Descrizione

Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space. Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also through the daily care and attention given to them by those who value their existence.

Work

The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.

Partner

Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses ́ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.

Location

Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries. The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex. The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles, ensuring that Lohra Castle is maintained not just as a historical monument but as a living environment where culture and nature coexist. The castle is surrounded by a vast natural protected area, making its preservation an effort that combines aspects of cultural and natural heritage conservation. Through their contributions, volunteers help safeguard the balance between history and nature, keeping Lohra Castle a welcoming place for future generations of visitors, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.

Accomodation

shared rooms with 2 – 5 beds in 3 guest houses, warm shower (limited hot water), 1 camp kitchen (cold water), coal-burning stoves

Meeting point

Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)

Work

Women in the Great Greek Tragedies We explore from the character “Medea” by Euripides.Rejected for being a woman, a foreigner and from another religion. Acting training: microtheater and monologue: the one-person show. Writing and Dramaturgy of “Medea”, based on Raquel Bazo’s version of the original by Euripides. Rehearsals, staging, wardeobe, characterization. Performances to the public, on 30 and 31 july, in “Pórtico del Foro” Production in Agusto en Mérida, part of the International Classical Theater of Merida. Assistance to technical and human staff during the performances (sound and lighting, box office, seating) Attendance to other groups rehearsals and performances. This training will be given by profesionals specialised in theatre and classical culture. Participants must be involved in an active way, taking into account theur creative and/or artistic abilities. Training will be given at C.C. Alcazaba. Participants must bring with them brown or black sandals (like the “slaves” ones: without platform nor decorations) Information will be previously sent to participants via mail.

Partner

The Institute for Youth of Extremadura is the regional governement department responsible for youth policies. We work to provide young people with information about different programmes aimed at youth which are coordinated by other government departments. In this volunteer camp, we cooperate with the Board of Merida's International Classical Theatre Fetiival, celebrated every summer. Our volunteer camp has become part of the Festival agenda.

Location

WORKING SESSIONS Sessions will be organised in three big parts: • Theorical-practical theatre training • Rehearsals of the scenes that will come out of the searching, exploring and creative process around the figure of Medea, Jasón, Creusa, Creonte, etc. • Performances in small format/microtheater Theater specialised instructors won't be accompaning participants, there will be a english specialised instructor to do that task and help in communication.

Accomodation

MÉRIDA HOSTEL: “De luxe Hostels Suite” Calle Marquesa de Pinares, 32b, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz. Telephone: (+34) 924 57 70 03 • First service on arrival – dinner • Last service on departure - breakfast Facilities: 2 floors, with 60 beds distributed in 20 rooms: six, quadruple, triple and double rooms. Common use area, cafeteria and small outdoor spa. Spacious rooms. Common room with television. Free Wifi through out the hotel.24-hour reception and cafeteria. There is also as wimmingpool for communal use.

Requirements

English / Spanish

Meeting point

Date: 21 th of July Time: 18:00 hours Place: At the Mérida Hostel "DeluxeHostels&Suite" Calle Marquesa de Pinares, 32b, 06800 Mérida (Badajoz).

Notes:

ACTIVITIES TO DO • Acting and classical greek and latin declamation training. • Staging rehearsals • Performances. Part of Agusto en Mérida, on the 30th and 31th july. • Rehearsals attendance. • To performances taking place in Agusto en Mérida • Attendance to performances. • Performances taking place in Agusto en Mérida. • Performances taking place in the Roman Theater. • Attendance to press conferences • Yinkana around the city. • Guided visits to archeological sites: Roman Theater and Amphitheater of Mérida, National Roman Art Museum, Arab alcazaba, Roman Domus, Roman circus, etc.

