Descrizione

The project will support the organization of "Ambient'Azioni Musicali.. Junior!", a music camp and the "Arzibanda" Festival. "Ambient’Azioni Musicali.. Junior!" is the flagship initiative of the cultural association "Maxima Entropia," During the week of the campus, participants experience intense days of study and fun in an inspiring environment that includes a busy schedule of instrument lessons, choir and orchestra practices, concerts, roaming musical flashmobs, as well as excursions to discover the wonders of the Abruzzo region, leisure moments, and shared experiences.

Work

For both events volunteers will be primarily involved in setting up the spaces for the activities, programming and promoting events (through the creation of video-photo reports and social media channels), supervising artists and participants, as well as engaging in extraordinary cleaning activities at various sites in the town and creating artistic installations. The different tasks will be divided by mutual agreement according to shifts. Naturally, there will also be moments of leisure and excursions to discover the surrounding area

Partner

The camp will be organize in collaboration with Maxima Entropia and Arzibanda association. Both organization are music and cultural organization in a small village in Abruzzo region. "Maxima Entropia," which has always been distinguished by its strong commitment to promoting musical, artistic, and cultural knowledge in areas typically excluded from such programs, with particular attention to excellence in education and the youth community. Since its inception, Maxima Entropia has worked in collaboration with local associations, including the Cultural Association Arzibanda. This association was founded after operating since 1997 as the "Comitato La Rocca," with the primary goal of promoting culture in the region, particularly through the "Arzibanda" Festival, which takes place every summer in the historic center of Capistrello, offering musical activities and street theater.

Location

Capistrello is a town in the province of L'Aquila, with a population of about 5,000 people. Located at 734 meters above sea level, it offers an extraordinary view of the Ernici Simbruini mountains, the upper valley of the Liri River, and the mountain ridge of Fucino.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated in double and triple rooms spread across two apartments in the center of the town, where they will have access to a usable kitchen and two bathrooms. Volunteers working the morning shift can choose to have lunch for free with the organizing staff or return to their accommodation, while those on the afternoon shift can arrange their own dinner. Wi-Fi will be available in some common activity areas.

Meeting point

TERMINAL: The closest airports to Capistrello are those in Rome and Pescara. From there, you can reach Avezzano via the Prontobus bus line (www.prontobusitalia.it). Once in Avezzano, Capistrello can be reached in just a few minutes by the Avezzano–Roccasecca train line or by the TUA (Trasporto Unico Abruzzese) bus service.

Descrizione

-

Work

For this year, we'll be continuing the renovation of the domain's perimeter walls. The previous group reconstructed the wall last year. The aim this year is to protect and consolidate it by preparing and applying a traditional finishing coat (lime and sand), as well as renovating a farm road.

Partner

Discover château life in the heart of the Auvergne at Les Prureaux! Here, the experience goes beyond a simple visit: it's about living, sharing moments of joy, but above all, it's about taking an active part. Join us in contributing to the restoration of the surrounding wall! Your involvement will be a precious stone added to this building steeped in history. By taking part in this project, you are not only contributing to intercultural living, but also to the preservation of our heritage. You'll be helping to renovate an estate dating back to 1873. Come and experience history and leave your mark at Les Prureaux!

Location

Afternoon and weekend activities are organized collectively by the whole group. The region is rich in space for walking, swimming, celebrating and discovering!

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in collective non-mixed tents (6-8 people per tent) with floors and beds, at the Créneau campsite. Wi-Fi is not available on site. Food will be provided and prepared in the château kitchen by you and other participants in groups, with the support of the kitchen supervisors.

Meeting point

in front of Moulins train station (03000) at 17h00 on July 05 2025

Notes:

This project is open only to volunteers from France, Germany and Spain. Financed by FGYO - Franco-German Youth Office.

