Work

Your work will mainly consist of manual farm work of all kinds. These include weeding, planting, hoeing, harvesting, watering, cleaning and storing vegetables, etc. In addition to vegetables, there are medical herbs grown, which you can also help to collect and process. You might also do gardening work and help out with the maintenance of the farm and its premises. You will mostly work outside in the farm area or on the fields which are located within walking distance (500m) from the farm. Bring suitable work clothes and shoes, a hat, and a raincoat to protect yourself from the sun and rain. Working on a farm can be physically demanding, please be prepared for that, nevertheless, it can be done with a collective effort and a positive attitude.

Partner

This project is organized in cooperation with the NGO Free Farm in Ceske Kopisty, which is part of the Camphill Community movement. It is a family-like community that welcomes people with and without disabilities and creates a pleasant environment for everyone to live and work together. Vegetables, herbs, and fruits are grown and processed organically. Free Farm aims to raise awareness of biodynamic farming and the role of a farmer nowadays. The goal of the workcamp is to connect people from different countries and experience the operation of a Czech organic farm, develop a tolerant open society and acquire a responsible approach to the world. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG2 Zero Hunger and UN SDG10 Reduced Inequalities.

Location

Ceske Kopisty – a small village near the historical town of Litomerice. The farm uses 11 hectares of fields; there is a garden and a yard with a couple of animals (a cow, a horse, chickens, ducks, and pigs). The area is quite vast – there are 3 residential houses, a candle workshop, and a common hall. There are 7 adults, 4 children and 7 people with special needs living there. You might meet around 10 other external co-workers. Everywhere in the village, there is a good phone reception. There is an ATM 3 km away in Terezin, and a pharmacy 5 km away in Litomerice. There is a football pitch in the village after that, you can relax in the local pub or swim in the river. You might visit the nearby Terezin Memorial at the location of the former concentration camp and the Terezin Ghetto Museum.

Accomodation

Accommodation is provided directly at the farm. You will sleep in the attic on mattresses in a renovated historic farmhouse. Bring your sleeping bag! There are two showers with hot water, two toilets, a common room, and a kitchen available. There is WIFI and a washing machine. You will prepare breakfast and dinner together as a group. Lunch will be prepared by the members of the community; you will eat all together with the community. The local project partner will provide ingredients, including local organic vegetables. Meals will be mostly vegetarian.

Requirements

You will stay in a place where people with various disabilities live, so there are specific rules you are asked to respect: smoking and consumption of alcohol within the community area are restricted, and it is necessary to respect the privacy and the rest of the residents. Be aware that not all members of the community can speak English. Please, bring a sleeping bag, enthusiasm and a good mood! The workcamp is mainly suitable for people who are interested in farming and community life and don’t mind working from early hours.

Meeting point

From Prague airport, take bus 119 to “Nadrazi Veleslavin” station. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar. At the “Muzeum” stop, change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, and stay until the final stop. Here, take bus 413 at 14:00 to your final destination “Terezin, U Pamatniku”. The campleader will be waiting for you there at 15:00 and take you to the accommodation.

Notes:

You will learn about the Camphill movement and life on an organic farm.

Work

1. Support harvesting and shipping Sudachi citrus at its season 2. Support harvesting and shipping Shikimi (Japanese star anise) 3. Help making brochures or signs for pilgrims from overseas throughout the village. 4. Cleaning up vacant houses, etc.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with the local group since 2019. This village has been welcoming ohenro (pilgrims) who visit 88 temples in Shikoku since long time ago. The pilgrims walk through this village before visiting Kakurin-ji temple; the 20th temple out of 88 temples of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage. However, there are problems which should be solved such as aging and depopulation of the community these days, and locals haven't been able to find solutions for those problems. On the other hand, since more and more people from overseas visit for the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage locals are trying to find new ways for omotenashi (hospitality). Volunteers who have been working on the project have come up with ideas for the reuse of vacant and abandoned land. Local host Oi have finally decided that they can freely renovate and modify the vacant houses. Moreover, the site is in a good location, with mountains, a river and fields. It is up to the volunteers from now on to decide how to develop the project. The aim is for the volunteer members to clean up the abandoned houses and village landscape and transform it into a village that people will want to visit to take photos, as it used to be a village where people came and went since ancient times.

Location

Oi-cho, Anan city, Tokushima prefecture.

Accomodation

Home staying at local farmhouses. All meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NOT necessary.

Requirements

Positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and communicate with local people! 9,000 JPY (60 USD by the rate on 2024 Feb. 16th) 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.

