The sixth Enerhack camp was held in Tallinn University of Technology at the beginning of January. This time the camp was aimed only to girls aged 7 to 18. The 400 tech-savvy girls that participated experienced hands-on what is heat and electricity and how to generate energy from renewable sources.
The camp program combines theoretical and practical learning. Practical experiments took place in TalTech's laboratories, where participants explored heat, electricity and tested renewable energy technologies. The theoretical lectures provided knowledge how to carry out practical work on thermal energy, electricity and green solutions.
Guest lecturers were inspiring female engineers who shared stories from their daily lives and work in engineering. They highlighted how exciting and challenging engineer’s profession can be. A fun and educational orienteering game around the TalTech campus was also part of the agenda to familiarise participants with the university environment. Daily chess sessions and friendly competitions offered a change of pace and helped develop strategic thinking.
The joy of hands-on work
Girls were particularly interested in a hands-on renewable energy workshop where they built models of wind turbines. A simulation of the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings was also popular, showing how small changes can save big energy costs.
"It is extremely important to encourage girls to enter the fields of engineering and technology. The Enerhack camp proves that young people are curious and ready to dive into challenging but exciting topics. This is the best way to inspire future engineers and scientists," said Igor Krupenski, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Energy Technology and chief organiser of the camp.
The camp opening ceremony was led by the Rector of Tallinn University of Technology, Tiit Land; the Dean of the School of Engineering Fjodor Sergejev; the Director of the Department of Energy Technology Alar Konist. Guest lecturers included Signe Riisalo, Minister of Social Protection; Aleksei Jašin, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn; Darja Saar, Head of the Energy Discovery Centre, and representatives of Estonia's largest energy companies.
Science and technology in vogue!
The girls attending the camp were impressed by the diversity of engineering life and the wide range of career opportunities. Enerhack energy camps have already inspired over 3000 young people in Estonia and beyond, offering them a chance to discover the exciting world of engineering and technology. In 2024, the Estonian Research Council recognised Enerhack Camp in the category "Activities/Series of Activities in the Promotion of Science and Technology".
The next Enerhack Camp will take place from June 30 to July 12 2025 and is open for both boys and girls. Registration will start in early June and 800 children from all over Estonia are expected to participate.