Work

Guanglong Community is located in the southeastern part of Taiping District at the foot of Chelongpu Mountain Range. It is bordered to the north by Xinglong Village, to the south by Yonglong Village, and to the west by Changyi Village, with the Toubiankeng River serving as the natural boundary. With an area of 3.1059 square kilometers, it is a village that was reborn after experiencing the horrible quake happened in Sep. 21st 1999.This project aims to provide a meaningful holiday experience by pairing volunteers with children in need of guidance and support in their learning journey. Participants will engage in activities such as reading, tutoring, and creative workshops, fostering an encouraging environment for the kids growth and development. Aims:Taiping District is a peripheral area of Taichung City, and Guanglong. Village is a quiet community located in the Chelongpu region of Taiping.Due to the scarcity and unequal distribution of resources, children have limited access to education, particularly in English learning environments. Faced with these challenges, the local community still lacks a comprehensive understanding of its own culture and social values.To address these issues, we aim to host a workcamp in Guanglong, fostering global understanding, sparking children s interest in learning, and enhancing their English abilities through in-depth interactions between local residents and international youth.Project Objectives:1.Enrich learning experiences in Guanglong by introducing new companionship programs led by both global and local volunteers.2.Promote friendship, understanding, and cultural exchange by involving local residents and international volunteers in agricultural activities.3.Lay the foundation for children s international perspective and inspire their diverse creative abilities.4.International Culinary Exchange: Enriching the culinary experiences of community residents by learning and sharing cooking techniques from different countries. More about Guanglong Communtiy: https://youtu.be/4xe9DVG7e_cW:1. Teaching English: participants will engage with children in schools to teach English, using interactive methods to make learning fun and effective. 2. Play and Interaction: participants will spend time playing games and engaging with the children in various recreational activities to promote social skills and emotional development.3. Cultural Exchange: participants will engage in cultural exchange activities with local children and families, sharing their own cultures and learning about Taiwanese traditions and values.4. Community Exploration and Resource Regeneration: Engaging children and youth in community fieldwork and farming experiences to collect discarded wood, which is then recycled into ornaments and useful community-themed items.

Partner

Guang-Long Community Development Association

Location

No. 1, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung CityGuanglong is a simple village located in the rural area of Chelongpu, Taiping District, Taichung City, in central Taiwan.GM65306;https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJk4DnYhhJq3Ncnf8Leisure Activities: 1-National Museum of Natural Science:Located at No. 1, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung City, the museum offers a variety of exhibitions covering astronomy, physics, geology, biology, and more. You can visit the Future Technology Fantasia exhibition to learn about the development trends of future technologies. 2-Taichung Yizhong Street: Situated in the North District of Taichung City, Yizhong Street is a well-known hotspot for food and shopping. You can taste a variety of local Taiwanese night market snacks.

Accomodation

Group will stay in Guanglong Activity Center. Participants need to bring own Sleeping Bag. Food will be provided by local residents, but participants will still have opportunity to be the chef and cook together during the cultural exchange activities related to local cuisine as part of the children s companionship and learning.

Requirements

1. Anyone who is interested in wooden art, food, and accompanying children in learning experiences can participate in volunteer service.2. Encourage volunteers to bring back small traditional folk arts

Meeting point

More detail info will be described within infosheet.

Notes:

1. Anyone who is interested in wooden art, food, and accompanying children in learning experiences can participate in volunteer service. 2. Encourage volunteers to bring back small traditional folk arts

Work

During the camp volunteers will do many different activities, from planting an alley of flowers and mowing the lawns, to sanding and painting wooden sculptures in the local park, then prepare the ground for the new statue in the Memorial Park. In the landscape house, for wooden objects protective material will be used in order to preserve the texture. If time allows, there will be a space to create new totems and put them in the park. Also, this year the volunteers will help in making of 5m high vantage point.

Partner

The Association Sabo Denes works in the field of culture, youth and tourism. Particularly, they are aiming to share interculturalism within youth in the area, organize charity actions and nature conservation. Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.

Location

Totovo Selo is a picturesque village with almost completely Hungarian population in the Kanjiža municipality, in the North Banat District, Vojvodina province. It is surrounded by natural beauty with beautiful fields and friendly hosts. Settlement was founded at the end of the 19th century. The name "Totovo Selo" (literally- Tot's village) comes from Tót József, at that time (at the threshold of the 20th century) wealthy local landlord, who donated 72 houses without any compensation dividing his property among his wage-earners and workers. One of the most interesting attractions there is the model of the Danube, which is built together with the former participants of the camp. In the village there are 5 parks, a barn, an autochthonous Hungarian breed of sheep and a farmhouse. In the village, there are few festivals that are organized every year (a kettle and brandy festival, a festival of folk customs, to mention just those...). Few excursions to the surrounding places and towns will be organized (including going to the beach at river Tisa). Please bring a positive attitude, meeting people from other cultures of this Serbian-Hungarian village is really important to the host.

Accomodation

The accommodation will be in a local boarding house in rooms with 2-5 beds and a bathroom. Bedding is provided. Meals are provided in the dining hall of the local centre, 3 times a day. Also, the dinners will be made with the help of everyone in the courtyard of the boarding house, with local traditional food. Keep in mind that there might probably be a very limited internet connection, but we will see what can be done to use it from the locals without their permission (no, no, we will try to find alternatives, don't worry).