Meeting point

Tokushima station

Notes:

Study theme: Finding ways for sustainability of a depopulated village, Pass down the osettai culture to the next generation, Helping senior citizens to host foreigners Other activities: Welcome party by locals, visiting Kakurin-ji temple. Other: Video about Kakurin-ji temple https://youtu.be/V2vX5Ik4ASM

Work

Study part: The group will receive German lessons by a qualified teacher who is a native speaker. You will receive 3 hours German lessons in the morning. The grammar and communication will be deepened, depending on the wishes and needs of the participants. In your free time, excursions through Berlin and the surrounding area are planned. It is planned that the volunteers also communicate in German with each other in their free time to deepened the subject matter.

Partner

"Projekt- und Begegnungsstätte" of the Association of Young Volunteers (Vereinigung Junger Freiwilliger e.V. (VJF))

Location

Location: You will live in the"Projekt- und Begegnungsstätte" of the Association of Young Volunteers. The small bungalow village is located directly on the banks of the lake "Langer See" in Berlin-Grünau. It's a quiet place, a bit away from the center of Berlin, but with a good infrastructure. Leisure time: The free time activities are determined by the participants at the beginning of the camp. Please research in advance what you would like to see in Berlin and bring your suggestions with you!

Accomodation

Accomodation: You will live at the center in heated bungalows. Bed linen will be provided, so you don´t have to bring a sleeping bag with you. There is no washing machine and only limited internet access in the center. Food: You will have the chance to prepare your own meals in a kitchen at the centre. Please bring easy recipes from your home country, so you can prepare some traditional meals for each other."

Requirements

Language skills: minimum A2 This course is not suitable for absolute beginners!

Meeting point

Projekt- und Begegnungsstätte der VJF Krimnitzer Weg 25 12527 Berlin Arrival time: Arrival day from 10am until 4pm. If your arrival time deviates, please let us know.

Notes:

Please bring with you: - a flashlight - warm clothes - towels and personal items - entertainment (music, games, instruments,...) - International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

Work

The main work is the keeping up of Vikings Village which involves cleaning, fixing, painting. Other part of work is helping with various event preparations such as decorations set up, putting tents and tables and other odd jobs depending on event. The work is physical.

Partner

Estonian people have lived in these lands since ancient times and ancient Estonians were known as a wise and mysterious people. They have been described as a nation of witches and sorcerers, and for good reason. While later periods of Estonian history can be learned about in a number of places across the country, the Viking Age (8th to 11th century) in our lands has not received much attention. The Viking Village is the result of one man s long-lived dream and the boldness and initiative of young enthusiasts. It all started in 2005, when the current chieftains of the Viking Village discovered an ancient and mysterious location on the scenic bank of the Pirita River, which could not have been a better place to build an ancient Estonian Viking village.The mission of the Viking Village is to give people a sense of what ancient life was like and to provide a place to relax and learn to know themselves as well as their environment. It is a place where you can take a break from fast-paced modern life and discover the Viking within yourself. The Viking Village is constantly being expanded and improved. Today, we have completed roughly half of the planned village, which means that there is at least as much to come More information: www.viikingitekyla.ee

Location

Location30 km from Tallinn along Tartu road, at Pirita river shore. More information: www.viikingitekyla.ee TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn. From the airport or Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam) or Train station (Baltijaam) you can take bus nr 138 to Saula. Timetables are available online at www.transport.tallinn.ee But hosts plan to provide group pick up at the meeting point within walking distance from the airport.Leisure timeThere are a lot of interesting natural and historical sights and places around the area. This camp is perfect for people who enjoy being close to the nature and are interested in traditions and history. On the last evening there will be a theatrical and special FX performance at the fortress. You can help in preparations of show and other events and enjoy it.

Accomodation

The accommodation conditions are very simple - in Viking house but beds are provided. Please bring your sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available on site. There are fireplaces where you can prepare meals on Fire, while some meals will be prepared for you indoors at the main house.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou need to be open-minded and willing to adapt to the simple conditions of life in Vikings Village. Be ready for independent work as well as teamwork. It is helpful if you have some technical skills: repairs, building, woodwork, fire etc. Driving license is an advantage. Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted during the work days. Age of participants 17Participation feeDue to the lack of financial support for the project the participation fee of 175 Euro is requested from volunteers to cover the costs of board, leisure activities and administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make bank transfer please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

