Confirmation school (ripari) is a unique opportunity to reflect on life’s big questions

What matters to me? What do I believe in? What is God like?

 Ripari is a camp experience together, sharing thoughts and experiences, quiet moments, singing, games, and free time. Many make new friends for life. Confirmation school is part of many 15-year-olds’ Summer!

So what happens at ripari (Confirmation School)? 

You’ll learn new things about Christianity.

It includes learning modules and devotional moments where you pray and spend time with God.

Youth leaders (isoset) are an important part of confirmation school.
They are older youth who have completed confirmation school and youth leader training and help run the program.

You can attend Confirmation school in a city setting or at camp, often more in the countryside.
The whole process lasts about six months and includes the confirmation ceremony, which is a shared celebration with family and friends. Camp doesn't mean camping, ripari lodgings are in normal buildings.

How to sign up?

There is one Confirmation school in English, others are in Finnish.

The Enrollment is open 1.-31.10.2026 on this site. Go to Ilmoittaudu.
Most of the information about the Confirmation Schools is only in Finnish, so if you have any questions please contact Päivi or Emilia.
The Swedish Parish organizes also confirmation schools. You find them here on their web pageLinkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä.

First you have to choose the right ripari: Camp or city-based confirmation school?

• Camp life is communal. You eat, sleep, study, and spend free time together.
• Shared rules help everyone enjoy the experience. You follow schedules, sometimes go without phones, take care of your belongings, and respect others’ space.
• Independence is important. You take care of your hygiene, clothes, and gear.
• Feeling nervous? That’s normal. You can always ask instructors for support.
• It’s important to inform instructors about anything that might affect your camp experience, like illnesses or medications.

Types of Confirmation Schools:

Espoo parishes offer around 100 different confirmation schools. There’s a suitable option for everyone, including those with learning difficulties, disabilities, illnesses, or social challenges.

- Classic Camp – Traditional week-long camp with group activities.
- Theme Camp – Same base program as classic, but with a guiding theme throughout
- City Camp – No overnight stay; daily sessions in parish facilities.
- Other languages: English and Russia, Swedish
- Small Group Camp – For those needing a calmer environment and more personalized guidance.

Not a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church?

You can still attend confirmation school even if you’re not a member of the Lutheran Church or haven’t been baptized.
Confirmation is only for church members, but you can choose to join during the course.

Costs:

Classic: €180
Theme: €180–250
City: €70

Financial aid is available.

Joining with a Friend?

Use a friend code to ensure you’re placed in the same group. One person registers first and shares the code with up to two others.

Are you and adult, and interested in attending Adult Confirmation School:

Adult Confirmation Schools are available in group, camp, or private formats. Find more information here: Confirmation - Kirkko Espoossa, you can also contact us at: aikuisrippikoulu.espoo@evl.fiLinkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä 

Safety of confirmation schoolLinkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä

More information in Finnish

Contact information for Confirmation Schools in Espoo Evangelical Lutheran Parishes 

Confirmation School Coordinator Päivi Korppi – 040 702 6636, espoonriparit@evl.fi
Confimation School Educational Content Expert Johanna Hirsto – 050 340 2908, johanna.hirsto@evl.fi 

Espoo Cathedral Parish

Confirmation School Expert: Pentti Airaksinen – 040 531 1013 – pentti.airaksinen@evl.fi
Confirmation School Pastor: Miia Pekkarinen – 050 471 5417 – miia.pekkarinen@evl.fi

Meeting Locations: Initial meetings are held at Suvela, Kauklahti, Aurora and Kalajärvi Chapels, as well as the aPrish Hall of Espoo Cathedral.
Confirmation ceremonies are held in other churches due to renovations at Espoo Cathedral.

Leppävaara Parish  

Confirmation School Pastor:  Emilia Kallioniemi – 040 563 2322 – emilia.kallioniemi@evl.fi
Youth Worker Siiri Lehti – 050 438 0207 – siiri.lehti@evl.fi

Meeting Locations: Leppävaara includes areas around Sello shopping center, Karakallio, Perkkaa, Kilo, and Lintuvaara. Leppävaara confirmations are held at Leppävaara Church (Veräjäkallionkatu 2).

Espoonlahti Parish

Confirmation School Pastor Olli-Pekka Ylisuutari – 050 358 0956 – olli-pekka.ylisuutari@evl.fi
Youth Worker Max Kuvaja – 040 558 7855 – max.kuvaja@evl.fi

Meeting Locations: Espoonlahti includes Kivenlahti, Laurinlahti, Soukka, Saunalahti, Nöykkiö, Latokaski, Kaitaa, and Suvisaaristo. Espoonlahti confirmations are held at Espoonlahti Church (Kipparinkatu 8). Youth space “Sode” is in Soukka (Soukantie 13).

Tapiola Parish

Confirmation School Pastor: Erika Kallio – 040 547 1864 – erika.kallio@evl.fi
Youth Worker: Tuomas Merilahti – 050 432 4529 – tuomas.merilahti@evl.fi

Parish Areas: Tapiola includes Tapiola center, Otaniemi, Laajalahti, Mankkaa, and Westend. Tapiola meetings are held at Tapiola Church (Kirkkopolku 6), a well-known concrete building with space for large family gatherings.

Olari Parish

Confirmation School Secretary: Päivi Korppi – 050 516 6423 – riparit.olarinseurakunta@evl.fi
Confirmation School Pastor: Antti Hirsto – 050 432 5189 – antti.hirsto@evl.fi

Parish Areas: Olari includes Olari, Kuitinmäki, Friisilä, Matinkylä, Nuottaniemi, Tiistilä, Haukilahti, Henttaa, Niittykumpu, Suurpelto, and Tontunmäki. Olari meetings are held at Olari Church and Chapple (Iso Omena).