EYC
EYC stands for European Youth Camp, an annual event for young people with congenital heart disease (CHD), aged 14 to 17. It also includes those who turn 14 or 18 during the same year. The camp lasts for 7 days.
2025 EYC will be held on 15.-22.7.2025 In Emäsalo, Porvoo, which is located about 40 km from Helsinki.
Concept
The main purpose of the camp is to provide peer support for young people with congenital heart disease (CHD). It also offers the chance to explore another country’s culture and traditions. For example, in Finland, participants can swim in lakes, relax in hot tubs, visit saunas, experience the midnight sun, and even try axe throwing! The program typically includes one light, engaging lecture.
The organizing country is responsible for all practical arrangements and the camp’s program. Each participating country selects its own participants and leaders. Countries take turns hosting the camp, unless otherwise agreed. The costs are shared among the participating countries, except for travel expenses, which are not included.
EYC in Finland
Next summer, Finland will be responsible for organising the EYC. The camp site, called Kokouspoukama, is located in Porvoo’s Emäsalo archipelago, near Helsinki. For more information about the location, please visit Conference by the sea – Kokouspoukama.
A total of around 50 young people with CHD, along with their group leaders, will participate in the camp and are guaranteed to experience an exciting, adventure-filled week! The language of the camp is ‘bad English,’ and participants will surely improve their language skills during the week.
In addition to enhancing their language abilities, the camp offers a great opportunity to connect with other young people with CHD and make lifelong heart friends from different countries.
.
Background
The camp was originally based on the Nordic Youth Camp (NYC), which was organized by the Nordic countries since 1984. The host country changed every year between the Nordic countries.
Over time, the camp has evolved into European Youth Camp (EYC) which had it’s first pilot in 2009.