Youth Work Unit for Environmental Activities
The Environmental Youth Work Unit is one of the City of Helsinki’s youth work units. Our mission is to inspire children and young people to take action for the environment, strengthen their connection to nature, and offer engaging ways to learn about a sustainable future.
Our activities range from workshops and events to small-group activities, nature excursions, hikes, and camps. We also support team-building for school classes and groups and offer nature education programs. In our work, we support young people’s independent initiative and participation. Every year, we offer summer job and internship opportunities to dozens of young people.
Wempaimisto’s outdoor gear lending service allows people under 29 to borrow hiking equipment for free, which promotes the circular economy and lowers the barrier to getting out into nature. We also offer camp centers and facilities for youth organizations and groups to use independently. Most of the facilities are located in Helsinki and on the Bengtsår camp island in Hanko.
We believe that a sustainable future is created by working together—by offering young people genuine opportunities to learn, make a difference, and experience nature in a meaningful way. We support young people in building a sustainable lifestyle.
Contact information
Executive Director
Susanne Österlund-Toivonen
susanne.osterlund-toivonen@hel.fi
(09) 310 89125
Team leader:
Ilona Anttila
ilona.anttila@hel.fi
(09) 310 20736
Environmental coordinator:
Annina Wallinsalo
annina.wallinsalo@hel.fi
(09) 310 78027
Camp island director: Bengtsår Camp Island
Aleksi Lappalainen
aleksi.lappalainen(at)hel.fi
(09) 310 25554
Youth worker: booking facilities (Varaamo) and marketing
Wilhelmiina Seppä-Ojanperä
ymparistotoiminta(at)hel.fi
(+358) 040 193 0718
Wempaimisto Outdoor Equipment Lending Service:
wempaimisto(at)hel.fi
(09) 310 54169 / 040 3564621 (mon, wed 14-16)