Descrizione

Buddhafield (www.buddhafield.com) is an English Buddhist collective that is part of the international Buddhist movement, the Triratna Buddhist Community (http://thebuddhistcentre.com). Buddhafield emerged out of the coming together of Buddhism and ecological awareness in the 1990s. Buddhafield is inspired by the ideal of living and working more simply and kindly in a community informed by awareness of our interconnections with each other and with nature. We run a programme of camping activities in the South West of England and own two beautiful pieces of land, which we are committed to managing sustainably and which we use for several events each year (not the Festival itself). We are perhaps best known for organising the much-loved Buddhafield Festival, now in its 23rd year, and for the Buddhafield Café, which provides vegan food at festivals like the Glastonbury Festival.

Work

Needless to say, in order for the Festival to be a life-enhancing and indeed for some a life-transforming experience, much hard work is required. From the day we arrive in an empty field with a small vanguard, our numbers gradually swell until we have around eight hundred volunteers welcoming the three thousand visitors. The set-up crew erect the structures that will act as kitchens and venues. They establish the infrastructure such as plumbing, compost toilets, showers and saunas. They make the site beautiful and safe with flags, bunting, paths, fences and lighting. Then during the Festival we have stewards to welcome and guide festival goers, to manage parking and traffic and to attend to people's well-being. Toilet wizards maintain the compost toilets. A team of recyclers sorts materials so as to minimize landfill. The kitchen crew feed volunteers and festival goers alike. The site crew look after the infrastructure, tents, water etc. During the set-up phase, volunteers will get one day off and during the festival two days either as full days or half days, depending on the needs of the particular teams. VAP/IVS volunteers will be invited to work in one of a number of areas before and during the festival, for example: the Healing area, the Buddhafield cafe, site crew, recycling and 'toilet wizards', décor, welcome and departure teams. During the Festival the volunteers will have work shifts, but will also have time to enjoy the huge variety of events taking place and facilities available as outlined above. Volunteers are asked to attend daily morning meetings, the exact time depending on what area of work they choose to join. The work is very team-based. The whole enterprise runs on goodwill, awareness of each others' needs, good communication and mutual support. During set-up and take-down there will be organised events around Buddhist themes, attendance at which is completely voluntary. There are generally also alternatives such as spontaneous musical gatherings, often around a fire. They will also have someone on site who is their direct contact for support and pastoral care. They will meet as a group together each day.

Partner

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Location

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Accomodation

Volunteers should bring their own tents, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and everything you would need for a camping trip. Weather can range from very hot in the sun to very cold at night, so please bring plenty of blankets as well as sun cream, warm-weather clothes and proper waterproof jackets and trousers. Showers and toilet facilities are outdoors and though cleaner and better cared for than other festivals, they are outdoors and basic. Buddhafield will provide 100% vegan food and hot drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. If you need animal products, you will have to bring with you a supply of food that does not need refrigeration.

Requirements

Volunteers should send together with the application form a Police Check stating they do not have a criminal record. Volunteers will be interviewed by VAP/IVS via zoom or whatsapp before they get the final acceptance in the project.

Meeting point

Once in Taunton, there are two buses per day which can drop you within 10 minutes walk of the Festival site. The bus stops are about 15 minutes walk from Taunton station and five minutes from the coach station.

Work

Help preserve Montferrat's local heritage! Located in the north-east of the commune of Montferrat, the Pierrepont spring is a place of refreshment for many villagers during the summer. With the aim of restoring the site's hydraulic heritage, an important element in the history and life of the village, you'll be tasked with clearing and demarcating the area to be rebuilt using picks and shovels; resuming the foundations on the sections requiring it; sorting the stones and assembling a hard base; building the low wall leading to the spring. Take part in the enhancement of this committed and culturally rich commune, while making unforgettable encounters!

Partner

The commune of Montferrat joins Concordia in a 3-year project to revitalize damaged cultural heritage. For the year 2025, the commune wishes to focus on the restoration of the hydraulic heritage on the Pierrepont site. The commune's elected representatives are delighted to welcome a group of young internationals to lead this first workcamp with Concordia!

