Estonian language unites: Young compatriots' camp brings together young people from all over the world
This summer, young people who may live in different parts of the world, but who are united by their Estonian roots and the desire to learn more about the Estonian language, culture and life here, will meet again in Estonia. A total of 78 young people of Estonian origin living abroad and 21 young people from Estonia will participate in the three language and culture camp exchanges for young compatriots.
Young people aged 13–18 will arrive at the camp from 24 different countries: the United States, Great Britain, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Ireland, South Africa, Georgia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, the Bahamas, Luxembourg, Ukraine and Austria.
Such a diverse group of participants shows how widely the Estonian community is located in the world. At the same time, it confirms that interest in the Estonian language, culture, and one's family roots remains strong even thousands of kilometers away from Estonia.
Estonian language becomes part of everyday life
The camp exchanges taking place at the Venevere holiday village are divided according to the young people's Estonian language skills. The first exchange is attended by young people with a basic level of Estonian, the second by intermediate level, and the third by good level of Estonian.
During the eight days, participants can use Estonian in a natural and supportive environment. Language learning is not limited to practicing in the classroom - Estonian is used in joint activities, games, sports, field trips and when communicating with new friends.
Kaire Cocker, Head of diaspora services at the Integration Foundation, says that many young people come to the camp with the desire to improve their Estonian language skills. "Young people want to communicate, for example, with their grandparents who are in Estonia, in order to have better and more meaningful contact with them, or some have also considered the idea of coming to university in Estonia after school."
For a young person living abroad, there may not always be many opportunities to speak Estonian on a daily basis. The camp creates an environment where there is no need to be afraid of making mistakes, and every new word and conversation helps to build self-confidence.
Language learning and adaptation to the camp are supported by young people living in Estonia who have a good command of Estonian. Joint activities give participants the opportunity to learn from each other language that is not always found in textbooks – for example, everyday expressions and youth jargon.
More than a language camp
In addition to developing language skills, young people get to know Estonian culture, traditions, nature and exciting places. Equally important are the friendships formed at the camp and the knowledge that young people with Estonian roots live in very different parts of the world.
Although the participants' home countries and life experiences are different, they are often united by similar questions: how to stay connected to Estonia, speak Estonian with their parents and grandparents, and pass on Estonian culture to the next generation?
Meeting other young people with similar backgrounds can also help them better understand their identity. The friendship and sense of belonging experienced at the camp confirm that being Estonian does not necessarily mean living in Estonia every day.
Nele, who came to the camp from Germany last year, said about the experience that she made many friends and felt that her Estonian improved a lot. “I wanted to learn more so that I could speak and write Estonian even better. In addition, the camp is a lot of fun and everyone is very friendly - like a little family.”
Other participants of previous camps have also said that the language practice they received at the camp has made them more confident and has made them think about coming to Estonia to study or live in the future. So one summer camp week can become the beginning of a much longer relationship with Estonia.
Around the world, but still connected to Estonia
The language and culture camp helps young people of Estonian origin living abroad maintain and strengthen their connection with their country of origin, language and culture. At the same time, the camp creates a global circle of friends, whose members can return to different parts of the world after the camp, but remain connected to each other and to Estonia.
In the summer of 2026, three eight-day camp exchanges will take place at the Venevere holiday village.
The camps are funded by the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Culture.
