The Trailblazers’ Camp July 6-19. 2026
Development Centre Opinkirjo lauches along with J. Hyneman Center a new summer school for upper secondary students in Lappeenranta.
The Trailblazers’ Camp is an exclusive international summer school designed for high-performing upper secondary students from around the world.
The camp focuses on entrepreneurial skills within the start-up ecosystem, with particular emphasis on global challenges related to sustainability, the future economy, and climate action.
This hands-on camp combines the relaxed atmosphere of South-Eastern Finland with high-level scientific expertise provided by LUT University. LUT University ranks among the world’s top 30 universities in climate action (THE Impact Rankings, SDG 13), and LUT Business School is ranked 11th globally in research quality (THE World University Rankings by Subject).
The Trailblazers’ Camp is particularly well suited for IB students who are planning or conducting research-based work such as the Extended Essay. The program offers structured academic guidance, access to university-level research environments, and opportunities to develop inquiry, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Students work on real-world sustainability and entrepreneurship challenges while strengthening skills essential for IB success, including independent research, reflection, and international collaboration.
The camp is hosted on the LUT Campus in Skinnarila, close to Lake Saimaa. It offers an authentic Finnish summer experience, including leisure activities such as rowing, canoeing, swimming, sauna, and lake cruises. Participants will even have the opportunity to incorporate the lake itself into a music composition!
Accommodation is provided in LOAS student apartments. Meals are served four times a day at the campus restaurant, and packed meals will be provided for excursions. Participants are insured for accidents and sudden illnesses during the camp. Insurance for personal belongings and travel must be arranged individually by each participant.A certificate of participation will be awarded jointly by Development Centre Opinkirjo and LUT University.
The all-inclusive participation fee is €3,980 (including taxes). The first installment of €2,000 is payable upon acceptance to the camp in April. The remaining €1,980 is payable in June.
APPLICATION LETTER
Applicants must submit an open application letter describing their motivation for participating in the camp and their expectations. A maximum of 20 students will be selected.
Applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 2026. Motivation letters should be addressed to: Executive Director, Dr. Minna Riikka Järvinen, Development Centre Opinkirjo. Dr. Järvinen chairs the selection committee.
For further information and the detailed program, please contact: Dr. Minna Riikka Järvinen, minnariikka.jarvinen[]opinkirjo.fi