Work

Energize the community of Villarroya through the recovery of its heritage and the participation of both national and foreign youth. 1. Carry out an archaeological excavation in the Celtiberian site of the munici-pality. At the top of the municipality is the old town from the 5th century BC. Led by professional archaeologists, the excavations and collection of materials found will be carried out. 2. Carry out a community exchange between the inhabitants of Villarroya del Campo and the youth of Campo. - Dynamization with activities such as the regional colonies where they will energize a morning with the children of the colonies - Participation of young people in the Celtiberian days 2025 where they will collaborate with the activities that are developed by organizing workshops, infor-mation, support...

Partner

El Botear Association. Cultural association that develops sociocultural activities in Villarroya del Campo. She is responsible for the development of the Celtiberian Days. We are made up of citizens of Villarroya who want to energize our municipality. Botear has the support of the Villarroya City Council and the Campo de Daroca Region with which it schedules its annual activities agenda. In 2024 it was decided to hold an international volunteer camp. The experience was very positive for both the town and the young people who came. That experience has allowed us to want to do it again this year and be able to improve last year's shortcomings and take advantage of the positive points.

Location

Leisure activities will take place in the municipality itself and with views of nearby mu-nicipalities. Traditional games: With a monitor you will learn about the traditional games of Spain such as bowling, frog, carcañon... This workshop is carried out by a cultural association fed-erated to traditional sports. Aromatic plants workshop. They will explain to us the properties of the plants in the ar-ea and how they were used. Laundry, the cleaning of clothes will be carried out in the traditional way. We hope to have the older women to explain it to us. Celtiberian sewing workshop: the artisan who designs the costumes for the historical recreations will explain her work to us and we will do some action with her. Spanish cooking workshop: With the direction of the chef we will learn to make typical Spanish meals. Potato omelette, tapas, paella, migas, ranch... (we will take into account if there are vegan people to adapt the workshop) Visit to Daroca: Mediaveal city that is the administrative capital of the Region. Guided tours will be made. Visit to the town: Guided tour of our municipality. In addition to the town we have paint-ings in our church by a leading Renaissance artist Bartolome Bermejo. Games with the children of the town: We will prepare games for the children of the town.

Accomodation

The municipal pavilion will be adapted, and only participants will have access to it. There will be separation by sex/gender. Rooms will be organized for 5 people, separated by car-dboard walls. There are 2 showers and 2 bathrooms, with access to Wi-Fi and power outlets. It is located in the municipality, which was highly valued by participants in 2024. A sleeping bag and bottom sheet are required. An eye mask is recommended. Meals are provided at the Social Club of Villarroya del Campo. Last year, the IAJ techni-cians visited and were able to check the kitchen and the space reserved for the youth. Breakfast: Buffet with milk, juice, or coffee accompanied by cold cuts, fruit, and pastries. Lunch and Dinner: Variety of options available, including vegan/vegetarian or halal/kosher diets. There will be a first course, a second course, and dessert. On weekends, typical local dishes will be prepared, and participants will be taught how to cook them. Snack and Afternoon Tea: This will consist of fruit and/or sandwiches. On weekends, there will be a tasting of tapas. *On days that coincide with excursions or trips for the partici-pants, sandwiches will be prepared.

Requirements

Common language at the project: SPANISH / ENGLISH Participation of volunteers with disabilities: NO ACCESSIBILITY TO THE SITE IS NOT GUARANTEED Vegetarian food available Specific food is made for vegetarians, vegans and other needs under request. Camp essentials: HYGIENE PRODUCTS SUN PROTECTIVE CREAM CAP COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR (TRACKING SHOES) CLOTHES FOR 10ºC SLEEPING BAG SHEET MATTRESS COVER (OPTIONAL) Sexual history certificate Participants are required to report any physical and/or mental health issues that require the knowledge of the management team. Failure to provide this in-formation will result in expulsion.

