Work

SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impactThe camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

PROJECT: This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army).

Location

LOCATION: The accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on July 20 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee ds not include the transportation from ReykjavEk to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways.

Work

Gönüllü Hizmetler Derneği-Childhood Dreams program, organized for children between the ages of 10-14 with limited access, is a social content and child-themed workcamp. A volunteer team consisting of foreign and Turkish volunteers will run a 1-week camp program with under state care children. The program content, activities to be done with the children and the organization of the volunteer team will be planned by the Childhood Dreams camp leader. The camp has been running successfully since 2009 with the same theme.

Partner

Kalben Association is a nonprofit organization established to protect and support the children under state care. It develops projects to ensure equal opportunities for these children their peers and supports individuals who wish to become foster parents. It aims to create spaces for children to have fun and learn and to find permanent solutions to their emotional needs.

Location

Kalben Children's Village was established by Kalben Association in 2024. The village is on an island in Balıkesir (city). It is possible to organize activities such as swimming and walking tours on the island as part of the program for volunteers.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in shared rooms in the children's village building, male and female volunteers stay in separate rooms. Meals will be prepared and served by the host organization.

Requirements

The acceptance phase is a 2-step process. As a first step, CVs and motivation letters will be requested from volunteers and as a second step volunteers will be interviewed via Zoom / Google Meet. Experience working with children are preferred.

Meeting point

Detailed information about reaching the island will be shared with volunteers later. The island can be arrived via sea transportation with connections from Istanbul.

Work

Join an international team of volunteers and help organize a summer camp for children aged 3 to 18! As a volunteer, you can teach English, lead games and sports activities, while giving so much more: bringing joy, building trust, and boosting their self-confidence. The children will attend the activities in age-based groups every day from Monday to Friday. Join the dedicated team of the foundation and bring joy and learning into the lives of local children together!

Partner

Since 2016, the Juszt-is teszünk! Foundation has been active in Bódvalenke. That was the year when the project began that earned the village the nickname "Fresco Village", as Roma painters transformed the walls of the houses into beautiful works of art. Bódvalenke is mostly inhabited by Roma people, whose only employment opportunity is public works. Over the years, several projects have been launched to support the disadvantaged local community. There are nearly 100 children living in Bódvalenke, making up half of the village’s population.

Location

Bódvalenke is a small village with approximately 230 residents, located in northern Hungary, in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, near the Slovakian border, within the Edelény district. It is close to Miskolc and surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about connecting with the community, learning about Roma culture, and enjoying meaningful moments with fellow volunteers.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be provided at the foundation's house, where you can either camp in a tent or sleep in the community space. The house has two separate restrooms with showers. Activities with the children take place outdoors in the yard, so if you need a short break and the group size allows it, you can rest in the sleeping area. We will provide three meals a day (hot meals for lunch and dinner), with a vegetarian option available. Meals are always shared. Breakfast consists of cold food (e.g., sandwiches, boiled eggs, etc.), while lunch and dinner will be prepared together the night before. The weekly menu will be planned together during the preparatory meeting.

Requirements

There are no language requirements, but English will be the working language during the program. Please bring comfortable clothes that can get dirty while playing, a sleeping bag, and any personal medications you may need. We kindly ask you to send us a motivation letter, focusing on why you decided to work with children and what related skills or previous experiences you have in this field.

Meeting point

Meeting point: We will be waiting for you on July 20th at 10:00 AM at Deák Square, at the airport bus stop (100E and 200E). If this time is too early for you, the foundation’s staff can provide accommodation for volunteers the night before. The transportation between Budapest and Bódvalenke will be arranged by the foundation, either by car or train. The journey takes at least 3 hours by car.

Notes:

Two weeks before the camp starts, we will hold an online preparatory meeting on a Monday evening to finalize the weekly program, ensuring we have all necessary materials. After the camp, there will also be an online reflection session where we will discuss our experiences. It would be great if you could join these as well!

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)

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

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.

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.

Descrizione

International FAMILY workcamp in the mountain village of great nature and beautiful houses! Meaningful work, super clean water and Dinosaur museum are waiting!!

Work

Volunteer will help to 1) maintain the old houses by cleaning up, drying many sleeping mats, etc., 2) do farming (weeding in the green tea field that was abandon, cultivating, planting and harvesting potatoes) and 3) do other community work (e.g., construction, chopping woods, trail maintenance). Children sometimes work with adults and other times play in the nature (river, etc.) by the assistance of some parents (by turns) and supporting vols.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with Ohara Eco Project (OEP) since 2009. There were 600 inhabitants in Ohara village with 90 houses 100 years ago, but now only 1 elder! OEP was founded by the local people in 2006 and has rehabilitated 7 houses of cultural heritage. They maintain and revive the trails and fields, organize the workcamps with NICE and run various eco tours, so got the best prize in the award of Creating Home Town by the national government in 2016! The family workcamp started since 2013 (President of NICE keeps joining as a leader with his kids) and hosted a lot of families from Japan, Asia, Europe and Americas with great success. *Outcome of this workcamp: In 2024, 17 vols. from 5 families joined and made great contribution to have dried over sleeping mats, weed in the tea field (see the pictures), made natural clay for walls, cleaned the village road, etc. Please see the presentation made by the volunteer for the IVS contest in Japan; https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/e5-55193721 (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!)

Location

200 km north east of Osaka. Katsuyama is an agricultural city and famous for dinosaurs discovery. Ohara village is located at 500 m a.s.l. and surrounded by the mountains with very rich nature (e.g., the spring water is drinkable and very tasty!). Local SDGs (2030 goals) of Ohara Exchange parties, Excursion on a free day including the famous Dinosaurs Museum and its experience program of fossil excavation, etc.

Accomodation

A few rooms of the traditional renovated house! Meals will be cooked by turns. Sleeping bag is not necessary. Simple shower rooms. Clean toilets. You can see how the village looks like at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzGZvho8fVQ

Requirements

Only families (Children should be 6-12 years old) can join this program. Basically up to 4 persons (2 adults) per family. High motivation to work and cooperate. Respect to the local culture and way of the organization! Speaking Japanese language is welcomed! 9,000 JPY (56 EUR by the rate on 2025 Feb. 14th) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for your meals and accommodation!). Child is exempted to pay this, but need to pay 7,000 JPY per child for the meals instead (this can be paid on the arrivals).

Meeting point

The nearest airport is Komatsu for domestic and Osaka (KIX) for international flights. From Osaka/ Tokyo to the meeting point, it takes 3/ 5 hours by the bullet train and 5/ 11 hours by bus. If Tokyo, vols. need to arrive at the airport in Narita or Haneda by 05:00 on Jul. 24 and can leave there after 23:00 on Jul. 30.