EÕM60
60 years of youth work and activity camps in Estonia and Pärnu County
10 October 2026 – 31 January 2027
The new exhibition “EÕM60” at Pärnu Museum marks the 60th anniversary of the Estonian Youth Work and Activity Camp. It explores the development of youth work and activity camps and six decades of camp life in Pärnu County: from first work experiences and daily life together to camp songs, reunions and friendships that endure to this day.
For many young people, youth work and activity camps have offered their first chance to earn their own money, try living independently and learn to share responsibility with others. The exhibition brings together the history of the Estonian Youth Work and Activity Camp and the experiences of camp participants and group leaders in Pärnu County. Photographs, group outfits, camp uniforms, diaries and songbooks offer a glimpse into the participants’ working routines and how they spent their free time together.
Visitors can listen and sing along, browse old diaries and songbooks, and take a photograph of themselves beside the reunion tent. Handmade group outfits, song sheets and photographs reveal the young people’s inventiveness and their sense of belonging to their group. Alongside camp weddings and reunions, the exhibition shares stories of former camp participants who have gone on to become group leaders and camp organisers.
Creators: Katrin Kohjus, Valter Parve and Mati Sutt
Designer: Haide Rannakivi
Coordinator: Svea Volmer-Galland
Contributors: Hanna-Katri Uutsalu, Margus Tomp, Kristjan Aariste and Merilin Mäe
With thanks to: Arvo Tomson and Arvo Saat
The exhibition was supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.