Scholarships available for Finnish language camp Copper Country area winners of last year's Salolampi Finnish Language Camp scholarships pose with the Finnish flag. (Photo courtesy Jim Kurtti) HANCOCK ’Äì Area youth ages seven to seventeen interested in learning Finnish language and culture have a unique opportunity to do so in June and July, thanks to language-camp scholarships being offered to youth of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon counties.   In an effort boost Keweenaw Peninsula participation in Concordia College’Äôs Finnish language village, Salolampi, several scholarships have been made available to area students. Preference will be given to first-time applicants. The scholarships reduce the cost of the camp considerably. Located on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minnesota, Salolampi is one of twelve language villages conducted by Concordia College. It is considered one of the most successful.    What language villagers should expect   When you arrive at Salolampi, with passport in hand, you will check in at the border, go through tulli (customs) where tullitarkastajat (border guards) will check your luggage for kieltotavaraa (contraband) ’Äì any English language books or tapes, or American food you may have brought. Don’Äôt worry!  It will all be returned to you when the session is over. You’Äôll exchange your money for Finnish markkoja and choose a Finnish name to use during your stay.   You’Äôll meet your ohjaajat (counselors), native Finns or Americans who have lived in Finland or have studied the Finnish language extensively. They’Äôll help your transition into this Finnish community and answer any questions you may have about the village, Finland or the Finnish language.   You don’Äôt need to know Finnish when you come to Salolampi. This mini-Finland is set up to help you learn it. Your morning may begin with folk singing, crafts, games or sports like jalkapallo (soccer), pesˆ§pallo (Finnish baseball), kyykkˆ§ (a type of lawn bowling) or lentopallo (volleyball). Mealtimes and transactions at the kioski (store), pankki (bank) and the posti (post office) are all opportunities to make the Finnish language an integral part of village life.   You’Äôll find elements of culture as well as language during your stay at Salolampi.  You’Äôll have a chance to celebrate Juhannus (Midsummer) and Joulu (Christmas) and to learn about Finnish holiday traditions. You may want to read a book from Finland or to row a Finnish boat. Of course, you’Äôll have plenty of opportunities to experience a real Finnish sauna.   A few scholarships are still available, but the deadline for applications is Saturday, April 28. Interested youth can apply by contacting Jim Kurtti at 487-7302 or by visiting the Finnish American Reporter offices, 437 Quincy Street, Hancock (on the second floor of North Wind Books). Send e-mail inquires to: editor@finnishamericanreporter.com. For more information about the Finnish language camp, click here for the Salolampi Web site.