Volunteer with Us! Shared Effort, Shared Joy
Published: 09.04.2025
Merja Salonen and Piia Määttä are seasoned volunteers at orienteering events. (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
Summer, holidays, and nothing on your schedule? How about adding an active and fun-filled week with great people to your plans?
Kainuu Orienteering Week June 29 – July 4, 2025, Finland’s largest orienteering week, is still looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks. Even a small contribution can make a big difference – and no previous experience is needed. By joining us, you’ll become part of a warm, welcoming community made up of people of all ages. Together, we’ll help you find a volunteer task that suits you.
Piia Määttä and Merja Salonen are seasoned veterans in organizing orienteering events. These energetic and cheerful “superwomen” from the Kainuu Orienteering Week info team have committed themselves to being key volunteer drivers of orienteering events in the Sotkamo area – even in the longer term. After this summer’s event, their compasses are already pointing toward the legendary Jukola Relay 2027 in Vuokatti. We asked Piia and Merja to share their thoughts on volunteering – here’s what they had to say:
What keeps you coming back year after year?
Piia: It’s probably the sense of community that volunteering creates. I believe that when everyone contributes a little, it adds up to something great.
Merja: Orienteering is such a fantastic sport, and I’m happy to help make it happen for others. And honestly, it’s the familiar, relaxed, can-do group of volunteers (which warmly welcomes new people too!!!). We work hard to make the event a success, but we also have an incredible amount of fun doing it.
Do you have a memorable moment or event that stands out?
Piia: Maybe those early volunteering experiences, when I helped out as a kid with my parents – like the whole village coming together to harvest potatoes or handing out juice at ski races in Saukkovaara. Those moments taught me the value of working for the common good.
Merja: Some of my most memorable moments happened during those quiet early mornings at Tipas and Lakia-Jukola, when the race village slowly starts waking up on a competition day.
What advice would you give to first-time volunteers?
Piia: Be brave and try something new! You don’t need any special skills in advance – volunteering is a great way to learn.
Merja: First-timers are warmly welcomed and given proper guidance. If you’re even a little curious – come and join us!
Top 3 best things about volunteering?
Piia: 1. Working together 2. Friendly volunteer crew 3. That great feeling when the job’s done
Merja: 1. Getting to be part of the event from the organizer’s side 2. The volunteer spirit 3. A great way for young people to gain work experience
Piia Määttä and Merja Salonen point the way to the fells of Vuokatti – the destination for both Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 and the Jukola Relay 2027. (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
According to Jukka Liuha, Secretary General of the Kainuu Orienteering Week, there’s still need for volunteers especially for the kids’ area (Muksula), restaurant services, starting areas, Competition Centre supervision, and traffic control.
– Most tasks don’t require any special skills – just enthusiasm and a relaxed attitude will take you far. For example, in the restaurant area (cafeteria, lunch station, grill, vegetarian options, or treats), you don’t need a hygiene certificate – and there’s truly something for everyone, Liuha says.
Come be part of the energy and excitement of a major outdoor event!
We’re looking for YOU to help create an unforgettable race atmosphere – whether in the heart of the event center, deep in the forest (at drink stations, for example), or directing traffic in the parking areas. There’s also plenty to do before and after the event in setup and takedown crews. Whatever your interests or skills, our volunteer To-Do lists are sure to have something that fits.
Welcome to the beating heart of Kainuu Orienteering Week, the volunteer engine that powers a smooth, polished, and memorable experience for participants. Last year, our NPS (Net Promoter Score) for customer satisfaction reached a world-class level – 75 points! This year, we aim even higher. Together, we represent the best of Kainuu and Finland to the world.
Volunteer gear orders – shirts, hats, and more – are happening now! Register as a volunteer by Sunday, April 13, 2025 to secure volunteer wear in your size.
Welcome to Kainuu Orienteering Week in Vuokatti, Sotkamo – join us as an official volunteer!
