The quest for 2014 Millennium Youth Campers starts now!
60 campers, 10 theme groups, one week of science, technology, teamwork, friendship and unforgettable experiences in Finland. Read why you should definitely apply!
The Applied Math team of Millennium Youth Camp 2013 jumping high. All photos: Jussi Nygren.
“When I was applying, I read ‘you can leave Millennium Youth Camp, but Millennium Youth Camp never leaves you’. Today I understand the power of these words!” Gabriel Lisboa, Brazil.
Next June, Millennium Youth Camp 2014 offers 60 youth from around the world an amazing opportunity to engage in the world of science and technology in a highly innovative and inspiring atmosphere.
The campers, chosen according to 2-phase application process, will pick their favourite topic from the camp’s 10 themes: Applied Mathematics, Biosciences and Biotechnology, Climate and Climate Change, Energy, ICT, Food Sciences and Food Technology, Material Sciences and Material Technology, Renewable Natural Resources, Urban Planning, and Water.
The camp is completely free of charge and anyone born between the years 1995 and 1998 is eligible to apply. The application period for the first phase of the application process is from 15 October to 15 December. Apply now by filling the online form at: elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/45593/lomake.html.
More information on the application process can be found at www.millenniumyouthcamp.fi.
“This camp opened up my mind. Before, I used to think that ICT is all about learning algorithms that already exist and that there’s almost no chance for me to bring something new. I was wrong. There is so much more progress yet to come, and anyone can contribute to it.” Andreea Cucu, Romania.
Vipanchi Chacham, Andreea Cucu and Leevi Lappi presenting their innovation The Water Rover.
During the MYC, the campers will investigate a question related to the camp’s themes in teams and try and find an innovative solution with the help of Finnish experts in the field. The projects will be presented to other campers and prestigious guests at the Camp Gala.
The camp will also provide the youth with the opportunity to visit Finnish high-tech companies such as Kemira, Neste Oil, Nokia, Rovio, and UPM as well as University of Helsinki and Aalto University to learn about Finnish research and expertise. The camp is also linked to Millennium Technology Prize, awarded for life-enhancing technological innovations by Technology Academy Finland, one of the main organisers of Millennium Youth Camp along with Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA (University of Helsinki), and Aalto University.
But above all, MYC is about togetherness and fun. Read more Millennium Youth Campers’ stories on why you should definitely apply:
“At Millennium Youth Camp, you are not sitting in a classroom, listening to teachers’ lessons and trying to be the ‘gold star’ student; instead, you are there to perform, to brainstorm and to create. MYC allows you to make friends not only with science, but also with excellent teenagers from all over the world. You strive together, you yell ‘We Are the Best’ together,” Jingjing Zhang, China.
New Zealand dance, Jingjing Zhang in the middle.
“This is a great chance to deepen your knowledge in a subject and at a level that is rarely encountered in secondary school. It will the most exciting experience you will ever have! I have developed friendships and formed memories that will never fade. You couldn’t feel more welcome in a foreign country, and with over sixty strangers, than at the MYC.” Erik Li Strandh, Sweden.
Erik Li Strandh reading a story about Emil of Lönneberga during the international evening.
“The week spent at MYC 2013 was indeed the best week of my life. A perfect blend of fun, travel and learning. It’s funny how it took me only a minute to say ‘hello’ to the fellow campers but forever to say ‘goodbye’. This is to all future campers – Do not hesitate even a little of applying for MYC 2014. A whole bag of fun, education and friendships await you. Even though you may be out of your country on your own, trust me – you will never feel alone.” Abhi Parikh, Singapore.
Abhi Parikh during the Millennium Youth Camp Gala.
“I have seen how technology and sustainable development really has a bright future ahead and that made me believe in myself, in my ideas and encouraged me to ‘stand on my two feet’ and be optimistic about my future. One week in Finland completely enhanced my studious attitude and redoubled my volition to work in science. I grew up.” Imola Toth, Hungary.
Boat trip from Helsinki to Porvoo. Imola Toth third from the right.
The main organisers of Millennium Youth Camp are Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA (University of Helsinki), Technology Academy Finland, and Aalto University.
To find out what Millennium Youth Camp is all about, read the Camp news, look at photos in Flickr, and watch videos in Vimeo.
Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.