Summer Camp at Sillamäe

This July, the European College of Polytechnics in partnership with the  EUCP MTÜ, Sillamäe Museum and the Sillamäe City Government brought together curious and creative young people for a unique summer experience. From July 7–11, 2025, the camp was transformed into a living laboratory of the past, a playground for storytelling, and a canvas for imagining the green future.

Each day of the camp was built around a theme deeply rooted in Sillamäe’s history, allowing participants to explore local heritage through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, artistic creation, planting, and cultural exchange.

Exploring early Sillamäe and culinary traditions

The week began with the question: What was here before the city we know? Campers journeyed back to Sillamäe’s earliest days as a coastal trade route hub. In the morning, they examined old maps and trade artifacts, learning how Sillamäe’s location connected people, goods, and cultures.

But history wasn’t just read—it was tasted. Young participants dove into food traditions of the past, learning the Estonian vocabulary used in historical cooking and food preparation. With the support of museum educators, they got their hands flour-dusted in a lively discussion about ancient meals and seasonal eating.

In the afternoon, the energy shifted as the living history group “Loki Rebased” arrived. With traditional clothing, tools, and endless enthusiasm, the group led medieval games, storytelling circles, and hands-on workshops where kids wove, shaped, and played like it was the 10th century.

Fishing traditions and practical ecology

If the first day was about land and trade, the second was a deep dive into Sillamäe’s maritime past. Participants learned about the fishing village of Türsmäe, the lives of coastal communities, and how the rhythm of the sea shaped local culture.

The morning began with scientific curiosity—studying local fish species and their place in the ecosystem. Campers learned how to identify different types of fish, explored the fishing-related vocabulary used both historically and today, and even shared family stories about fishing trips and sea life.

But the highlight of the day was unmistakable: each participant crafted their own fishing rod using natural materials and simple tools. By midday, the group set off to a nearby fishing spot to test their skills and patience. For many, it was a first—a connection between old ways of life and a present-day thrill.

Sillamäe as a 19th-century resort town

On Wednesday, Sillamäe’s forgotten identity as a 19th-century summer getaway took center stage. Campers explored how the city once attracted visitors with its healing air, green gardens, and cultural gatherings.

The day began in the museum’s historic garden. With clipboards and magnifying glasses, participants became plant detectives—identifying herbs, labeling species, and researching their medicinal or decorative uses. Each plant was given a hand-made tag with its name, care needs, and a creative description.

Then, stepping into the shoes of 19th-century vacationers, the group joined a traditional samovar tea ceremony, complete with historical etiquette and storytelling. They played traditional outdoor games that sparked laughter and light-hearted competition.

Creativity capped the day, as campers walked down to the Sillamäe Promenade for a hands-on soap-making workshop. Using herbs they had studied earlier, they crafted their own natural soaps—learning both a historical skill and a modern ecological practice.

Post-war Sillamäe and urban greening

Thursday took a thoughtful turn as campers stepped into the mid-20th century—a time when Sillamäe was reimagined as a post-war garden city. They discussed what makes a "garden city," studied post-war architecture, and learned vocabulary related to urban planning and greenery.

Armed with this knowledge, the young participants returned to the museum park with fresh eyes. They created plant passports, photographing and documenting flowers and shrubs, and producing new labels that explained their importance and symbolism.

In an impromptu photo contest, each camper chose a favorite plant or scene to capture with their own artistic style. These images became part of the final day’s exhibit, showing how the city’s landscape can be both beautiful and meaningful.

Reflection, exhibition, and celebration

The final day was all about looking forward. Campers were invited to think about how history, environment, and community values could help shape Sillamäe’s future. Working in small teams, they curated a mini-exhibition that brought together their notes, photos, soap creations, plant labels, and fishing tales.

Each team presented their vision of a future Sillamäe—whether it was a greener city park, a revived community garden, or new ways to preserve local history through youth action.

The camp ended with a joyful celebration, where participants received certificates, enjoyed music and snacks, and most importantly, reflected on a week of learning, laughter, and discovery.

A community collaboration that made it all possible

This camp was part of the Urban Farming Lab initiative by the European College of Polytechnics, in collaboration with EUCP MTÜ, the Sillamäe Museum, and with generous support from the Sillamäe City Government.

The experience empowered young people to engage with their surroundings, ask big questions, and create connections—between past and present, tradition and imagination of sustainable future.