Work

We will build a traditional oven and a functional potter's wheel. Activities will include preparing the site, selecting and placing stones for the base, selecting osier branches and learning basket-making techniques, creating a vault with clay and branches, finishing with an insulating coating, and building a roof to cover the oven. In addition, we'll build a traditional potter's wheel using recycled materials, assembling its structure and adjusting the rotation system. A project where tradition and innovation meet!

Partner

Take part in building a bread oven and revive traditions at Les Prureaux, in the heart of the Auvergne. Here, the experience is more than just visiting: it's living, sharing and, above all, creating. Join us as we build an artisan oven and a traditional potter’s wheel using recycled materials (stone, branches and clay). It's a project that's all about sharing and conviviality. Leave your mark at Les Prureaux and create with us!

Location

Afternoon and weekend activities are organized collectively by the whole group. Are you more of a city person? The towns of Vichy and Moulins are just forty kilometers away! Looking more for a country stroll? Feel free to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bicycle, discovering the landscape, heritage and local craftsmen, taking a swim, or enjoying sports and leisure activities and outings.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in various shared sleeping rooms for 4 to 8 people at Château du Créneau. 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 21 2025

Notes:

This workcamp is funded by the European Solidarity Corps.There is no registration fee. Transport costs will be reimbursed up to a lumpsum fixed according to the travelled distance. Pocket money of €7 per day will be distributed.

Work

Participate in awareness sessions on biodiversity and environmental preservation, and in guided tours to explore the region s natural heritage. Remove solid waste from the banks of the Pele River and adjacent areas. Participate in clearing waterways and controlling invasive species. Share cultural practices and traditions from participants countries of origin. Create a commemorative mural to mark the international camp. Engage in group dynamics and intercultural activities to foster teamwork. Engage in practical workshops on recycling, composting, and the circular economy. Collect 12 kg of waste and identify areas for future interventions

Partner

Increase environmental awareness among participants, Clean and restore the natural areas of the territory, Promote interculturality and cooperation among young people, Empower young people to become agents of environmental change and Leave a positive and measurable impact on the area.

Location

The camp is located in the parish of Vermil, in the municipality of GuimarEpoundes, a predominantly rural area in northern Portugal. Surrounded by natural landscapes such as green hills and agricultural fields, the site provides a serene and welcoming environment, ideal for activities connected to nature.Vermil is situated approximately 8 km from the historic center of GuimarEpoundes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The parish of Vermil is home to around 1,200 inhabitants who live in a peaceful, rural environment

Accomodation

The accommodation is located in a former primary school, beautifully transformed into a space dedicated to artistic residencies and hosting young volunteers. The facility includes five bedrooms, with a mix of double and triple rooms, divided by gender, ensuring privacy and comfort. Additionally, it features multiple bathrooms, a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation, and reliable internet access.ensuring hygiene and convenience.Participants will enjoy four meals daily: breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner.Meals are prepared collaboratively by the youth.

Requirements

It s hot in Portugal in July so make sure you wear fresh clothes and shoes. If you want to go to the river or swimming pool, don t forget your swimwear. Your medicines if necessary. Your documents: Passport or ID card European Health Insurance Card (or travel insurance). Sleeping bag, bath and face towels, personal hygiene products. The widest smile you have and good mood.

Meeting point

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Work

Promote the animal welfare of donkeys - feed the animals and help with their basic care tasks Maintenance and improvement of the infrastructure of the donkey shelter Dry stone wall rebuilding Support autochthonous biodiversity Building and placing nest boxes for birds Activities to support local community Construction of fence Creation of materials for the environmental enrichment of spaces designated for donkeys

Partner

The main goals of this workcamp are the recovery of rural heritage, enhancing the biodiversity of our Center, and promoting the animal welfare of donkeys and their quality of life. We want to o enable the discovery of the Miranda Plateau, a unique rural region, rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, culture and traditions. With so aging population in these villages, one of the goals is bringing together the young participants and the local community, therefore promoting intercultural (urban/rural, international/national) and intergenerational (youngsters/ elderly) encounters and exchanges.

Location

The accommodation is located in Palancar village, geographically included in the Natura 2000 network and Douro Internacional Natural Park, about 6 kms from Miranda do Douro city. Located in a rural area in the northeast of Portugal, very close to the border with Spain, its a village that suffers aging population problems, which makes these experiences very important for the rural development of this region.

Accomodation

Basic housing with electricity ( with one large room equipped with bunk beds, one living room, WC, and showers with hot water. There is no bar in the village neither a supermarket, but if something is needed, we can easily support the volunteers to get it. Volunteers who want extra privacy can bring camping tents. Theres good wifi in the proximity of the accommodation, more precisely at the CAB office, which is in the village.

Requirements

Bring Sleeping bag; towels; comfortable work clothing (for cold and hot weather); waterproof hiking boots (or similar); sunscreen; waterproof coat.

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.

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

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.