Meeting point

If you go directly to Villarroya del Campo the reception point is the social club/town hall.

Work

Kulluoba Mound is a prehistoric settlement on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Volunteers will be helping the professional excavation team will take part in unearthing the history, and also will be helping the environmental arrangement and cleaning of the site, maintenance, basic repairing work, and landscaping. Due to the hot weather in the summer months, excavations usually start at early morning and end between 2 pm and 3 pm. There maybe changes in working program hours. The exact program will be available till the summer season. Due to the hot weather, work starts early in the morning and ends in the afternoon. Precautions such as sun-proof awnings are in place. You are not expected to be experienced in this archaeological study, where you can witness history up close.

Partner

This camp is organized with the official permission of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the Bilecik University - Kulluoba Excavation Directorate (Prof. Dr. Turan EFE) and Eskisehir Municipality. Local volunteers also contribute to the project. https://eskisehir.ktb.gov.tr/TR-156597/kulluoba-kazisi.html

Location

Küllüoba Mound is 30 km away from Eskişehir, a student city. Eskişehir is one of the modern student cities of Turkey. It can be easily reached by high-speed train from Ankara and Istanbul. Eskişehir is famous for its social life as it is a student city. Volunteers will participate in various cultural trips in Eskişehir and will be able to evaluate their social time with group activities.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in the lodging belonging to the excavation directorate. There is a toilet, bathroom, kitchen and dining hall. Since the excavation area is far from the city, Volunteers can watch the stars on dark nights. Meals for the volunteers will be provided by the municipality. Sometimes volunteers can prepare meals together.

Requirements

-Passport Copy -Criminal Record (CGC) -Motivational Letter -Tetanus Vaccine

Meeting point

Eskişehir Train Station is the meeting point. You can take a flight to Ankara Airport, Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Then you can take a high speed train from Istanbul or Ankara. It takes 1 hour from Ankara and 3 hours from Istanbul by high speed train. Please book your train tickets at least 2 weeks before otherwise it would be very difficult to find a free seat.

Notes:

This area is an official excavation area. Volunteers will participate in this area with the permission of the Ministry of Culture. There may be some precautions and rules for your safety in the excavation area. The historical artifacts that can be found belong to the Republic of Türkiye. Please follow the requirements.

Work

Beçin Castle is an early Ottoman Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Volunteers will be helping the professional excavation team will take part in unearthing the history, and also will be helping the environmental arrangement and cleaning of the site, maintenance, basic repairing work, and landscaping. Due to the hot weather in the summer months, excavations usually start at early morning and end between 2 pm and 3 pm. There maybe changes in working program hours. The exact program will be available till the summer season. Due to the hot weather, work starts early in the morning and ends in the afternoon. Precautions such as sun-proof awnings are in place. You are not expected to be experienced in this archaeological study, where you can witness history up close.

Partner

This camp is organized with the official permission of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the Istanbul Civilization University - Beçin Castle Excavation Directorate (Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektas). For more information about Istanbul Civilization University, please visit: https://www.medeniyet.edu.tr/en

Location

Many activities await you in Muğla City, a city with full of touristic, historical and natural beauties. This region, full of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritages that you can visit, is also 45 minutes away from the sea. You can enjoy your free time with the excavation team and volunteers in this region where you can enjoy the sea, sand and sun. Plus, we will have educational workshops for you!

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in the lodging belonging to the excavation directorate. There is air conditioning in the rooms. There is a toilet, bathroom, kitchen and dining hall. Volunteers can watch the stars on the terrace on dark nights. Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the lodge. Lunches will be served at the house in the excavation area. Volunteers will prepare their meals together with the excavation team.

Requirements

-Passport Copy -Criminal Record (CGC) -Motivational Letter -Tetanus Vaccine

Meeting point

We can meet with volunteers at Milas Bus Terminal or Milas-Bodrum Airport.