Location

Montferrat (commune of approx. 1700 inhabitants) is located in the Var (83) department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Just 15 km from Draguignan and 5 km from Châteaudouble, the village is nestled among wooded hills, in an unspoilt natural setting. The Pierrepont site is a fifteen-minute walk from the town center. Your volunteer work will be punctuated by a variety of cultural and natural activities: discovering the region and its specialties, hiking, nature sports, meeting local people... and much more!

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in tents provided by Concordia in the outdoor area of the stadium. This will be a large field with grass and shady trees. Access to the stadium's showers, kitchen and WC is included. You'll share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together, outdoors in a summer kitchen or under the small covered facility. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you'll help with the shopping, giving preference to healthy, local produce.

Requirements

Bring work clothes, hiking boots and a swimsuit. Nights can be chilly, so take warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. You can also bring recipes from your country/region, musical instruments and games.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at DRAGUIGNAN train station at 6PM on the 9th of July. DRAGUIGNAN is accessible from MARSEILLE SAINT-CHARLES train station. Train reservations are possible approximately 4 months in advance on the SNCF website, link below: www.sncf-connect.com Airport: Marseille Provence (MRS) 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. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.

Notes:

Bring work clothes, hiking boots and a swimsuit. Nights can be chilly, so take warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. You can also bring recipes from your country/region, musical instruments and games.

Work

Come experience an exhilarating adventure by participating in a renovation project in the heart of Brittany! The village of Hémonstoir welcomes you for its first international project and needs you to showcase its Saint-Arnoult fountain! You will work on the reassembly of this building, which was previously dismantled to make way for the construction of a library. This will be an opportunity for you to learn traditional masonry techniques, but also to make unforgettable encounters with young people from all over the world and kind-hearted locals who will welcome you with open arms !

Partner

The town's elected officials are very committed to youth and culture. They are delighted to welcome a group of international youth to bring their community to life for this first project with Concordia. The municipality's goal is for the group to have extensive contact with local youth as well as residents! Get ready for some wonderful encounters!

Location

Hemonstoir is a small corner of Brittany near the town of Loudéac, in the Côtes d'Armor department. The nearby Guerlédan Lake offers wonderful opportunities for discovery and kayaking. A quote from novelist Paul Féval about this region: "I'm going to tell you perhaps the last story of the land of large stones and twisted oaks, which breathes the salt of the sea while eating buckwheat and drinking apples." From his book, Voyage de découvertes dans les Côtes-du-Nord.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in tents (provided by Concordia) at the municipal stadium, which is a 5-minute walk from the worksite! Group life will be organized nearby in a room provided for the group. There, you will share the various group tasks and activities. Together, you will participate in organizing group life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using products you will purchase locally. The activity leaders will have a budget to cover these expenses, but you will be responsible for preparing the menus and doing your own shopping. A vegetarian diet using local and seasonal products will be preferred, while respecting the participants' dietary requirements and allowing you to discover local cuisine.

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 then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the LOUDEAC BUS STATION on July 9th in the late afternoon. The exact meeting time will be communicated with the route sheet, which will be sent at least four weeks before the start of the work. Several trains depart from Paris Montparnasse station to Rennes. The journey takes approximately two hours. You will then need to take a TER BreizhGo bus, which will take you to your destination, Loudéac. Train reservations are available approximately four months before departure on the SNCF website, via the link below: https://www.sncf-connect.com/ You can find the Breizh Go bus schedule to Loudéac here: https://www.breizhgo.bzh/se-deplacer-en-bretagne/se-deplacer-en-car/interdepartementales This first journey is the first step of the adventure, so make sure you enjoy it!