Requirements

No specific requirements needed, but if you want to have your life easier bring sunscreen, adequate clothes and mosquito repellent as it gets hot and humid during the summer.

Meeting point

Subotica is the biggest city nearby. From there, the local buses and the trains go to Totovo selo. Details about the schedules of the means of transport will be put in the Infosheet.

Descrizione

The « Mother Teresa of Calcutta » reception center in Kpalimé, is one of the local partners with which ASTOVOT carries out social projects. The patients welcomed by the sisters of this center are mostly in poverty or abandoned, therefore without family to care for them. This volunteering project aims to offer moral support and allows volunteers to bring their compassion and love to sick and vulnerable people by participating in different activities which contribute to improving their physical and mental health. The objective is to promote the well-being of residents and provide them with company, entertainment and activities well suited to their situation.

Work

Companionship and active listening: Volunteers would spend time with residents by offering them moments of exchange, discussion or board games to combat loneliness and offer personal attention. Help with daily tasks: Help residents with their daily tasks, such as going to the dining room, organizing their personal spaces, or assisting them with specific needs such as shopping. Creative and recreational workshops : Organize painting, music, gardening or craft workshops to stimulate the senses and creativity of residents. This would also encourage them to break out of their routine. Cleaning and maintenance of the center: Volunteers will help keep the center clean and pleasant by participating in light maintenance tasks and beautifying common areas.

Partner

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Location

Kpalimé, located about 1h30 from Lomé, is a true natural setting. In southwestern Togo, the region surrounding the city is both lush and fertile, bordered by forested hills, deep valleys and agricultural villages. Kpalimé is also the main craft center of the country, welcoming many artists and artisans: wood carvers, batikers, potters, weavers and gourd makers. “Nature” walks and hikes allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, mainly focused on agriculture.

Accomodation

Housing conditions are simple and adapted to each project site. Volunteers are housed in rooms of three or four, with the mix depending on the organization of the groups. Depending on the location, dry toilets and waterless showers may be used. The association provides plastic or foam mats, and volunteers can bring their own sleeping bags if necessary. Drinking water is available on site, but access to electricity and the Internet may be limited due to power cuts and difficulties accessing the network. During the work, volunteers will prepare their own meals. An internal organization will distribute domestic tasks, including cooking, alternating between the groups. The food products used will be a mixture of local, imported and sometimes organic products. Each volunteer's diet will be considered when preparing meals. Additionally, volunteers will have access to a variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.

Requirements

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Meeting point

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Work

Re:nember them! In this workcamp you can get involved in the preservation of the former Nazi women's concentration camp Ravensbrück. Study part: Join us for the first week to get to know the Ravensbrück Memorial and its history. We will deal intensively and artistically with biographies of imprisoned women and survivors who were imprisoned in the Ravensbrück concentration camp and afterwards in the subcamp Waldbaulager, which is part of the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Work part: Various maintenance works in the exterior of the memorial and the collections.

Partner

The former women's concentration camp Ravensbrück was built in 1939 near the small town of Fürstenberg/Havel. Until its liberation in April 1945, over 120,000 women and children, 20,000 men and 1,000 underage young women from the so-called "Uckermark Youth Protection Camp" were imprisoned there. The prisoners came from more than 40 nations. They had to perform forced labor in various sectors, e.g. for SS factories or the Siemens company. Their daily lives were marked by hunger, mistreatment and poor hygienic conditions. Tens of thousands of prisoners were killed. Today, the Ravensbrück Memorial preserves traces and records, promotes remembering and research, and creates a place for active learning and encounters. Every year, international work camps are organized in cooperation with the memorial. www.ravensbrueck-sbg.de

Location

Brandenburg small town in lake and river landscape, possibility of canoeing, cycling and swimming, by train in one hour in Berlin and train connection to the Baltic Sea.

Accomodation

You will live in a shared rooms in the youth hostel on the grounds of the memorial in the former houses of the concentration camp wardens. Full board, simple meals. Please indicate food allergies, etc. when registering.

Meeting point

You can use googlemaps to navigate yourself to the hostel: Str. d. Nationen 3, 16798 Fürstenberg/Havel

Work

The main task of this workcamp is the reconstruction of the historical wall that once was the edge of the horse stable of the property. The work of reconstructing a wall is not too exhausting and is suitable for all ages; patience and determination are key qualities. Tasks include repairing joints with crumbling mortar, replacing stones that were removed due to overgrown vegetation, and performing minor maintenance work such as painting windows, pruning overgrowth around the building, collecting and transporting waste to a container, and digging trenches. Working boots are essential, and we recommend taking a headlamp or other flashlight.

