"You can leave MY Camp but MY Camp will never leave you!"
These were the words that the MY Campers heard on Monday and again on Friday during the festive MY Camp Gala. The difference was that during the five days in between they had learned what the words actually stood for.
The hard work that started in April had finally reached its end on Friday when the Campers, dressed to impress, presented their project works to each other and prestigious guests in the audience, among them ambassadors from a few of the countries represented at the camp.
Water
Water team after MY Camp Gala. Photo: Sakari Tolppanen.
Download the Water team’s project poster: Challenging conventional methods in the urban hydrological cycle.
Applied Mathematics
Applied Maths team sightseeing in Helsinki. Photo: Elisa Lautala.
Download the Applied Mathematics team’s project poster: Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.
ICT
ICT team after Millennium Prize Ceremony. Photo: Sakari Tolppanen.
Download the ICT team’s project poster: Increasing literacy in developing countries through ICT.
Renewable Natural Resources and Energy
Renewable Natural Resources and Energy team sightseeing in Porvoo. Photo: Elisa Lautala.
Climate Change
Climate Change team and weather radar on the roof of Physics building of University of Helsinki. Photo: Elisa Lautala.
Download the Climate Change team’s project poster: Microscopic particles, macroscale impact.
During the ceremony, MY Campers Valeria Staneva from Bulgaria and Tiberiu Puican from Romania spoke on behalf of all the campers. “I can’t really believe that these seven days have already passed. Seven amazing days that I’ll surely remember the rest of my life, and after many years we will remember each other,” said Tiberiu in his speech.
Tiberiu Puican giving his speech. Photo: Sakari Tolppanen.
“We could also meet the Millennium Prize Laureates Mr. Linus Torvalds and Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, ask questions and get in exchange life lessons that will actually help us,” he added.
After the Gala, there was still time for a bit more informal evening at the hotel. The guides had rehearsed a hilarious parody of the singing and dancing performed at the Millennium Prize Ceremony and all the campers were awarded once more, now with souvenirs, Angry Birds and titles that suited their personality or appearance.
And as it is traditional for MY Camp, also the Smiley Girl and Boy of MY Camp 2012 got their silver pins…
The smilers of MY Camp 2012: Ivan Tadeu Ferreira Antunes Filho and Varika Shukla. Photos: Elisa Lautala.
Who are the 2012 MY Campers? Have a look at their profiles at MY Camp Profiles.
Check out also the MY Camp Video Channel on Vimeo and MY Camp Photo Collection on Flickr.
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.