International confirmation training
The international confirmation training in Partaharju has brought together young people from all over the world for more than 30 years!
To a large extent, the confirmation training is similar to that given by Finnish local parishes. It is distinguished by its ten-day duration, the Confirmation Mass held on the last day of the camp and the use of Finnish and English languages in all the activities. Every year, 140 young persons participate in these confirmation camps in two 70-person groups. The participants are divided into three classes, with at least one group in English and one in Finnish. The third group speaks “Finglish”, a mixture of English and Finnish.
The confirmation training begins with an email letter sent in October to each young confirmand and their families. If possible, the confirmand should take part in the activities of their local parish (according to the instructions given by the parish). They should also get to know the other members of their confirmation group and complete a few assignments on the Moodle platform.
The training culminates in a confirmation camp that is full of activities. The programme includes teaching, free time, singalongs, games and many more activities. The Partaharju kitchen serves five meals a day. Accommodation is provided in shared rooms for 3 to 6 persons.
Information about confirmation camps in summer 2020
Dear parents/ guardians, confirmands,
We are witnessing a strange spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope that all of you and your families have been well. Many of you have contacted us already concerning the upcoming confirmation camps this summer. On May 4 the Finnish government stated that starting from 1st of June gatherings up to 50 persons are allowed until further notice.
This restriction applies also to the upcoming summer camps and other activities. The bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church have also gathered together to discuss how the Finnish government’s restrictions and guidelines affect the summer activities organized by Church.
We also will follow the rules of keeping distance and taking care of hygiene. The staff at Partaharju will take care of the proper cleaning of the facilities and we will organize the accommodation as safely and spaciously as possible.
We also have decided that both our groups KV72 and KV73 will be divided into two. The accommodation and teaching will happen at separate locations in Partaharju and the confirmation Mass will also be held separately for each group. We will be streaming the Mass so that all of those who can’t be present will get to be a part of it.
We acknowledge that there are variations between different countries concerning the restrictions of travelling. If the order of the 14-day quarantine is still in force in Finland in July, you will be expected to follow it before participating the confirmation camp. Also, we can’t allow any person having any symptoms of Covid-19 (even mild) to participate the camp.
If you end up to a decision not to come this year, we can postpone the registration (and payment) to next year. If that’s not suitable for you, we will return the participation fee (except for the reservation fee of 160 euros).
We genuinely thank you for your patience in this difficult matter.
In 2021, the confirmation camps are held as follows:
International confirmation training KV74
- Confirmation camp from 18 July to 27 July 2021
- Confirmation Mass on Tuesday 27 July 2021 in Pieksämäki at 2 pm
International confirmation training KV75
- Confirmation camp from 29 July to 7 August 2021
- Confirmation Mass on Saturday 7 August in Pieksämäki at 2 pm
In 2020, the confirmation camps are held as follows:
International Confirmation Training KV72
- Confirmation camp from 12 July to 21 July 2020
- Confirmation Mass on Tuesday 21 July 2020 in Pieksämäki at 2 pm
International Confirmation training KV73
- Confirmation camp from 23 July to 1 August 2020
- Confirmation Mass on Saturday 1 August 2021 in Pieksämäki at 2 pm