Partner

This workcamp is organized in cooperation with the Association for the Renovation of the Brewery in Janovice. In 2018 the association took over a 200-year-old neglected brewery in the village of Janovice, northern Moravia. The workcamp aims to reconstruct, revitalize, and clean up the old brewery to fulfill the association’s long-term goal—transforming it into a cultural center for the residents of Janovice. While the brewery’s renovation is an ongoing process, volunteers this year won’t be directly involved in ground breaking or community defining moments. Instead, they will have the opportunity to connect with local professionals and enthusiasts who support the project. Through these interactions, volunteers will experience the community from a different perspective, engage in cultural exchange, and gain insight into the town’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: The workcamp takes place in Janovice near Rymarov in a protected landscape area of the Jeseniky mountains. Janovice is a small village with 670 inhabitants located in the foothills of Praded Mountain (the highest peak of Jeseniky Mountains). There is a grocery store in the village and a good phone reception everywhere. The closest ATMs and pharmacies are located in the nearby town of Rymarov. Leisure time: The foothills of the Jeseníky Mountains are home to many remarkable sites, though most require some travel. Highlights include Karlova Studánka, a unique mountain spa with well-preserved 18th-century architecture; Sovinec Castle; Praděd, the highest mountain in Moravia; and the largest waterfalls in northern Moravia. For those looking to stay closer, there are plenty of scenic spots within walking distance that offer breathtaking mountain panoramas. Additionally, on the chateau grounds, visitors can explore an exhibition by the National Heritage Institute inside the chateau building. Study part: Volunteers will start the workcamp with the workshop "Historic Stone Wall Restoration". There will be the possibility to have a guided tour of the castle including a tour around the brewery, visit the local museum, the brocade production exhibition, or the region's outstanding Baroque sacred monument. The local partner will organize a meeting with the local community. For example, you might get the chance to meet a local sculptor, a teacher, a jewelry maker using a 3D printer, or even a world champion in whip cracking!

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in an apartment directly in the brewery. The apartment consists of a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a bathroom with a shower and 2 toilets. Volunteers can sleep in the living room or there is also another smaller bedroom. Volunteers will sleep together, some on mattresses with blankets and pillows, others on sleeping mats in sleeping bags. Bring your sleeping bag and a mat (a small pillow is always useful). The washing machine, dryer, hairdryer, shower gels and shampoos are available. Wifi is also available. The volunteers will cook the meals together in the fully equipped kitchen from the provided ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian meals are possible.

Requirements

The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.

Meeting point

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to ge to the meeting point: From the airport take the trolleybus line number 59 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take Regiojet train RJ 1007 towards Havirov at 11:50 and get off at 13:40 in Zabreh nad Morave. Change to train Os3724 towards Kouty n. Desnou at 14:08, and get off in Sumperk at 14:26. Then walk 5min to catch a bus 920 towards Ostrava from Sumperk bus station at 14:35. Get off the bus on the stop Rymarov Janovice Zamek at 15:26. Please note that it takes close to 4 hours to get there from Prague. The exact info will be provided in the infosheet.

Notes:

Requirements: Bring a sleeping bag and a mat ( a little pillow can be useful) . We also recommend packing a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp (or any torch) and a hat. Notes: Beware of allergies: dust. The workcamp is open to everyone, the work can be adjusted to accommodate everyone’s physical ability.