Notes:

Regardless of the season in Brittany, you should bring at least one warm outfit (pants, sweater, socks, closed-toe shoes, rain gear) and one light outfit (skirt or shorts, t-shirt, open-toe shoes). Here, it's said that all four seasons can be experienced in one day! Also, remember to bring gloves, work clothes and shoes, and a swimsuit for swimming. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good, warm sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping mat. You can also bring recipes from your country/region, musical instruments, and games. Don't hesitate to share your culture as much as possible with the other members of the group! The last day is dedicated to departure, usually in the morning.

Work

Get your chisels and sledgehammers, this year we're restoring the wall of the village cemetery! On the technical side, this project is being supervised and coordinated by professionals. By the end of the project, you'll know all about lime! What's more, you'll be accompanied by skilled facilitators throughout the project, to help you learn these techniques step by step. You'll also take part in setting up events and activities to create links with local residents: setting up a stall at the Saturday morning market, organizing an international meal, the famous aperitif with local residents, offering service exchanges..

Partner

We've been working in partnership with the town of Aubigné-Racan since 2013. We used to work on the renovation of the archaeological site, but today we're changing projects to work on the renovation of the town's cemetery wall. Aubigné-Racan is a charming town near the river Loir, proud of its heritage. Its inhabitants are accustomed to welcoming young international volunteers every year. You'll be welcomed by the town's mayor, who will be delighted to show you around the village. Between the July 14th festivities and aperitifs at the locals' homes, you'll have plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. What's more, you'll have a stand at the local market on Saturday mornings, a great opportunity to meet the locals (and bargain for unsold goods!).

Location

Aubigné-Racan is located in the south of the Sarthe region, 40 km south of Le Mans and 15 km West of Château du Loir. Time will be set aside to meet local residents and exchange services. You'll also be able to take part in local festivities in July, including the July 14th parade and fireworks, the “Nuit des Chimères” in Le Mans, local heritage discoveries and hikes.

Accomodation

You'll sleep in individual tents (tents will be provided but bring your own sleeping bag and comforter), so you'll be in direct contact with nature. The kitchen and living area will be hard-standing in a room near the camp. Toilets and showers are hard-standing, also close to the camp. There will be no wifi on site. Laundry will be done by hand. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you will help with shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to healthy, local produce and vegetarian meals.

Requirements

For work on the construction site, remember to wear closed shoes that you don’t mind being used. Don't forget to bring warm clothes for the cold and the rain as well as a warm sleeping bag: the nights can be chilly in the Sarthe. Don't hesitate to bring home specialties, photos, games, music instruments, etc. 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. This project is supported by the European Solidarity Corps programme 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 enrol 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 the basis of 6€/day, once they arrive on the project in France; -Volunteers will receive 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 set at the end of the afternoon at the Aubigne Racan (72) train station on the 3rd of July. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the infosheet, sent at the latest 4 weeks before the beginning of the work. On the last day (30/07), the departure time is usually set in the morning.

Notes:

For work on the construction site, remember to wear closed shoes that you don’t mind being used. Don't forget to bring warm clothes for the cold and the rain as well as a warm sleeping bag: the nights can be chilly in the Sarthe. Don't hesitate to bring home specialties, photos, games, music instruments, etc. 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. This project is supported by the European Solidarity Corps programme 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 enrol 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 the basis of 6€/day, once they arrive on the project in France; - Volunteers will receive 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.

Work

Enjoy being outdoors! The main task of the project will be to improve the outdoor infrastructure so that even more people enjoy spending their leisure time outdoors and in nature. • You will be installing benches at various points along the edge of paths or forests - in some places this will first require clearing work and the construction of a foundation, while in other places existing wooden benches or picnic areas will simply be renovated. • You will renovate a wooden shelter for hikers. This includes woodwork and painting as well as wood and roof maintenance. • To motivate children in particular to spend their free time outdoors, you will maintain an existing playground in the middle of the forest and add some new play equipment. • To complete all these small tasks you will also improve the surrounding of your accommodation. This will include landscape gardening and renovation work. The group of volunteers will be split up in the two different tasks every day. You are also invited to support the local festival team during their village party.