Notes:

This area is an official excavation area. Volunteers will participate in this area with the permission of the Ministry of Culture. There may be some precautions and rules for your safety in the excavation area. The historical artifacts that can be found belong to the Republic of Türkiye. Please follow the requirements.

Work

Immerse yourself in history by taking part in a unique archaeological research project at the citadel of Doullens! Your mission will be to clear a mound of earth blocking access to an unexplored underground passage. Using careful excavation techniques, you will dig and sift through each layer of soil, searching for historical artifacts and hidden remnants of the past. This workcamp is a true archaeological adventure, offering the chance to uncover long-buried secrets of this remarkable site. Come and visit this area where JRR Tolkien lived and got inspired to create his worldly known universe of Lord of the Rings.

Partner

The EPCC of the Somme are long-standing partners of Concordia. After a first collaboration in 2019 on the archaeological site of Samara, the EPCC of the Somme has decided to renew our partnership for an exciting new project: the exploration and enhancement of the underground tunnels of the Doullens citadel. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving and showcasing historical heritage while engaging young international volunteers in a mission of discovery and cultural transmission. The city of Doullens and the EPCC are fully dedicated to welcoming volunteers and will ensure a friendly and enriching experience. Many interactions with locals and community members are planned, providing a deep immersion into the region’s culture and history. This work camp is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the preservation of an iconic site while sharing meaningful moments with the local community.

Location

Doullens is located in the northern part of the Somme, at the crossroads between Amiens, Arras, and Abbeville. This strategic position places it within easy reach of historical and cultural landmarks, including the stunning Gothic cathedral of Amiens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vibrant city of Arras, known for its beautiful squares and underground tunnels. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Doullens offers a peaceful setting perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the region’s rich history. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit nearby sites like the Baie de Somme, one of France’s most breathtaking natural reserves, Samara archeological parc or explore the remnants of World War I battlefields. During the summer, local events, markets, and cultural festivities will add to the experience. With the support of the team, outings and activities will be organized to fully enjoy the region’s heritage, nature, and warm community atmosphere.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in individual tents within one of the citadel’s gardens, a unique and historic setting. A former jail will serve as a communal living space, providing a dining area and a sheltered retreat in case of bad weather. Sanitary facilities will be available in an annex building, while showers will be accessible at the town’s gym, a 15-minute walk from the campsite. Collective living will be at the heart of this experience: you will share daily tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be managed by the animation team for grocery shopping, and you will be encouraged to use fresh, local, and seasonal products for healthy, mainly vegetarian and delicious meals.

Requirements

Please bring good shoes, working clothes and a swimsuit. As nights can be quite cold, remember also to bring warm clothes, a sleeping bag and a matress for more comfort. You can also bring traditional recipes from your home country/region, an instrument of music and games.

Meeting point

The meeting is planned at the Saint Martin Place in Doullens, 18th July at the end of the day. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the info sheet, sent at least 4 weeks before the beginning of the workcamp. From PARIS, regular trains (around 1 per hour) leave from the Gare du Nord train station for Amiens train station (1hour trip). From Amiens, a bus is available every hours in direction of Doullens 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/ 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.

Notes:

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 arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Work

The volunteers are asked to help on the excavation ground of the fortress with building work, repairing and painting walls, carrying stones or cleaning. Other tasks can be removing of bushes or documentation of your work. Furthermore, there are restoration works and embellishments in the village and the nearby hiking trails in the Thuringian forest. It is possible that you will be asked to help on another excavation place to do punctured excavations (1m x 1m) and filter the finds. Please be prepared for any work outside.

