Environmental Education Youth Work Unit
The Environmental Education Youth Work Unit is part of the City of Helsinki’s youth work services. We inspire children and young people to act for the environment, strengthen their connection to nature, and offer experiential ways to learn about a sustainable future.
We organise workshops, events, small‑group activities, nature excursions, hikes and camps. We support school groups, provide nature school activities, and encourage young people’s own initiatives and participation. Each year, dozens of young people join us through summer jobs and internships.
Wempaimisto’s outdoor gear lending centre offers free hiking equipment for under‑29s, promoting circular economy and making nature more accessible. We also provide camp centres and facilities for youth organisations and groups. Most locations are in Helsinki, with Bengtsår camp island situated near Hanko in Western Finland.
We believe a sustainable future is built together — by giving young people real opportunities to learn, influence and experience nature meaningfully.
Our facilities:
Bengtsår Camp Island (Hanko)
Kumpula School Garden
Meriharju Nature House and Camp Centre
Mäntyniemi Camp Centre, Vartiosaari
Silmu Youth Activity House
Seikkailutalo – adventure education
Syötävä Puisto – community garden
Uutela Cabin
Villa Furubacka Camp Centre, Vartiosaari
Further information on booking facilities for independent use: Facility and camp reservations
Contact information:
Unit Manager – cooperation projects, partnerships, facilities
Susanne Österlund-Toivonen · susanne.osterlund-toivonen(at)hel.fi · (09) 310 89125
Team Supervisor – internships, guidance team cooperation
Ilona Anttila · ilona.anttila(at)hel.fi · (09) 310 20736
Camp Island Manager – Bengtsår camp island
Aleksi Lappalainen · aleksi.lappalainen(at)hel.fi · (09) 310 25554
Youth Worker – facility reservations (Varaamo), communications
Wilhelmiina Seppä-Ojanperä · ymparistotoiminta(at)hel.fi · (+358) 040 193 0718
Wempaimisto Gear Lending Centre – loans and instructions
wempaimisto(at)hel.fi · (09) 310 54169 / 040 3564621 (Mon, Wed 14–16)
Youth Environmental Education Coordinator
Ani Wallinsalo · ani.wallinsalo(at)hel.fi · (09) 310 7802 / 040 1623703