Work

The community of Vellexon would like to establish a space for social connections in the heart of their town. To make it possible, this year we're continuing with the creation of a place that should soon host exchanges focused on solidarity and intergenerational links. To contribute to this development, you will be renovating the paving (floor) of the wash-house which is located next to this square for around 6 hours per day. You will learn techniques of traditional masonry (wall-building). There is no knowledge required! You will evolve as a team with the help of two leaders, sharing all tasks associated with collective life such as, cooking, cleaning, after work activities, etc.

Partner

Small but active, the community of Vellexon-Queutrey-et-Vaudey is counting on international volunteers to transform its territory! The inhabitants of this village in Haute-Saône are looking forward to welcoming their second international workcamp. It corresponds to the UN mission of “sustainable cities and communities” and its goals. This includes discovering new and different ways of thinking and acting, sharing skills, investing oneself to develop an area and taking part in the collective life: there will be many possibilities to promote solidarity! Each workcamp offers unique experiences, so come to Vellexon and make your own!

Location

The community of Vellexon-Queutrey-et-Vaudey (70130) is situated at 25km from Gray(70100), 30km from Vesoul (70000) and 50km from Besançon (25000) in the region “Haute-Saône”. May it be during the afternoons or the weekends, it will be your group that initiates and organizes the activities for the free time. The ideal programme will take into account the wishes of everybody, the local possibilities (hikes, local artists, summer concerts, “châteaux”, etc) and the financial side of things. You can also rely on the support of the villagers to organize moments of exchange, and they will be delighted to share with you and to give advice on how to best discover the local environment and enjoy your stay.

Accomodation

The commune will provide two areas especially for your group: the first will be dedicated to sleeping, with communal rooms for three or four people mixed-gender, with mattresses provided by the local population. Please bring your own covers, pillows or sleeping bags. The second space is a multi-purpose room with a kitchen, ideal for meals and socializing. Showers and laundry will be done in the homes of the locals. The worksite is only three minutes away by foot and for other trips like going shopping or visiting the surroundings, the locals will be gladly willing to help out. Accompanied by the camp leaders, you will make the menu and prepare the meals each day, in turn. The budget is approx. 5€ per day and person. There will be the possibility to eat vegetarian or vegan and plan accordingly, if necessary. Often you will share meals with the villagers giving you the opportunity to discover the local gastronomy and to share special moments together.

Requirements

There are absolutely no requirements in terms of linguistic or technical abilities. Just be aware that you need to carry relatively small stones for the actual work.

Meeting point

A meeting point and time will be organized to make the arrival easier, which is in general at the end of the afternoon between 16 and 18 o'clock. The departure on the last day will be around 10 o'clock.

Work

The work will take place at Oosterhouw in Leens (province Groningen). It is a beautiful monumental manor house surrounded by a garden divided into four different styles. Many parts of these gardens have been neglected over the past decades. Volunteers will be cleaning up and helping restore the gardens to their former glory. Activities range from groundwork like digging and levelling to gardening such as weeding and pruning to wood shredding and splitting. The volunteers will work in the gardens five days a week. This excludes the weekends. We will provide participants access to online training modules provided by the European Solidarity Corps and/ or SIW.

Partner

The mansion Oosterhouw in Leens is located in the north of the Netherlands in the province of Groningen. The estate is surrounded by a flat agricultural landscape approximately 10 km from the Wadden Sea UNESCO heritage. Oosterhouw was built in 1868. The last time the building was renovated was in 1912-1913. After that, there weren’t any significant developments. The former owners of the mansion were C.o Jellema and Klaas Noordhuis. Co. Jellema is a semi-known poet in the Netherlands, and his current library is still in the house. Klaas Noordhuis was a garden architect and has added essential aspects to the garden. The current owners bought the house a few years ago and want to open the house more to the public. The house, the garden and the surrounding landscape are unique in this area and must be protected and taken care of.

Location

You will have leisure time after work (work ends at 4 p.m.). The Oosterhouw area mainly consists of small villages with Leens as the main village. You will have bikes at your disposal to explore the surrounding area. During the weekend you can enjoy your free time. There are plenty of nice places to visit, for example the beautiful and vibrant city of Groningen or take a ferry boat and visit the island of Schiermonnikoog.

