Bengtsår is an island in the municipality of Helsinki where we hold annual summer camps for children from 7 to 13 years of age. The children get to camp out in tents on an island called Barnholm. Here they get to experience living in a completely untouched environment as the only man-made structure is the cooking shelter where we eat.
We start our mornings with a warm breakfast and then gather around to raise the flag and announce our activities for the day. These include rowing, swimming, handicrafts, various board and card games, and fishing. The children can choose their preferred activities while the camp directors supervise, teach and join in on the fun. After lunch we make our way to the main island, Bengtsår, where we either go play soccer or visit their Activity beach. On the soccer field the children have the option of joining the game or doing handicrafts. The Activity beach is equipped with various water toys to play with and a net for volleyball. It also has paddle boats and kayaks, giving the children a chance to check out the island’s surroundings. Once we’ve returned to Barnholm and had our supper, we open a small kiosk where the kids can purchase candy. After we’ve loaded them up with sugar we make our way back to the main island for a swim and sauna. On the days we don’t go to the sauna we have other activities planned such as making pancakes or having a small disco during which we play music as well as various musical games. After our long hard day of having an incredible time in this amazing natural environment, we send them off to wash up and then go to sleep in their tents.