Partner

Schwarzerden is a small village with 430 inhabitants and already experienced in welcoming international volunteers. After six successful international IBG workcamps they again invite a group of volunteers to support them to improve the local infrastructure and to enrich the village festival on July 12th to 14th. The previous camps have always been a big fun for the volunteers and the locals.

Location

The workcamp will take place in the small village Schwarzerden, which belongs to the community of Freisen. Freisen is situated in the north of Saarland in a rural area. You can find many interesting places in Freisen: a historical railway, cultural and natural sights, a small zoo, a spa bath (but only few of them in Schwarzerden). The local villagers are already looking forward to getting to know you and to welcoming you at the local village festival. We will do our best to arrange excursions with the support of locals but due to the poot public transport they will for sure be limited. The project is perfect for volunteers who enjoy being outside and in nature.

Accomodation

The accommodation provided is the former centre of the sports club of Schwarzerden. It is now in public use for bigger events in this village. All necessary facilities are a hall for sleeping, a kitchen, toilettes, showers… Camping beds are provided but please bring your sleeping bag! If the weather is fine, you have the opportunity to eat and chill outside. Attention: This place is quite isolated; the village of Schwarzerden is 1km away. Next to the accommodation you can find the sports ground, you can use it whenever you want. You will have a beautiful view over the valley; you will be surrounded by forests and meadows. Just make a campfire and enjoy nature. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow (if required). Your group of volunteers will be responsible for grocery shopping and cooking together. The food will be bought with the camp budget and everybody will take turns for cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more sustainable dishes.

Meeting point

Please check www.bahn.com for a connection from anywhere in Germany to “Schwarzerden Bahnhof, Freisen”. This bus stop is only 300m from your accommodation. You will travel by train to St. Wendel and change to the bus No. 604. Please make sure to arrive in St. Wendel before 20.25 p.m. to reach the last bus of the day to Schwarzerden

Work

During the workcamp mornings, you will participate in the construction of a wooden structure, a covered shelter, which will serve as a relaxing area and a cool, shaded space. Under the supervision of a technical supervisor, you will learn woodworking skills and become true apprentice carpenters. Once the structure is completed, you will be able to shelter there and take part in its decoration and layout. But it doesn’t stop there – we need your motivation to restore the stone and mosaic slab in our "pond and performance" area. Over the years, relentless vegetation has infiltrated the space, and the ground is now all uneven. The frogs will be at the front lines, encouraging you with their croaks! Additionally, you will help water the plants, harvest vegetables from the garden, and transform these products. You’ll have the chance to meet our 3 wonderful residents from the chicken coop and maintain this space regularly. This project is a great opportunity to meet young people from across Europe and around the world, exchange cultures, and share friendly moments. It’s the ideal setting to make new friends while engaging in various positive experiences (sleeping in tents, eating responsibly, using compost toilets...). Throughout your stay, you will be accompanied by professional facilitators who will ensure your safety and well-being. The activities are organized in a supportive environment where everyone can find their place. If you want to take part in a project of sharing and discovery while learning new skills, join us at Citrus!

Partner

Come join the Citrus association project and participate in several renovation, maintenance and development actions of our international reception center. For more than ten years, international volunteers and young people on site have been working one after another to help bring this intercultural, experimental place to life, focused on the challenges of tomorrow. On the heights of the village of Laguépie, Citrus association is a place of sharing and encounters, where young people from all over the world come to contribute to the renovation and fitting-out of the international welcome center. Since 2012, the association's buildings have been located in the former hamlet of La Mayounelle: offices, a communal living space and an activity room, all surrounded by fields, the landscape of greenery, and a vegetable garden. Accompanied by experienced leaders, you'll live at the heart of the association and share daily life with the Citrus team and other volunteers on site.

Location

Afternoons will be dedicated to various recreational activities and discovering the region. You can go hiking, canoeing, visit beautiful medieval villages, or explore cities steeped in history. You can also swim directly in the Viaur River at Laguépie. Moreover, with the support of the animation team, you will also be actively involved in suggesting activities and organizing events. Discussions about your favorite movie, introducing a local dance from your region, exchanging ideas on a current issue that concerns you, karaoke nights, or international quizzes – the floor is open for your ideas! And then, the time will come for the famous international dinner, open to everyone, where you will prepare one or more typical dishes from your country or region. It’s a great way to take your friends on a culinary journey and exchange ideas on interculturality!