TBC

Work

1. Support harvesting and shipping Sudachi citrus at its season 2. Support harvesting and shipping Shikimi (Japanese star anise) 3. Help making brochures or signs for pilgrims from overseas throughout the village. 4. Cleaning up vacant houses, etc.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with the local group since 2019. This village has been welcoming ohenro (pilgrims) who visit 88 temples in Shikoku since long time ago. The pilgrims walk through this village before visiting Kakurin-ji temple; the 20th temple out of 88 temples of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage. However, there are problems which should be solved such as aging and depopulation of the community these days, and locals haven't been able to find solutions for those problems. On the other hand, since more and more people from overseas visit for the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage locals are trying to find new ways for omotenashi (hospitality). Volunteers who have been working on the project have come up with ideas for the reuse of vacant and abandoned land. Local host Oi have finally decided that they can freely renovate and modify the vacant houses. Moreover, the site is in a good location, with mountains, a river and fields. It is up to the volunteers from now on to decide how to develop the project. The aim is for the volunteer members to clean up the abandoned houses and village landscape and transform it into a village that people will want to visit to take photos, as it used to be a village where people came and went since ancient times.

Location

Oi-cho, Anan city, Tokushima prefecture.

Accomodation

Home staying at local farmhouses. All meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NOT necessary.

Requirements

Positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and communicate with local people! 9,000 JPY (60 USD by the rate on 2024 Feb. 16th) 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.

Meeting point

Tokushima station

Notes:

Study theme: Finding ways for sustainability of a depopulated village, Pass down the osettai culture to the next generation, Helping senior citizens to host foreigners Other activities: Welcome party by locals, visiting Kakurin-ji temple. Other: Video about Kakurin-ji temple https://youtu.be/V2vX5Ik4ASM

Work

The aim of this project is to build an ecological pond on the permaculture garden of the Maison des Bateleurs. Guided by our technical staff and with the help of the house volunteers team, you will learn not only how to build the pond, but also how the different animal and vegetal species interact inside the freshwater environment and their connection with the permaculture garden.

Partner

Every year, by hosting volunteers and international workcamps, this commune of 3,000 habitants works to restore its heritage and promote intercultural exchanges. Montendre is home to one of Solidarités Jeunesses' international centers: the Maison des Bateleurs. La Maison des Bateleurs is a Non-formal Education association that defends the ideas of living and doing together for a concrete peacebuilding action, promoting intercultural encounter. This International Welcome Centre, welcomes throughout the year 8 to 10 young volunteers (short and long term ESC, French and international civic service), as well as young French and internationals (individually or in groups) on our actions and projects of young volunteers.

Location

Located a few hundred meters from the festival in Montendre, the house provides all necessary amenities: showers, kitchen, garden, bamboo grove, etc. The pond work will take place in the mornings, whilst the afternoons will be dedicated to different activities around the Montendre area and to visit some of the locations of environmental or cultural interest in nearby zone. Also there will be free time planned during the week ends to allow you to discover some of the most unique sites in the region as La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

Accomodation

You will sleep in a dormitory in the big International Maison des Bateleurs, where you will share daily life with international volunteers welcomed under the ESC (European Solidarity Corps). Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner (you have a food budget that the leaders will manage and communicate with you throughout the workcamp). Meals are prepared by you, in turn, by forming cooking teams. Take your best recipes with you! As Solidarités Jeunesses is willing to protect the environment, you may not eat meat everyday. Of course, if you have any dietary restrictions or needs, don't forget to tell us about it so that meals can be adapted to you.

Requirements

Project open to European citizens and third-country associated

Meeting point

The meeting point will be La Maison des Bateleurs, 4 avenue de Onda, 17130 Montendre. You have to go to the station of Montendre (17130) and then walk 10 minutes to the Maison des Bateleurs

Descrizione

Diwali or Festival of Lights is a national festival celebrated throughout the country with lot of zeal for 5 days. This main festival, falling on 1 st November, 2024, is celebrated with a great fervor just like Christmas and goes on for 5 days. Diwali is followed by other local events like Budi Diwali, viswakarma puja, Bhaiya Dooj etc. In North India, as it is believed that it was on Diwali that Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after killing the Demon king Ravana in Lanka.

Work

This camp is a great opportunity to learn and experience Indian culture and understand the diversity and unity it stands for. You shall be participating in our ongoing humanitarian actions like Non formal education, women empowerment initiatives, environment conservation, waste upcycling, organic farming etc and interacting with local people on daily basis leading to the festival.

Partner

Rural Centre for Human Interests (RUCHI) is a community development organization with ever increasing focus on youth development and intercultural learning through voluntary service. RUCHI got registered in 1983, under Indian Societies Registration Act as a non-political, non-profit making voluntary organization.

Location

Baddi is a fast growing largest industrial hub in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 30 km north of Chandigarh city and 100 kms from Shimla town. Baddi offers a number of treks to tourists and a good majestic view of Kasauli range of mountains. The economy of the area depends on agriculture and industries.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay at RUCHI campus on twin/triple sharing basis. Bed and beddings are provided. Simple basic amenities will be available; bringing personal sleeping bag is desirable. Asian squat type toilet & English WC with hot and cold showers are available. Our cook will serve authentic Indian vegetarian meals.

Requirements

Interest in experiencing other cultures and participate with local communities in local/national festivals.

Work

The mornings of the 2 weeks will be devoted to wood construction and fitting-out the association's premises. On the programme, we'll be using pallets to build furniture for the café. You'll also be able to find out about and take part in the various activities organised by the community café, a convivial meeting place designed to be a place for sharing, welcoming, eating out, passing on knowledge and innovating.

Partner

Nestled in the hollow of a green valley, the town of St Amand de Coly is located in the heart of the Périgord Noir, a territory rich in history! Composed of two former municipalities that decided o join forces to form one. The commune is home to the Ecocycle association, a third-party organisation that is developing a participatory activity project in the commune of Saint Amand de Coly and the surrounding area. These activities are strongly influenced by concerns about climate change. After major renovation work, a building made available by the local authority is now coming into being. You will help the association and its volunteers to prepare the building to welcome its members. You'll discover the local people's sense of welcome and the charm of the countryside and heritage, as you work with the other volunteers and the organisers to organise your programme of activities.

Location

Location : Coly - St Amand is located in Périgord Noir, 10 km from the caves of Lascaux, between Périgueux and Brive. Leisure activities: Site visits, nature activities, you will build your own entertainment program with the animators and the other participants. We favor a discovery of the territory and these actors over consumption activities.

Accomodation

You will be welcomed at the Vieux logis de Saint Amand. Sleeping accommodation in rooms of 2 to 3 people. Meals will be cooked and eaten collectively, so you can take it in turns to prepare some tasty dishes, so come along with your own recipes.

Meeting point

Reception on the day of arrival at the end of the afternoon at Condat-Le Lardin train station.

Work

SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. In this project SEEDS will organise a night photography and aurora hunting (Northern Lights) workshop in the city or in the vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon depending on solar activity and meteorological conditions; we cannot guarantee you will see northern lights, but the night photography workshop will be organised anyway.

Partner

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers! You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Location

Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. 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.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on October 29 at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Work

1. Support harvesting and shipping Sudachi citrus at its season 2. Support harvesting and shipping Shikimi (Japanese star anise) 3. Help making brochures or signs for pilgrims from overseas throughout the village. 4. Cleaning up vacant houses, etc.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with the local group since 2019. This village has been welcoming ohenro (pilgrims) who visit 88 temples in Shikoku since long time ago. The pilgrims walk through this village before visiting Kakurin-ji temple; the 20th temple out of 88 temples of the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage. However, there are problems which should be solved such as aging and depopulation of the community these days, and locals haven't been able to find solutions for those problems. On the other hand, since more and more people from overseas visit for the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage locals are trying to find new ways for omotenashi (hospitality). Volunteers who have been working on the project have come up with ideas for the reuse of vacant and abandoned land. Local host Oi have finally decided that they can freely renovate and modify the vacant houses. Moreover, the site is in a good location, with mountains, a river and fields. It is up to the volunteers from now on to decide how to develop the project. The aim is for the volunteer members to clean up the abandoned houses and village landscape and transform it into a village that people will want to visit to take photos, as it used to be a village where people came and went since ancient times.

Location

Oi-cho, Anan city, Tokushima prefecture.

Accomodation

Home staying at local farmhouses. All meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NOT necessary.

Requirements

Positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and communicate with local people! 9,000 JPY (60 USD by the rate on 2024 Feb. 16th) 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.

Meeting point

Tokushima station

Notes:

Study theme: Finding ways for sustainability of a depopulated village, Pass down the osettai culture to the next generation, Helping senior citizens to host foreigners Other activities: Welcome party by locals, visiting Kakurin-ji temple. Other: Video about Kakurin-ji temple https://youtu.be/V2vX5Ik4ASM