Accomodation

During the two weeks, the volunteers will be staying at Camping "De Horizon" Molenrij near by Kloosterburen. The whole group will be staying in tents provided by SIW. There is also a large tent for group activities during freetime Two tiny houses are on the campground with all cooking facilities. Make sure you bring a sleeping matrass/mat and your own sheets! Bicycles will be provided for transportation between the accommodation and the gardens of Oosterhouw. The bike ride from and to the accommodation is approximately 15 minutes. You will cook together in teams, taking turns and having the opportunity to cook meals from your home countries. You have a kitchen at your disposal. Self-organisation is also a vital point during your daily camp routines. Cooking and cleaning are planned and done independently within the group. Each participant is expected to take part in the CCC (cooking-cleaning-crew).

Requirements

This project will be realized as a European Volunteering Teams (ESC-VT) project. This means that the project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps subsidy program 2025 and has certain requirements for participation. Who can volunteer? European Solidarity Corps volunteering activities are open to 18-30 year old people who reside in programme and partner countries. This means an EU member state, a Non-EU country associated to the programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of North Macedonia, Turkey, or Norway) or a partner country (Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Norway, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine) Young people who want to participate in the European Solidarity Corps must register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/register_en). Participants must be in the possession of a European Health Insurance Card before arriving to the host country. Volunteers travel costs will be compensated by this program and volunteers will receive €5,- pocketmoney per day. The travel cost reimbursement has a maximum amount and is based on the distance from your hometown to Leens, the Netherlands. Following the distance, we will reimburse based on the actual costs with a maximum of the following amounts (in between brackets the amounts if you use green travel, meaning low emissions means of transport for the main part of the travel, such as bus, train or car sharing): 0-99km: 23 euro 100-499 km: 180 euro (210 euro) 500-1999 km: 275 euro (320 euro) 2000-2999 km: 360 euro (410 euro) 3000-3999 km: 530 euro (610 euro) 4000-7999 km: 820 euro >8000km: 1500 euro It is very important to keep at the receipts, booking confirmations, boarding passes and travel tickets with you. Any missing documents may affect your reimbursement amount. Furthermore, we can also provide up to 100 euro for visa purchase. For this, please keep your receipt as well. What to bring: Must bring (obligated) 1) Sleeping mattress/sleeping mat and sleeping bag or your own sheets 2) Old working clothes, strong safety shoes and good fitting working gloves 3) Rain is spread out over the year, so bring warm clothes, a raincoat and a swimming suit 4) Soap, toiletries We will be working primarily outside in the gardens, where it’s essential to have a safe and secure work environment. Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided. Wise to bring 1) Recipes from your own country 2) Driver’s license that is valid in Holland, in case you have one 3) Sunglasses and something on your head against the sun! Nice to bring 1) Musical instruments, ideas for games/activities 2) Energy, enthusiasm and an open mind! 3) A sense of humor

Meeting point

Arrival by plane at Schiphol airport & travel by public transportation: you can travel by train to Winsum station from Schiphol airport. For the train schedules please check the website: https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ or call us if you need any assistance. We will pick you up at the train station Winsum. Arrival by car: you can go straight ahead to the accommodation camping ''De Horizon/Molenrij'' at Kloosterburen. We wil meet you there.

Notes:

Due to the system limitations, the option to select 'other' gender is unavailable. However, our projects are inclusive and open to everyone, regardless of gender, religion, or cultural background. If you are gender-neutral, feel free to share this information, and we will make sure to be mindful of it. Young people who want to participate in the European Solidarity Corps must register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/register_en). PLEASE SEND US YOUR PRN (PARTICIPANT REFERENCE NUMBER) AS SOON AS YOU APPLY. Volunteers travel costs will be compensated by this program and volunteers will receive €5,- pocketmoney per day.