Accomodation

You'll be accommodated in 8- to 12-person single-sex collective tents with floors and beds. There are beautiful composting toilets and solar showers, all built by former workcamps participants. A washing machine is available for reasonable and regulated use. There is no Wi-Fi connection. You will participate daily in maintaining the site and preparing meals. Collective decisions will ensure a balanced diet based on your tastes, dietary requirements, and seasonal local products. Cooking is part of the project, just like the construction activities.

Meeting point

We will pick you up at Laguépie train station after 2 p.m. You can easily take a train from Toulouse Matabiau train station that will lead you in 1hour and 15 min to Laguépie directly. In case you need to be picked up in Toulouse Airport or Toulouse train station, please let us know.

Work

Working with the organising team, your work will be to fit out and embellish the site so that it can accommodate groups of young people, the public, and the artists. Setting up the infrastructure (outdoor kitchen, refreshment areas, stages). You'll also help set up the tents. During the festival, you will have the choice of welcoming and guiding the public or the artists. Working hours will be spread out over the day depending on the day's activities. In the run-up to the festival, you'll also be involved in a number of communication activities, such as putting up posters in shops and appearing on the radio.

Partner

The Frayse Toch’ Festival is a cultural and festive festival organised in Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, celebrating artistic diversity, volunteer involvement and sharing between generations and cultures. Based on a popular education approach, it encourages the participation of local residents and young people in its organisation. The event also promotes eco-responsible and inclusive practices. Accessible to all, it is a key moment of conviviality and cultural dynamism for the region.

Location

You'll be able to enjoy a wide range of activities, including a visit to Bordeaux and a trip to the famous Bay of Arcachon. You'll be in the Bordeaux wine-growing region, so a visit to one of the châteaux is also possible.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in tents for one or two people, on the festival site, in an isolated area. You must bring a warm duvet and a pillow. There will be a kitchen area, a dining room, and a living area. All the facilities are located close to the campsite: showers, toilets and a room in case of bad weather. Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (you will have a food budget that the leaders will manage and communicate with you throughout the work camp). Meals, especially lunch and dinner, will be prepared by participants on a rotating basis, ensuring respect for environmental values, local resources, and everyone's cultural preferences. Both hot and cold dishes, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, will be included. During the festival, meals will be provided by on-site catering.

Meeting point

The meeting point will be at the Domaine de la Frayse, in Fargues-Saint-Hilaire (33370) on Thursday July 10th , between 3 pm and 5 pm. There are frequent bus services from Saint-Jean station (€2 - €3), with an estimated one-hour journey.

Work

Help restore a mill in Freissinières! The Commune would like to restore the Moulin de Viollins, located along the Biaysse torrent and a popular passageway for hikers. You're invited to take part in the process of giving the mill a new lease of life. On the program: site clean-up to prepare the work area, removal of collapsed roof elements, removal of deteriorated walls, sorting of stones, deconstruction of unstable wall sections, repointing of masonry...The aim of your work will be to restore the mill's perimeter walls, in particular by sorting materials and laying a sloping glacis. This is a high-mountain project, so please read the description carefully before applying. You'll be asked to provide a letter of introduction to the project before you can register!

Partner

This project is being carried out in collaboration with the Mairie de Freissinières and the Parc des Ecrins, who, following the restoration project in the Mercantour Park in 2024, have shown an interest in supporting the projects planned for 2025. The commune wishes to restore the Viollins mill, which is part of the commune's rural heritage and could also become a shelter for walkers. In particular, the commune will be responsible for installing a water tank, purchasing materials and equipment, preparing the site, applying for authorization for the work and storing the materials needed to build the framework.

