Center for Youth and Public Initiatives: International Youth Leader Academy Camp
(Summer 2004)

Karelian AWARD is part of International Award, which is a self-development programme available to young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Since its establishment in 1955, over 5 million young people from over 110 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. The main goal of the youth camp organized under this project was to strengthen and expand Karelian youth participation in the International Award Programme.

A total of 140 Russian youth, ages 14-25 years from different socio-economic backgrounds, participated in the week-long camp. Camp activities were designed to develop participants´ skills in problem solving, risk assessment and tolerance between cultures. Some international participants from Finland, Estonia and Malta also took part in the camp which encouraged international communication skills and the development of cross-border friendships. At the conclusion of the camp, an AWARD Presentation ceremony was held at which participants received bronze, silver or gold awards. HRH Prince Edward of the United Kingdom attended the ceremony and presented the awards to the Karelian youth.