Work

127917; Your mission: Setting up an open-air theater and 127807;During your stay, you ll contribute to the creation of a green amphitheater and stage dedicated to open-air shows and cultural events. This project will take place in several different steps and will provide the commune with a convivial place that s accessible to all.127959; The work to be carried out and 128296; Installing the bleachers Preparing the site for the stands. Installation of five wooden bleachers, totalling 10 metres in length.These bleachers will accommodate between 100 and 150 seated spectators for cultural events.A grass area will be laid out above the bleachers to increase seating capacity and allow the public to set up freely.127917; Construction of the stage Creation and assembly of a wooden platform facing the stands.This space will serve as a stage for shows, concerts and other events.9203; Organization of the worksite5 hours of work per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning.A technical supervisor is on site to guide the volunteers.Afternoons will be devoted to relaxation and discovery.This work camp is much more than just a construction project: it s a human adventure, a chance for young people from different backgrounds, local residents and voluntary organisations to get together. Together, you ll be helping to bring to life a place that has meaning for an entire territory. and 128170;127775;

Partner

Neyron is a commune of 2,600 inhabitants in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. Bordering Lyon, it enjoys a privileged setting between nature and urban dynamism, just a few minutes (by public transport) from the city center. Bordered by the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, famous for its summer lake, Neyron offers a green environment ideal for lovers of the outdoors and tranquillity. The historically rich commune of Neyron is home to a former military fort. It is gradually being transformed into a lively and inspiring third place. Conceived as a genuine crossroads of ideas and initiatives, it will welcome associations, local residents and the curious around a project that is at once territorial, architectural and ecological. This emblematic place will become a space for encounters, creation, culture and experimentation, in the service of a more sustainable and humane urbanism.

Location

The Ain region is ideal for exploring nature and taking part in sporting activities. Furthermore, its proximity to Lyon offers countless cultural opportunities, from museums to artistic events, as well as a dynamic and inspiring urban life. So, when you re not on site, you can enjoy a varied programme of activities, combining cultural discovery, sporting activities, social gatherings and relaxation. The town of Neyron is fully committed to this project. There will be a number of highlights during the work camp, including a welcome drink organised by the town hall, a meal shared with local residents, guided tours of the fort by local volunteers, and participation in local festivities such as the 14 July festival (French national day). These are all opportunities to forge new links and enjoy a collective experience deeply rooted in the local area.Throughout your stay, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports and social activities, such as cooperative games, walks around Neyron and volleyball or badminton tournaments. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Lyon metropolitan area, the town of Bourg en Bresse and the Brou monastery. You ll also have the chance to swim at the Grand lac Miribel-Jonage and talk to local associations at evening debates and meetings. and 127757;128293; We believe that this workcamp is a fantastic way to enjoy a rich human experience, whether through meeting other volunteers, the local population or the local culture. Don t delay any longer and join us

Accomodation

127957; Your accommodation during the site and 127968; During your stay, you will be accommodated directly in the Fort, in a natural and friendly environment.128719; AccommodationA camp will be set up with tents and mattresses provided by the organization.127869; Cooking and mealsA fully equipped kitchen will be provided so that you can prepare your meals independently.A box of dishes with everything you need to cook will be provided.128703; Sanitary facilities and equipment2 sanitary facilities are already on site.2 showers will be provided by the commune to ensure the comfort of the group.The site is equipped with drinking water and electricity.Tables and chairs are available for meals and social gatherings.A simple but functional accommodation, promoting community life and team spirit and 127807;128293;128719; AccommodationIf possible, you ll sleep in an enclosed room for greater comfort.If necessary, a camp will be set up with tents and mattresses provided by the organization.127869; Cooking and mealsA fully equipped kitchen will be available so you can prepare your own meals.A box of crockery with everything you need to cook and eat will be provided.128703; Sanitary facilities and equipment2 sanitary facilities are already on site.2 additional showers will be installed by the commune to ensure the comfort of the group.The site is equipped with drinking water and electricity.Tables and chairs are available for meals and relaxation.A simple but functional accommodation, promoting community life and team spirit and 127807;128293;

Requirements

In the context of group life, qualities such as listening, respect, tolerance and open-mindedness will be required.