Partner

BurgVerein Weisbach e.V. http://www.wysburg.de/

Location

Area: Weisbach is a very small village in the mountains of Thüringen, not far from Saalfeld and surrounded by beautiful countryside with mountains, green valleys, forests and meadows. A fortress was built on a hill near the village in the 11th century but it was destroyed during the following century. It has become overgrown with trees and bushes since then. Systematic excavations began in 1984. Please be prepared to live and work in a very remote area! www.weisbach.info/bilder/bilder-von-weisbach Leisure Time: If you are interested in history, you will have the chance to learn a lot about the region and the fortress. You can travel to Weimar, which was the well known workplace of the poets Goethe and Schiller. You will be able to find out more about history and perhaps visit the former concentration camp Buchenwald. It will also be possible to go to a nearby castle called „Schloss Burg“. Perhaps you will get to see the concert of the world famous organ „Silbermannorgel“. You could go for a boat trip on the river Saale or just enjoy the natural environment while walking around the area. Please be aware that you will be in a very rural area from where it is quite difficult to get away (for shopping etc.), but there are very nice people in the village who are interested in meeting you.

Accomodation

Accommodation: You will live in a community house in the village, with toilet and shower facilities provided. All bed linen is provided. Food: The locals will prepare lunch. Breakfast and evening meals will be prepared by the volunteers in a small kitchen. So please bring recipes and special ingredients with you for cooking and to present meals from your country.

Work

For several years now, volunteer work camps have been helping to clear paths and secure the remains of buildings on the site of the former Zeithain prisoner of war camp. This makes it possible to walk around the site with visitors and explain the history of the camp. Remains of buildings as well as roads and paths have already been recovered. Further work is necessary, for example clearing and cutting free overgrown building sites and paths and renewing wooden shelters to protect the exposed building remains from the weather. The Ehrenhain Zeithain memorial commemorates the at least 25,000 people who fell victim to malnutrition and catastrophic conditions in the Wehrmacht prisoner-of-war camp from 1941 to 1945. As part of the German war of extermination against the Soviet Union, a prisoner of war camp was set up in Zeithain in 1941. Initially, only Soviet soldiers from the Red Army were held in the camp. At the time, Ukrainian and Russian soldiers fought together in the Red Army. Up to 30,000 of them died as a result of inhumane living conditions. From February 1943, the camp served as a central hospital for prisoners of war. Prisoners from other nations also arrived during this period. Italian soldiers formed a large group. The majority of them also died due to inadequate nutrition and poor medical care. The dead were buried in five cemeteries in the municipality of Zeithain. The memorial is located in one of the cemeteries. An exhibition and name plaques commemorate the victims of the camp. The area of the POW camp was completely cleared after 1945. The huge 66-hectare site is now part of the Gohrischheide nature reserve and is an unmanaged natural landscape. The aim of this work camp is to give young people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with archaeological challenges by researching the historical heritage, but also to acquire knowledge about forms of remembrance work.

Partner

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education. Follow us on Instagram ijgd_workcamps Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Location

The camp site and the village of Zeithain are located in a rural setting characterised by the Elbe river and surrounding floodplains. Zeithain is nevertheless very centrally located in the triangle between the major cities of Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden. All cities can be reached by public transport in around one hour. The nearest town is Riesa, 15 kilometres away. There is also a swimming lake in the neighbourhood. In Riesa you can go shopping, eat ice cream or sit in the beer garden by the Elbe. So you have many opportunities to organise your free time in a positive and varied way and get to know the surrounding area.

Accomodation

You cook together. Money for the food shopping is provided to you. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any allergies when registering. You are accommodated in a clubhouse (usage only for the workcamp group) with several bedrooms and kitchen

Requirements

The distance from the accommodation to the camp is 5 km. Bicycles and a vehicle are available for this purpose. You can explore the area by bike, e.g. along the Elbe cycle path. We will provide bicycles for you.

