Finnish residential school trips decline sharply as costs shift to parents

Residential school trips in Finland have dropped by nearly half in less than a decade, with the number of overnight stays at Nuorisokeskus Piispala in Kannonkoski falling from over 15,000 in 2017 to around 8,700 this year, according to a report by national broadcaster Yle.

The decline reflects broader national trends, driven by municipal budget cuts, fewer children, and stricter school policies limiting overnight excursions. Eija Pietilä, executive director of the Finnish Youth Centre Association, cited cost-saving measures and teacher workload concerns as key factors behind some municipalities restricting trips beyond a set distance from schools.

Trips have also grown shorter, with the typical duration shrinking from week-long stays to just two or three days. Pietilä noted that financial responsibility—including fundraising and volunteer efforts—has increasingly shifted from schools to parents, many of whom lack time for unpaid labor. “Some parents would rather pay directly than participate in fundraising, which reduces volunteer numbers and deepens inequality,” she said.

Semi Nuorala, director of Nuorisokeskus Piispala, confirmed the steep drop in bookings, with class visits falling from 255 in 2017 to 166 this year. “The market has clearly changed,” he told Yle, though he emphasized the enduring educational value of trips, from collaborative planning to group bonding. To offset losses, Piispala has expanded partnerships with parishes, particularly for confirmation camps.

The Finnish Youth Centre Association is pushing to enshrine residential trips as a right for all fifth graders in the next government program, arguing that early experiences in teamwork and independence yield lifelong benefits. “For many children, it’s their first time away from home in a structured group setting,” Pietilä said. “Those social skills carry forward for decades.”