The Russian Geographical Society begins a competitive selection process for the forest camp of the youth project «Nature of Safety». The winners of the competition will travel to the Republic of Karelia from July 11 to 17, 2026. You can apply for participation in the competition until June 3.
The «Nature of Safety» project, which combines five thematic sessions in various natural conditions, is being implemented with the grant support of the Russian Geographical Society. It is aimed at creating a culture of safe behavior in the natural environment, developing tourism and expedition skills among young people, and popularizing domestic tourism.
The program participants will spend the first days at the base camp, where they will get acquainted with the basics of forest tourism. They will learn how to navigate using a map and compass, work with navigation, choose the right equipment and set up a camp site competently, and confidently organize their lives in a natural environment. The acquired skills will form the basis of the next stage.
Upon completion of the training, the team will travel through the Karelian taiga, during which all the acquired skills will need to be put into practice. The project participants will have to map a route, learn how to interact in a group, and make independent decisions in the wild. Special attention will be paid to ecology — responsible behavior in the forest, careful attitude of the traveler to the natural landscape.
An important part of the program will be the theory and practice of safety and first aid in the natural environment. Experienced instructors will explain how to act correctly in case of injury, how not to get lost in the forest, what to do if it does happen, what landmarks to use, how to give signals, how to search for lost people and interact with rescue services.
The winners of the competitive selection will live in cabins on the territory of a sports and recreation camp. Meals for them will be provided in the dining room, during hiking trips — in the form of dry rations.
Requirements for the participants of the competition: age 18 and up, absence of chronic illnesses, readiness for physical activity, discipline, ability to work in a team and under the guidance of instructors, high motivation to engage in active types of tourism, desire to participate in expeditions of the RGS.
The experience of participating in hikes, expeditions, and field work is welcome. It is mandatory to have hiking clothes and shoes, as well as personal travel equipment (a list will be provided by the organizer). It is necessary to get vaccinated and/or get insurance against tick-borne encephalitis.
For media volunteers, it is mandatory to have photo and video equipment, a prepared portfolio, and a willingness to transfer the footage (including raw files and edited videos) to the RGS within the time limit set by the project curator with the preservation of copyrights.
The project participants pay for travel to and from the gathering place (Petrozavodsk), accommodation, and meals outside the camp dates themselves.
Participants of the "Nature of Safety" project in 2025. Photo: Dmitry Khankhaev
The forest camp of the «Nature of Safety» project in 2026 is being implemented with the support of the Youth Center of the RGS of the Republic of Karelia.