Meeting point

Participants will be picked up from Riesa train station at different times on the day of arrival, at 1 pm, 3 pm or later, by arrangement. Your accommodation is located in Zeithain. More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com or https://www.bvg.de/en

Work

Main activities: Recovery of the historical and natural heritage of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park through: - Recovery of walls (ribazos or balates) of cultivation terraces with the dry stone technique. - Recovery of a quadrangular threshing floor (of special singularity). of large dimensions. - Continuation of new threshing floor for socio-educational activities started in 2019. - Stabilisation of areas eroded by torrential climatic events that cause loss of soil both in quality and quantity. - Initiation of work on miniature dry stone villages with the National School of Dry Stone. - Recreation of cereal threshing. Complementary activities: - Interpreted routes to farmhouses built in dry stone in the surrounding area (Avispero, Haza Mocha, Lotrines,...) to evaluate the technique in Abrucena. - Training actions for the enhancement of bio-construction techniques and natural resources, linked to knowledge of the geological and biological heritage of the surrounding area, in order to qualify participants for professional development in the field of dry stone, in collaboration with the National School of Dry Stone, in Abrucena and Fiñana. - Workshops on the construction of miniature shepherds' huts, in Abrucena. - Knowledge of traditional work and activities linked to the natural heritage of the Sierra Nevada and the valley of the river Nacimiento. - Workshops on climate emergency and the hoaxes about it and the SDGs, in Abrucena. - Visit to the archaeological site of ‘Los Milanes’ and ‘Las Juntas’, in Abla (Almeria), contemporary of the Millares culture and which shows the use of the construction technique for 5,000 years.

Partner

Andalusian Youth Institute. SVI-AN

Location

The Youth Volunteering Camp will take place in the surroundings of the Aula de Naturaleza ‘Paredes’, located on the north side of the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park, in Abrucena (Almería), at an altitude of more than 1350 metres with spectacular views of the valley of the river Nacimiento. The landscape surrounding this centre is of great natural diversity and is internationally renowned. This area is characterised by former terraced cultivated plots that were reforested with pine trees, creating one of the main forests in southern Europe. The classroom building was built in stone (schist and quartz), respecting local traditions. Abrucena is a small municipality located in the west of the province of Almeria, in the corridor between the Sierra de Baza and Sierra Nevada, being included in the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park, one of the natural paradises of Andalusia for its rich landscape, botanical, faunal and anthropological wealth. The village, situated at the foot of the sierra, offers the typical image of the villages of Arabic origin, with narrow, winding streets with whitewashed houses built one next to the other with flat roofs. Recreational, leisure and socio-cultural activities: - Interpretative-ecotourism routes in Sierra Nevada (on foot, by bike and on horseback). - Environmental awareness-raising activities. - Environmental education workshops. - Multi-adventure activities (archery, orienteering, etc.). - Astronomy and night sky interpretation workshops. - Visit to the UNESCO World Geopark - Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. - Visit to the Karst de Yesos de Sorbas Natural Park. - Themed evenings (cinema, role-playing games, debates, ...). - Water games, swimming pool and sports activities. - Heritage visits to the villages of the association and their public facilities (Fiñana Heritage Route, Natural Environment Interpretation Centre, ...).

Accomodation

Aula de Naturaleza Paredes (Cortijo de Paredes, S/N). Road AL-3404 (ABLA-OHANES), KM.20, C. P. 04520, Abrucena (ALMERÍA). Equipment for Public Use of the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 37.1098 Longitude: -2.7814 The food service (breakfast, lunch, lunch, snack and dinner) will take place in the dinner) will take place in the Aula de Naturaleza de Paredes, which has a dining room for 56 people. dining room with capacity for 56 people. This dining room is registered in the sanitary register as an institutional dining room within the environmental education equipment. The diet will be based on a healthy and balanced Mediterranean diet, with local foods healthy and balanced Mediterranean diet, with local and zero kilometre food, offering a variety of foods food variety within the menu that can satisfy religious or life choices (Halal, Halal religious or lifestyle choices (Halal, Kosher or vegetarian), as well as, food intolerances or food intolerances or allergies that by regulation can be satisfied (celiac, lactose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.). (celiac disease, lactose, milk, molluscs, etc.). The catering service will be provided by qualified staff who work in the Aula working in the facilities of the Aula de Naturaleza de Paredes.

