SPbGASU employees and their families have a wonderful opportunity to relax on the shore of the Lehmalakhti Bay of Lake Ladoga in a historic mansion, which has become even more beautiful and comfortable after restoration work. We are talking about the departmental recreation camp "Berezovo", which operates all year round.

Over the long years of its existence, the camp has already hosted several generations of our university employees. Many of those who once came here, then choose this place for rest again. Deputy Head of the Human Resources Division Svetlana Goltsvart has already visited here twice.

“I was on holiday with my husband and teenage daughter. The first time we went there out of curiosity: it was interesting to see what the recreation camp at our university was like, how the historic cottage had been restored, what the nature was like in this place. That’s why we only planned one-day trip last July. We spent most of our time on the bay. Even the swings that my daughter had chosen had an amazing view of the lake. There was silence, calm and peace here. With such relaxation, the day flew by in an instant, and when we left, we already knew for sure that we would definitely come back here in August for a longer holiday. That’s what we did, and we are very happy about it,” said Svetlana Aleksandrovna.

According to her, they booked a room and bath, so thanks to the comfort and fresh air, beautiful nature, they had a pleasant experience and gained strength for a long time.

Head of the Department of Construction Mechanics Nikita Maslennikov recalls how he used to go for vacation in "Berezovo" as a child with his parents. Once, his father headed this department for a quarter of a century.

"I know this place well, but after years I wanted to visit it again, see how the cottage has changed after the work done, and just relax in nature. My wife and I invited two friends for the company, so we rented two rooms. We cooked shashlik, fortunately there is a barbecue zone here, and swam. The advantageous location of the recreation camp makes it possible to think over a meaningful, educational program of excursions both in the vicinity and over longer distances. In the village of Berezovo there is a Museum of Living History "Border Outpost". Priozersk is nearby, where there are many attractions, including the Korela Fortress, founded at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, Konevets Island, the courtyard of the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, from where, if desired, you can go with an excursion group to Valaam. The city has a well-maintained beach. Also nearby is Sortavala, the eco-park "Valley of Waterfalls". Thus, the recreation camp can become a base point for a pleasant trip. That's why my wife and I are planning to come here with our granddaughter. It's already a family tradition for us," said Nikita Aleksandrovich.

He is sure that the university management will continue improving the recreation camp. He would like an equipped place for swimming in the bay, improvement of the territory of the camp, a multifunctional hall for celebrations, expansion of the seating places in the kitchen and an increase in the number of household appliances there.

“Last year we already started improvement work: we fenced the area, built the necessary outbuildings, and outlined further plans in this direction,” said Vladimir Solovyev, SPbGASU Vice-Rector for Security and Administrative Work.

"Works on the comprehensive improvement of the territory are planned: the construction of a small beach on the southern - the sunniest shore, the layout of a network of pedestrian paths in the hard surface, the placement of separate areas for recreation, sports games and picnics. Landscaping of the territory is also planned. Decorative shrubs, seasonal flower arrangements should create additional coziness and comfort for vacationers. We consider it necessary to provide for a children's playground with modern play equipment," explained the chief architect, director of the SPbGASU design studio Svetlana Bochkareva.

"Berezovo" recreation camp