll experience Finnish nature up close – yes, that includes bugs, weather, and wilderness, but also great company and amazing activities!
Who can participate?
The camp welcomes 2,000 participants, mostly from Finland but also from abroad, with 50–150 international participants expected. Youth participants (aged 13-18) can join the camp’s full daily program, while adults over 18 join the Service Team, contributing to the camp’s operations in various roles. Adults are considered leaders in Finland, and therefore anyone over 18 must apply for a camp assignment.
If your group includes youth participants, make sure to have enough camp troop leaders – at least one leader per 10 youths. For international Service Team members, assignments are designed to give varied experiences throughout the camp.
What, Where and When?
Satahanka XIV will take place from 18–26 July 2025 in the stunning Archipelago Sea, near the village of Nauvo, part of Parainen municipality. Nauvo, also called ”Nagu” in Swedish, is a predominantly Swedish-speaking area. The campsite is close to the village center, but remember, Satahanka is an alcohol-free event, including participants over 18.
How to join Satahanka?
Participant registration for groups starts now, with individual registration opening in March 2025. Fill out the group pre-registration form by the end of December 2024 to reserve your spots. Join the mailing list below for updates and for a link to the pre-registration. Live Q&A sessions will be held as needed to provide additional details.
Camp Fee: The fee is €320, covering all activities, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack), and transportation from major entry points (Helsinki and Turku) to the campsite. Each youth participant, leader, and Service Team member must pay the camp fee.
Life on a Finnish Camp
Participants will be living in tents (usually shared tents) and using showers, saunas, and sea swimming areas for washing. As part of Finnish camping tradition, the camp is built from scratch and finalized by the participants on arrival. Each international group will form a camp troop with a Finnish troop, participating together in the daily activities as “camp patrols.”
The Finnish Safe from Harm regulations are not as strict as some other countries’, but we promise to respect all international safety guidelines. We are flexible with specific group needs – for instance, separate tents by gender or dedicated time slots for showers if required.
Preparing for the Camp
Finnish weather in July ranges from warm (up to 30°C) to cool and rainy (as low as 5°C). Be prepared for all conditions with suitable clothing and a warm sleeping bag. Finnish scouts pack wool socks, mittens, hats, and long johns alongside shorts and sunscreen. A personal packing list will be sent before the camp.
Bring a debit or credit card, as Finland primarily operates cash-free. Most places accept cards, including at the camp’s cafés.
Camp Program
The camp offers a structured daily program for youth participants, including sailing, seamanship, safety training, and crafts. Satahanka XIV emphasises sustainability in the fragile environment of the Baltic Sea. Highlights include:
- Maritime Activities: Sailing, water rescue, and boating skills.
- Outdoor Adventure: Living in tents, learning about nature, and experiencing an authentic Finnish scout camp.
- Leadership Opportunities: Service team members over the age of 18 have camp assignments with reasonable working hours (8-10 hours a day and 1-2 days off) and leisure activities.
Bringing Your Own Vessel
Groups with vessels are welcome to join the Satahanka fleet alongside Finnish troops. Registered vessels are used in the camp program to take participants out to sea, providing training on navigation and sailing. Vessels used in camp activities receive a compensation of €150–200 depending on size. Register vessels with Satahanka by the end of December 2024 via the pre-registration form. Please contact Satahanka International Team for further information (international.satahanka@scout.fi).
Join Satahanka, join the Group of Heroes!
In Finnish folklore, Satahanka means a great ship carrying hundreds of rowers and thousands of heroes, as referenced in the epic Kalevala. Join us in living this adventure and become part of a legendary journey!