Meeting point

Meet at Neyron town hall.From Lyon, take a train to Miribel SNCF station. From Miribel, take a bus to Neyron.Your host will be waiting for you there to take you to the site Please be on time. Further information on train timetables: http://www.voyages-sncf.com/

Work

Project: "Photography" Together we will discuss how we remember internationally and how we want to commemorate today. You will learn to draw your own comics under the guidance of an artist and thus express your perspective. You will creatively explore the role of music and languages in the concentration camp. Together with the other participants, you will go in search of songs, voices and sounds - in the historical concentration camp and in today's memorial site. Under the guidance of an artist, you will develop your own sound snippets, record voices and sounds, and write song lyrics and music. Together you will discuss how history should be remembered today. In a joint performance you will present your international perspectives on commemoration. Week 1: Visit the Sachsenhausen Memorial and learn about its different areas and history. Week 2: Work with photography, develop your own project for a small exhibition, and visit the Ravensbrück Memorial (a former concentration camp for women). Week 3: Discuss remembrance culture and meet a descendant of a former concentration camp prisoner. __________ Study part: The history of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the Soviet Special Camp are the focus of this part of the study. You will learn about the life stories of former prisoners who were interned here from all over Europe. Why were they persecuted? What was their daily life in the camp like and how did they try to survive? Visits to exhibitions, memorials and museums in Oranienburg and Berlin as well as discussions with experts are also part of the program. __________ Work part: Participants will perform maintenance and gardening work on the memorial grounds. No special skills are required for the simple physical work.

Partner

The Sachsenhausen Memorial was one of the largest concentration camps in Germany and was built in 1936 near Berlin. More than 200,000 people from all over Europe were imprisoned here by the Nazi SS. The prisoners were forced to perform inhumane labor, and thousands died or were murdered. After the liberation in 1945, the Soviet secret service established Special Camp No.7/No.1 on the site for the internment of former Nazi functionaries and political opponents. Today the memorial is a place of remembrance, learning and research. This is an ESC Project More information: www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/

Location

Area: Sachsenhausen is a part of Oranienburg, ca. 33 km to the north of Berlin. Sachsenhausen was one of the earliest concentration camps in Germany, built in 1936. For example, German people who were in opposition to Nazi policy, homosexuals, so-called asocials, criminals, Jews, and during the war especially people from occupied countries were imprisoned, forced to work and a lot of them were murdered. Between 1945 and 1950 a part of this area was used as a so-called Special Camp of the Soviet Secret Service Leisure: Volunteers have to be able to ride a bike, as several shorter and longer bike rides are planned. Bicycles are provided, but helmets are not required. In the free time it's possible to go to Berlin or Potsdam. The volunteers will find many forests and lakes to walk, cycle or just relax. However, the free time activities will mainly depend on participants' ideas.

Accomodation

Accomodation: You will be accommodated in a youth hostel. The building is on the grounds of historical Sachsenhausen concentration camp complex and was built in 1938 as the official residence of the Concentration Camp Inspector, 2 km away from the memorial centre. It is not necessary to bring a sleeping bag. Bed sheets and linen will be provided. You will sleep in shared rooms with a lot of space. It is possible to use the washing machine and the dryer for a small fee. More information: https://www.jugendherbergen-berlin-brandenburg.de/en/youth-hostels/sachsenhausen-686/portrait/ Food: In the hostel there is a big kitchen for the group. Please be prepared not only to cook there, but also to clean up afterwards ;) This will be done by the kitchen team of your group. Volunteers have to cook the meals for themselves. Please bring easy recipes from your home country.