Location

The commune and valley of Freissinières is located in the Hautes Alpes (05) at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The Viollins mill site is located downstream from the commune in the direction of Freissinières. It lies on the banks of the Biaysse torrent. In winter and summer alike, the well-sheltered valley offers a wide variety of activities: discovering the region and its specialities, hiking, nature sports, meeting local people and intercultural exchanges...

Accomodation

You'll be staying in the cabin's outdoor area, in a large, shady spot where tents tents will be pitched (and supplied by CONCORDIA). The commune also provides a village hall with WC access and a covered kitchen. No WIFI available, but telephone reception. Meals will be prepared either in an outdoor kitchen or under the small covered facility. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the animators, and you will participate in the shopping and preparation of meals, giving priority to healthy, vegetarian, local products. A recipe booklet will be provided to encourage responsible purchasing and sustainable eating.

Requirements

WARNING: a motivation letter is required for this project in order to accept your application. We strongly recommend that you take this occasion to underline your interest for the project. Remember to bring gloves, work clothes and shoes. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good comforter and warm clothes. Don't forget to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.). You can also take along recipes from your country/region, musical instruments and games. Participants will be asked to provide a letter of motivation. Don't forget to include it with your application!

Meeting point

The rendezvous is set for late afternoon at 6pm on 10/07/2025 at L' Argentière-la-Bessée station. There are several connecting trains from Paris to the meeting point. The last day (07/31) is devoted to departure, usually in the morning.

Notes:

Remember to bring gloves, work clothes and shoes. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good comforter and warm clothes. Don't forget to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.). You can also take along recipes from your country/region, musical instruments and games. Participants will be asked to provide a letter of motivation. Don't forget to include it with your application!

Work

Help restore a hut at the heart of the “hunters' site” in the south of France! The commune of Puy-Sanière would like to restore the “hunters' hut”, a structure overlooking the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, and through which many hikers pass. Once used as a base for hunters, this structure is part of the commune's rural heritage and could also become a shelter for walkers. You'll be taking part in the restoration of the hut's enclosure during a 3-week international work camp. You'll work on cleaning up the site, deconstructing it before starting to build, and finally constructing a low wall. At the end of your work, the walls will extend over 24 linear meters, allowing the hut to become a used shelter again! This is a high-mountain project, so you'll need to read the description carefully before signing up. You'll be asked to provide a cover letter before you can register!

Partner

Together with the Parc des Ecrins, Concordia has decided to set up a project in the Puy-Sanières mountain area. This is part of an overall project by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur delegation to work in the transalpine and Franco-Italian zones. Our aim is to highlight the need to restore dry-stone huts for workcamps.

Location

Puy-Sanières is a commune in southern France, located on the southern flank of Mont Guillaume (2,552 m), at the southernmost tip of the Écrins massif. It lies in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, near the Serre-Ponçon lake. The site of the “hunters' hut” is located a few kilometers away from the center of the village of Puy-Sanières, on land mainly devoted to pastoralism and soft tourism activities. The site will be punctuated by leisure activities, such as discovering the region and its specialities, hiking and other sporting activities, as well as opportunities to meet the local population.

Accomodation

You'll be accommodated outside the hut, in a large shady area where tents (supplied by CONCORDIA) will be pitched to provide shelter from the elements. A party room is also available, with access to WCs and a covered kitchen. Telephone reception, but no WIFI. Meals are prepared either in an outdoor kitchen or in the covered kitchen. You'll share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the animators and you will participate in the shopping and preparation of meals, giving priority to healthy, vegetarian and local products.

Requirements

Please not that you will need to provide a cover letter to participate to this project. 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.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at EMBRUN train station at 6PM on 10/07. Please consider using low-carbon transportation (train or bus, rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp. Train reservations are possible about 4 months before departure on the SNCF website, link below: https://www.sncf-connect.com/. 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 journey.

Notes:

Remember to bring gloves, work clothes and shoes. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good comforter and warm clothes. Don't forget to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.). You can also take along recipes from your country/region, music instruments and games. The last day is for departure, usually in the morning.

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 11 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 does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways.