How many Days until NBRC 2025?

Introduction

It has been seven years since the last regional congress was held in Finland, and we are thrilled to invite you, dear Egeans, to NBRC 2025! Finland, a nation of 5.6 million, is celebrated for its happiness, design, and distinct four seasons. During the congress, nature will awaken from its winter slumber, offering a chance to welcome the sun and enjoy the arrival of spring while immersing yourself in Finnish culture and enjoying the company of other Egeans.

The congress is organized by EGEA Helsinki, EGEA Turku and EGEA Oulu

• Participant fee: 139,80€

• Available spots: 75

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About the Theme

The theme of the congress is the impact of the Ice Age on Finland. Almost every part of the country has been shaped by the massive ice sheets or meltwaters of the Weichselian glaciation. These forces created Finland’s unique landscape and still have an effect today: even 10,000 years later, land uplift is adding about 7 square kilometers to Finland’s area each year.

Modern Finnish life is built on this Ice Age legacy. Ridges form natural bridges over lakes, land uplift creates fertile fields for farming, and moraine soil filters some of the world’s cleanest drinking water. The retreating glaciers also gave us 180,000 lakes, making water a central part of our daily life, economy, and culture. The traces of the Ice Age remain vital today and will continue to shape Finland for generations to come.

Are you ready to explore the ice age’s impact on the society, environment and scenery?

Accomodation

Picture credits: Alex Inkiläinen. See more pictures here!

Kiljavan Leirikeskus (Kiljava camping center) is located in the heart of beautiful Finnish nature, offering a peaceful congress venue. Surrounded by lush forests and set near the serene waters of Lake Märkiö, the area provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The natural landscape invites all egeans to unwind and connect with Finnish nature.

The venue itself is beautifully balanced with nature, and our accommodation building, named Kassu, offers facilities for 75 participants in bunk beds within cozy 4–6-person compartments. The accomodation doesn’t provide pillows or plankets, so mind that you need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and bed sheet! The venue offers 13 indoor toilets, with two accessible toilets located in the basement and on the first floor. There is one smaller sauna in the basement that comfortably seats 12, while the lakeside sauna has a shared electric sauna with space for 20 people. There are two separate dressing and shower rooms which provide an opportunity to go to the sauna together.

Our wonderful kitchen team, which consists of eight amazing egeans, is eager to serve you healthy, delicious, vegetarian or vegan meals made from local ingredients. 

Kiljavan Leirikeskus is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and a connection to nature. The lakeside area is particularly inviting and offers possibilities for swimming or canoeing etc. The grounds are spacious and offer plenty of room for outdoor games by the water and woods. With its combination of modern amenities, thoughtful design, and breathtaking surroundings, Kiljavan leirikeskus is a perfect location for NBRC 2025 and we warmly welcome you all to enjoy your time with us.

We are planning to organize group transportation from Helsinki to the scout center!

Workshops

We are planning five workshops in total:

• Workshops 1 to 3: We have three workshops already planned that showcase the research of our universities. In these workshops we utilize research equipment and special datasets.
• Workshops 4 and 5: Not decided yet, but we listed ideas that might help you envision what is coming!

1. Mobile big data in studying human-nature interactions

Finland is home to many beautiful national parks that have been formed by the glacial period. In this workshop we will utilize mobile big data derived from social media and activity tracking platforms to study human-nature interactions in the national parks of Finland using QGIS and Python.

2. Geomorphological mapping of postglacial features

What does a postglacial landscape look like and how is it mapped? In this workshop we will study postglacial features using existing datasets and field mapping methods like GNSS and drones.

3. Exploring Finnish Lakes

Are you curious about the secrets of Finnish lakes and love being outdoors? In the Lake Hydrology Workshop, we will discover lake formations and ecosystems, collect water samples, and explore diverse aquatic environments. This hands-on experience is perfect for you if you are passionate about hydrology and fieldwork.

Ideas for two other workshops

Here are some examples that would give you an idea what our two other workshops could include:

• Effects of the Ice Age on infrastructure
• Circular Economy and Natural Resources
• Cultural/National Landscapes
• Ice Age Landscapes in Nordic Art
• Interpreting Landscapes Through Walking
• Ecotourism in Nordic Regions
• The Role of Nature in Nordic Nature Religions and Mythologies
• Climate Change in Nordic Environment

Workshop Leaders Open Call: (Deadline 19th of January!)

We’re looking for workshop leaders to help us plan and organize engaging scientific sessions! Apply and secure your spot as a workshop leader by 19th of January.

Each workshop will have at least two leaders, so you’ll always have support. The ideas shared are starting points— and we can further develop them together. If none of the proposed ideas spark your interest, feel free to suggest your own!

Fill out the workshop leader application form here! NOTE: If you want to submit application with an EGEA friend, fill in the section for their personal detail! If you want to apply alone, we will do our best to pair you up with another applicant!

Trainings

We are planning a total of four training sessions, which can cover a variety of topics—from soft skills (e.g., relaxation, work-life balance, intercultural communication, ) to special sports or other engaging activities. 

Training Sessions Open Call:

If you have an idea for a training session and want to secure a spot for yourself, please submit your suggestion by 19th of January!

Each session can be led by one or two leaders. We look forward to your creative and inspiring ideas!

Fill out the training leader application form here!

Excursions

We are organizing three amazing excursions to various interesting places around Uusimaa province, Southern Finland, giving you an opportunity to dive into Finnish culture and nature!

Rajamäki beverage plant and alcohol museum

In this excursion you have an opportunity to go and explore the Finnish war history and the significance of alcohol production during WWII. The Factory and Alcohol Museum Rajamäen Ryyppi is a journey through the history of Finnish labor, industry, and alcohol culture.

Hard hike to the Finnish forest

In this excursion we will hike deep into the Finnish forest to practice outdoor skills, make food on a campfire and experience the unique Finnish right to roam!

Bus excursion to Porvoo

In this excursion we will visit the city of Porvoo and its surrounding areas. We will visit the Baltic coastline and archipelago, the famous old town of Porvoo and Finland’s biggest giant’s kettle site that was formed by the ice age!

Registration opening SOon, stay tuned <3!

Registration will open on 30th of December 2024. Be ready!!!

Can’t wait to see you in Finland! <3