Requirements

Studypart: - You should bring an interest in the history of Germany and Europe in the 1930s and 1940s and commemoration. - You should have a desire to discuss these topics in an international group. Project related: - Enjoyment of making music and/or experimenting with sounds and a willingness to participate in the performance are important. - Please bring a sound, music or object that you associate with the theme of history and remembrance. In general: - You should be able to perform simple physical tasks. - A good knowledge of English is a prerequisite for participation. - Since many shorter and longer bike rides are planned, volunteers should also be able to ride a bike. - Interested in Photography

Meeting point

You can use googlemaps to find the hostel: Bernauer Str. 162, 16515 Oranienburg

Notes:

For this Workcamp it is necessary to have very good English skills as we will get a lot of information about the time of Second World War! ____________________________________________ This project is composed of a volunteering team, supported by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union. Compared to the usual workcamp participation scheme, some main financial and administrative differences must be underlined: For Sending Organizations: “Due to high costs and the lack of additional funding, we are unable to cover a sending fee on top of the ESC travel allowance (lump sum based on travel distance) that can be allocated to the sending organization for its volunteers. Unfortunately, this is the only way we can continue to run ESC teams in the capital of Germany.” ATTENTION PLEASE: This project is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria 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; We will organize your matching in the portal with the volunteering project. - Volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of the rate of our country ------ For Sending Organizations: “Due to high costs and the lack of additional funding, we are unable to cover a sending fee on top of the ESC travel allowance (lump sum based on travel distance) that can be allocated to the sending organization for its volunteers. Unfortunately, this is the only way we can continue to run ESC teams in the capital of Germany.

Descrizione

PROJECT : The workcamps in Carignano were started to restore some rooms in a building in the historical center of the town. Through this project volunteers have the opportunity to recover Carignano’s architectural heritage and enjoy the environment whilst meeting young people from all over the world. Moreover “Giovani Insieme” organizes different local events such as summer camps for local children, cultural exhibitions, etc. By joining this workcamp you will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action-SDG13

Work

WORK : Volunteers will work on the creation of some carnival costumes for historical tradition of carnival in Carignano and we’ll create small cart for the parade and also to be exhibited at the festival called “Festa di mezza estate” in which volunteers will be part of the working team the last two nights in the second weekend of the workcamp. There will also be an activity in a protected area cutting bamboo to protect the endemic vegetation and use it for the carnival activities. For an amazing experience of exchange, they could talk about carnival traditions in their countries and also teach the volunteers typical songs or dances. The local team of volunteers will support the international ones for translation, but, don’t forget to be flexible in this. Every week the volunteers will go once to a retirement home to present their countries. Some of Carignano's families will host the volunteers for a dinner in their home to share their culture and way of life. Moreover, for the first week of the workcamp, some Italian volunteers could be involved from an association called AU.DI.DO (autonomy for disabled people) so be willing to work with people with disabilities.

Partner

PARTNER : The camp is organized by Lunaria in collaboration with “Giovani Insieme”. The association is composed of young people for young people founded in October 1998 in Carignano with the aim of protecting, promoting and enhancing artistic, historical and architectural heritage, nature and the environment, by proposing summer work camps for young volunteers from all over Europe.

Location

LOCATION AND LEISURE : The town of Carignano (8700 inhabitants) is situated on the left bank of the river Po approximately 20 Km from Torino and within the Regional Parco Fluviale (park of the river). Its center is of typical "piemontese" style, characterized by an ancient core with medieval archways and a baroque cathedral. The town's surroundings offer sites of architectural and naturalistic interest, it is also possible to reach Turin easily, as there are frequent coaches to the city. During the free time there are many exciting things to do such as visit the open market of Carignano and take part in some local events. On the weekends it will be possible for the group to organize a visit to Turin (there is a bus to and from Turin), visiting the Egyptian museum, the cinema museum, MAO museum of oriental art, the Holy Shroud etc. The costs of the FREE TIMES activities are not covered by the project.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD : Volunteers will be hosted in an ancient building (under restoring) with beds, communal bathrooms with 2 showers and hot water and a kitchen. Bedrooms are provided with 4 to 6 beds per room. The volunteers are responsible for the cleaning and cooking. Food is provided by the host organization. Volunteers must be equipped with a sleeping bag (or sheets), pillowcase and towels.

Requirements

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : It is important to keep in mind that you'll be working with children, which is different than working with adults, and to be prepared to work on manual tasks, which can be challenging at times.