Work

Zhongli District in Taoyuan City was originally settled by the Hakka people. The valley formed by a stream was called Li in the Hakka language, and the location surrounded by Laojie River and Xinjie River was named Jianzai . During the Japanese colonial period, the area was renamed Zhongli Street , which became the main road connecting the north and south.The area near the Laojie River(32769;34903;28330;) is known as the Laojie District , and it is home to Japanese-style buildings, century-old shops, Hakka culture, and the Laojie River which has greatly influenced the local way of life. Unfortunately, with the passing of time, many local youths and immigrants are no longer familiar with the historical context of this area. In order to preserve this unique cultural heritage, we hope to raise awareness and interest in the history of Zhongli Laojie District and achieve the goal of cultural preservation.Host Organization Chung Yuan Christian University(20013;21407;22823;23416;) is built upon the principles of Christian love for the world. With unwavering faith, hope, and love, we strive to advance higher education. To encourage our teachers and students to engage with society through Love and Professionalism , and to empower our students to integrate their knowledge into action through Learning by Doing , the University established the Office of Service Learning Project in March 2007. This project was later renamed the Service Learning Center in March 2008, with the purpose of promoting service-learning courses and projects in a systematic and ongoing manner. The Center also encourages our students to participate in social services, fulfill their civic responsibilities, and develop their core competencies for future employment.In 2019, we expanded our efforts by taking over the Taolien Youth Volunteer Service Center from the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education. Our goal is to create a youth-friendly volunteer service platform in Taoyuan and collaborate with schools, associations, and organizations to encourage the youth to participate in volunteer services and elevate the energy of youth volunteerism in Taoyuan.Our website65306; https://sl.cycu.edu.twAims:1.To foster cultural exchange between local and international youth, and promote an appreciation for the history and culture of Zhongli Laojie District.2.To facilitate the sharing of diverse international cultures and broaden children s global perspectives.Achievements over the past year:1.Since 2017, Chung Yuan University Service-Learning Center has been organizing a number of one-day local cultural experience workshops for young volunteers to learn more about the local culture.2.2022,To focus on Zhongli Laojie District, we organize three-day, two-night Local International Work Camp around three themes: Laojie Ri

Partner

Chung Yuan Christian University

Location

L: Zhongli District, Taoyuan City. 32026691;22290;24066;20013;22754;21312;20013;21271;36335;20034399; /No. 200, Zhongbei Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City 320GM65306;20013;21407;22823;23416; https://goo.gl/maps/BsqLpfBAavbzsdSP8T: Tao-Yuan international airport. LA: If you are interested in exploring the local culture, we recommend visiting the LONGANG Zhongzhen Market or the Daxi Old Street. You can also check out the Taoyuan City Library or the Taoyuan City Library-Longgang Branch. For more detailed information on these and other cultural attractions in Taoyuan, please refer to the Taoyuan Tourism Guide website at https://travel.tycg.gov.tw/en.

Accomodation

1.Please note that the accommodation provided will have floor beds. As such, participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. 2.Meal will be provided by the CYCU Service-learning Center, but there may also be cultural exchange events where volunteers will have the opportunity to cook.3.For any first aid needs, there is a local clinic located just a 10-minute walk away from the accommodation.

Requirements

Strong motivation for learning and respects for local culture, as well as other international volunteers cultures.

Meeting point

Strong motivation for learning and respects for local culture, as well as other international volunteers cultures.

Notes:

Strong motivation for learning and respects for local culture, as well as other international volunteers cultures.

Work

You will work together with the “LEiV” (Verein Lebende Erde) which is a landscape protector group in the European NATURA2000-site “Teile des Südoststeirischen Hügellandes”. You will work on the meadows to collect the hay and in the woodlands to clean them from neophytes. The core idea is to assist the organisation with the traditional art of work that aims to preserve the area and its wildlife. You will also help at the European-Roller Festival (a protected bird from the region). Moreover, you will have excursions to the wonderful protected species living on the side and visit the Mur-river for rafting.

Partner

Grenzenlos is an Austrian NGO based in Vienna. It is independent of religions and political bodies. Grenzenlos is a non-profit association. Its main purpose is to promote world peace and respect between people through intercultural non-formal education programmes abroad which combine cultural integration with engagement at non-profit initiatives worldwide. The German word „Grenzenlos” means “no boundaries” and also “no limits”. The word explains the basic mission of Grenzenlos: to promote the personal development of individuals (no limits!) and inter-cultural understanding through international encounters, trainings, inter-cultural living and work experience (no boundaries!). Grenzenlos offers a variety of international mobility programmes. These programmes are dedicated to world peace through the promotion of intercultural exchanges. • Traditionally, Grenzenlos organizes volunteering programmes (individual as well as in the frame of international camps). • As an exchange organization, we send volunteers abroad and host volunteers in Austria • For people of all generations from 18 to 99 years. • Including stays from two weeks up to one year • For skilled as well as for non-skilled people • Worldwide The Inclusion approach is a high priority for Grenzenlos: special attention is given to promoting the participation of people with disabilities in all our volunteering projects as well as trainings and educational programmes.

Accomodation

Food: You will cook for the group in team. Please inform us whether you require a special diet. Your accommodation and food are covered – however, we recommend you to bring some pocket money. The currency used in Austria is euro. Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation! Accomodation:The local partner will host the volunteers in a school. The volunteers will sleep on the floor, mattress will be provided.