Work

Forte de son histoire, la forteresse accueille des bénévoles internationaux·ales depuis les années 1980 afin de l'entretenir, de la valoriser et d'animer la vie locale durant l'été. Cette année, ce sont 5 chantiers internationaux qui y sont organisés sur la période estivale. Tu participeras à la troisième session de l'année. Viens participer à la sauvegarde et à la valorisation de ce patrimoine d'exception ! Autour du château, tu réaliseras plusieurs travaux de restauration. Accompagné·e par un·e encadrant·e technique, tu participeras à l’entretien des maçonneries en découvrant les techniques traditionnelles : dejointoiement et rejointoiement des murs, fabrication de mortier à base de chaux et de sable, maniement des outils. Tu participeras aussi à l’entretien des boiseries : barrières de sécurité, construction en palettes pour les espaces de détente. Tu participeras également aux actions environnementales de la forteresse : débroussaillage, taille des arbustes, entretien du potager, rénovation des cabines de toilettes sèches. Protéger une telle bâtisse necéssite du temps et beaucoup d'énergie ; viens apporter ta pierre a l'édifice ! With its rich history, international volunteers have been welcomed at the castle since the 1980s to help maintain and promote it, and enliven local life during the summer. This year, 5 international workcamps are organized at the fortress over the summer. You will participate in the third session of the year. Come and join the preservation and enhancement efforts of this exceptional heritage! Around the castle, you will carry out several restoration tasks. Guided by a technical supervisor, you will help maintain the masonry by learning traditional techniques: removing and re-pointing the walls, making lime and sand mortar, and handling the tools. You will also assist with maintaining the woodwork: safety barriers and building with pallets for relaxation areas. Finally, you will take part in maintining the fortress's environment: clearing brush, pruning shrubs, maintaining the vegetable garden, and renovating the dry toilet cabins. Protecting such a building takes time and energy; come contribute to the effort!

Partner

Au cœur d'un charmant petit village bourbonnais, le château de Montaigu-le-Blin est une imposante forteresse médiévale du XIIème, classée Monument Historique. Située sur une petite colline, cette forteresse offre un espace bucolique et intime, proche de la nature avec une belle vue sur les paysages alentours. Depuis les années 80, des bénévoles participent chaque année à la sauvegarde, la rénovation et à l'animation touristique du château, alors pourquoi pas toi ? Ces dernières années, la forteresse s'est refaite une beauté ! Les bénévoles ont continué à faire des travaux de maçonnerie traditionelle sur les murs du château et ont développé le potager médiéval au pied de la tour du Seigneur. A vous de prendre le flambeau ! Inside a lovely little French village, the castle of Montaigu le Blin is an impressive medieval fortress, classified as Historical Monument. It is located on the top of a hill, overlooking the countryside. Since 2002, volunteers have been participating, every summer, to the restoration of the castle. These last years, the fortress has regained its beauty! Since the 80s, volunteers come every year to restore and protect the castle. These last couple of years, volunteers restored the castle walls using traditional masonry techniques and developped the medieval vegetable garden at the bottom of the Lord's tower. This year, it's your turn to live an experience back in time!

Location

Située au coeur du Bourbonnais dans le nord de l'Auvergne, le village de Montaigu-le-blin offre un riche patrimoine historique et culturel. Surplombant le village, la forteresse de Montaigu-le-Blin date du XIIIe siècle et a été construite pour défendre la couronne de France et du Bourbonnais face aux comtés d'Auvergne et du Forez. Located in the heart of the Bourbonnais region in northern Auvergne, the village of Montaigu-le-Blin offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Overlooking the village, the Montaigu-le-Blin fortress, dating back to the 13th century, was built to defend the crown of France and Bourbonnais against the counties of Auvergne and Forez.

Accomodation

L'hébergement se fait sous tente, à 10/15 min à pieds de la forteresse et à 5 min à pieds du centre de la commune. Tout est organisé sur place dans le respect de l'environnement (tri des déchets et compost) avec l'objectif d'avoir un mode de vie plus écologique. Au-delà des temps de chantier, les volontaires participent ensemble à l’organisation de la vie collective. Souvent réparti·e·s en équipes, ils·elles élaborent les menus, participent aux courses, préparent les repas et s’assurent de la propreté des espaces communs. Véritable acteur·ice de ton expérience, tu participeras aussi à la prise de décisions concernant les activités collectives et l’organisation du quotidien ! Accommodation is in tents, 10-15 minutes on foot from the fortress and 5 minutes on foot from the centre of the village. Everything is organised on-site with respect for the environment (waste sorting and composting) with the goal of promoting a more ecofriendly lifestyle. Beyond the working hours, volunteers come together to organise daily life on the camp. Often divided into teams, they plan menus, help with the shopping, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of shared spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organization!

Requirements

No access for wheelchairs

Meeting point

Saint-Germain-des-Fossés, train station - 23/07/25 - 4pm

Notes:

Rejoindre un chantier international, c’est s’engager dans une expérience collective et humaine unique. En tant qu’organisateur·ice·s, nous nous assurons que vous disposez de tout le nécessaire pour être à l’aise (hébergement, repas, sécurité), et nous veillons à votre bien-être. Nous vous proposons des missions accessibles avec un véritable impact pour la communauté locale. En tant que bénévoles, vous participerez activement sur les temps de chantier et dans l’organisation de la vie quotidienne avec respect pour les personnes, les lieux, et l’environnement. Ce sera aussi une belle occasion d’apprendre, de partager et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures. Joining an international volunteering workcamp means embarking on a unique collective and human experience. As organisers, we ensure that you have everything you need to feel comfortable—accommodation, meals, and safety—while also looking after your well-being. We offer meaningful and accessible missions that have a real impact on the local community. As a volunteer, you’ll actively take part in the project work and contribute to organizing daily life with respect for people, places, and the environment. It’s also a great opportunity to learn, share, and discover new cultures! Cancellation and reimbursement: If you cancel your participation less than one month before the beginning of the project, the participation fees will not be refunded.

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.