Meeting point

TERMINAL: Nearest Airport Turin; Turin railway station; MEETING POINT in CARIGNANO bus station, It takes approximately 2/3 hours to reach the bus station from Turin airport.

Work

Volunteers will be involved in weeding and planting new vegetation in the gardens, feeding llamas and sheep by preparing and delivering their food, enhancing animal enclosures through painting and cladding shelters, mowing grass to create new spaces and building fences. They'll also help painting fences, preparing for a final outdoor cultural event, setting up tents and organizing the space. If the weather doesn't cooperate, volunteers will assist with cleaning stables and maintaining farm buildings, ensuring there's always meaningful work to be done.

Partner

The workcamp is organized in cooperation with the Local Action Group (LAG) Radbuza. LAG Radbuza aims to protect regional values such as well-preserved nature, aesthetic landscape, local culture and healthy environment; and to support citizen initiatives at the local and regional level, including support of small enterprises, housing, education, use of leisure time, etc. The main goal is to revitalize the Rochlov Castle complex by enhancing its greenery, introducing new animals, and planting vegetation. These improvements will contribute to the castle's sustainable operation while increasing its overall attractiveness. Additionally, cultivating the surrounding area will help accelerate the restoration of this historical monument. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: Rochlov is a small traditional village in western Bohemia with only 310 inhabitants. There is a supermarket, a restaurant and a coffee-roasting plant. Phone coverage is good. ATMs and pharmacies are located only in nearby villages. Nevertheless, it is no problem to take the volunteers there by car if they need to. The closest biggest city is Pilsen. Leisure time: Volunteers can go for a trip to the lake or dam. There is an improvised gym, darts and many beautiful routes for cycling or running. Volunteers can also enjoy a campfire, have a beer together, or simply relax. There is a football field and a makeshift gym nearby. Men can participate in training with the local futsal team. Study part: Through trips and excursions to nearby towns and villages (Marianske Lazne, Utery, Cheb, Chotesov), volunteers will be introduced to West Bohemia and its rather complex history. Volunteers will also visit Pilsen and its famous brewery and museum of Pilsner Urquell.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated in two buildings approximately 70 metres apart. One building has 2 rooms with 2 beds, a kitchen with a small fridge and a bathroom with a shower. The other building has 2 beds and a shared bathroom with a shower and a kitchen. A washing machine is also available. Wi-Fi included. Volunteers need to bring their towels. Some meals will be cooked by the volunteers themselves. Some will be prepared at a local restaurant. Volunteers can get coffee or tea from the coffee-roasting plant.

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 get 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 the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:35 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. At 14:18 get on the train Os7416 to the direction of Domazlice, and get off in Nyrany at 14:36. There you will find your last connection, train Os27418 to the direction of Hermanova Hut at 14:40. You will arrive to Rochlov at 14:49 and your campleader will be waiting for you.

Notes:

There are many dog owners in the village. We require volunteers to respect the animals. Bring a towel and your local food or sweets to share with others.

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

You will support the school farm in feeding,caring for and lovingly occupying the diverse animals. Active support is needed for the expansion of the paddock. You will stay in the former estate of the Bülow family, which was built around 1860 and converted into a school hostel. The building is located at the gates of the rose city of Sangerhausen, surrounded by charming oak forests, orchards and fields.

Partner

Verein Jugend-und Schulbauernhof im Gutshof Othal e. V. Hof 1-3 06542 Allstedt OT Othal

Location

The school farm is located about an hour's drive west of Leipzig and is surrounded by nature. The area around the farm can be explored by foot or by bike. The natural environment of our farm and the expert staff from the region offer a variety of opportunities for nature discovery and recreation, such as baking bread, churning butter, harvesting, and processing fruit.There is also a Kita with children age 3-6 years from the village integrated into the building.

Accomodation

In the hostel there is a big kitchen for the group. Please be prepared not only to cook there, but also to clean up afterwards ;) This will be done by the kitchen team of your group. Volunteers have to cook the meals for themselves. Please bring easy recipes from your home country.

Meeting point

Infosheet will be provided and pick up from Sangerhausen organized