Requirements

1. Grenzenlos is part of the ICYE Federation (an international youth exchange network) and the oldest voluntary exchange organisation in Austria. It was founded in 1949 as a pacifist programme standing in for tolerance and re-conciliation between different cultures. Since 2011 Grenzenlos is also part of the Alliance - Network for European Voluntary Service Organisations. Being part of these networks means that we adhere to the agreed quality standards and policies that affect all our programmes. The coordinating organization has provided the participant with the following policies together with this agreement: • Safer Together - ICYE's policy addressing sexual violence in international volunteering Safer Together Policy (https://www.icye.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ICYE-Safer-Together-digital.pdf) 2.2. We request the travel tickets at least 6 weeks before the project starts 3. Volunteers need a full insurance (medical) for their travel and the time in Austria. Don’t forget to arrange the insurance prior to the departure!

Meeting point

Graz central train station (Graz Hauptbahnhof). 22.07.2025 at 2 pm.

Work

Are you eager to help renovate a beautiful farmhouse while experiencing an unforgettable collective adventure? Join our workcamp for the Grosso Modo music collective and help bring to life this space dedicated to art and culture, in a project combining renovation work and a music festival! You will work on restoring the farmhouse using traditional, sustainable techniques respectful of old construction. There are many tasks possible, such as applying lime-miscanthus insulating coating, pouring a lime slab, jointing stones, organizing spaces, woodworking workshops, and much more. During the final week, the association organizes a music festival, a fun and festive moment not to be missed! You will be involved in the festival organization, building small outdoor huts, arranging the courtyard, welcoming the public, etc. Whether you're a real handy-person or not so much, a music lover, or simply looking for new experiences, your energy and ideas will be welcomed with enthusiasm.

Partner

Grosso Modo is an artistic and cultural organization based in Saint-Etienne. It stands out for its commitment to reinvented traditional music, blending sounds from around the world with contemporary creations. The organization supports, produces, and promotes artistic and cultural projects. Two years ago, the association acquired a beautiful farmhouse in Saint-Arcons-d'Allier in Haute-Loire, near Langeac. They intend to renovate it and develop a third-place project to both establish its activities (creation, training) and develop new activities (music and dance workshop, artist residency, concert, ball, and a laboratory).

Location

Saint-Arcons-d’Allier is a small village located in the Haute-Loire department in the Auvergne region, 35 km from Le Puy-en-Velay, within the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. Set in an exceptional environment, right in the heart of nature and near the Allier river, you will not miss the opportunity to admire its beautiful basaltic flows. During your free time, you will have the chance to enjoy nature activities, bathing in the rivers, explore the local heritage, and even make music with the collective. For more information, visit: http://www.mairie-allegre.com and https://www.lepuyenvelay-tourisme.fr/

Accomodation

You will be accompanied by two camp leaders throughout your stay. You will share various collective tasks and cooking duties. Meals will be shared with the members of the collective and any other volunteers present on the farm. Numerous moments of sharing and collective living will shape your days: common meals, game nights, lively discussions, and of course, musical moments to relax and connect! You will be accommodated in individual tents (provided by Concordia) on a campsite located 10 minutes by foot from the farm. Solar showers and dry toilets are available at the farm, as well as collective living spaces and a room specifically reserved for the workcamp participants. There is no Wi-Fi available, but a washing machine should be installed on-site. Come experience an alternative way of living, in an environment that allows you to disconnect and revitalize yourself in the heart of nature.

Requirements

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country. For more information: https://www.pontduchateau.fr/ and https://www.clermontauvergnetourisme.com This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. The participation to the ESC volunteering teams is subjects to several principles and conditions, presented on the ESC webpage: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en Volunteers do not have to pay any fee (no sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project; Volunteers need to enroll in the PASS, the European Solidarity Corps Portal; Concordia France will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project; Volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 8€/day, once they arrive on the project in France; Volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; Volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the portal.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the SNCF train station of LANGEAC (43) at the end of the afternoon. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the Info Sheet, sent one month before the beginning of the workcamp. It is a small station served by a few trains per day. Several routes with connections are possible from Paris, Lyon, or Clermont-Ferrand. If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Notes:

It is necessary to bring work clothes and footwear. Please be aware, lime is a corrosive and irritating substance, so you must bring a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget to bring a swimming suit. Nights can be chilly, so bring warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. You can also bring recipes from your home country, musical instruments and games. You will get around Allegre by foot, car and punctually minibus. The last day is reserved for departure, usually in the morning.