Requirements

Required to bring: Mandatory: D.N.I. or identification document, health card, European health card or document proving health coverage. Failure to present the above documents upon arrival may result in the non-acceptance of the volunteer in the camp. Essential: Field boots, headlamp or flashlight, cap, comfortable field clothes, a sweatshirt or coat for the evenings, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, pool towels and swimwear. IF YOU FOLLOW ANY TREATMENT, DO NOT FORGET YOUR MEDICATIONS. Advisable: Flip-flops and booties or water shoes. Optional: Binoculars and camera.

Meeting point

- By own vehicle, from Almería to Granada (A92), exit 341, and from Granada to Almería (A92), exit 336. Then: Road AL-3404. Abla-Ohanes. Km. 20. Signposted detour to the right and approximately 3 km. of passable dirt road (follow signs).

Notes:

The Aula Naturaleza de Paredes is adapted for people with motor functional diversity, although it does not have specific adaptations for hearing or visual diversity.

Descrizione

.

Work

A 14th-century fortress close to Belgrade awaits volunteers of the 15th workcamp to uncover the mysteries of this historical site in the Vojvodina plains. The task will involve conservation work on the structure, carried out alongside archaeologists and possibly some students. There will also be excavation work and cleaning of artifacts (metals and bones) that are discovered. A unique aspect of this year’s workcamp is the repair of certain sections of the fortress walls, an effort that has not taken place for many years. On some days, participants may engage in removing invasive plants and collecting trash in the surrounding area, which pose a threat to the fortress. Midway through the camp, the popular local festival "Kupinik – Days of Dragons," dedicated to medieval themes, will be held at the fortress. Volunteers will assist in its organization and also have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including workshops and games, while gaining valuable new skills.

Partner

Association "Zeleni pogled" (Green Look) from Kupinovo was registered on June 2, 2015. The main topics they deal with are volunteerism (work with kids and youth in the popularization of ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps), environmental protection (education of people in ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps), and preservation of cultural heritage (organizing cultural events, competitions, festivals, publishing books, collecting works of art, protecting old crafts, educating youth through workshops, lectures, and, you'll guess, that's right—visits to the museums). 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

Kupinovo is a village in the municipality of Pećinci, Serbia. According to the 2011 census, the village has 1,866 inhabitants. It is located near the famous biodiversity area, the Obedska Bara (Obedska Pond or Bog). Kupinovo is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, including the Kupinik Fortress, a medieval fortification from the 14th century; the Church of Saint Luke from the mid-15th century, the oldest Serbian church in the area; the Church of Mother Angelina from the 16th century; and the ethno-complex featuring traditional folk architecture. At the edge of the village, a vast forest begins, offering pleasant daily walks. The nearby Sava River also provides a relaxing leisure activity, with swimming being possible, although the beach is not large or arranged. As the village has limited activities and a small local youth population, the days can feel long. This setting may suit those seeking a break from fast-paced civilization but could be challenging for those who prefer a more dynamic environment. Group preferences will shape different activities, and at least one visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital and a cultural gem, is planned, as there are frequent daily buses. While the surrounding area has some museums and aqua parks, transportation is not the most convenient, so creativity and flexibility in planning are welcome. Ultimately, this project can be an incredible experience or a slow one—it all depends on the group. That’s why we recommend bringing patience and a smile, as they will help turn your stay into an unforgettable adventure in this remote Serbian village with friendly locals!

Accomodation

The volunteers will stay either in two renovated ethno-houses in the Ethno Park in Kupinovo or in the house where the previous village offices were (the precise information will be provided in the Infosheet). In any case, accommodation will be in beds indoors. The food will be prepared for the volunteers by local housewives, with a focus on national cuisine. Traditional Serbian dishes, often featuring creatively prepared meat, will be served, but vegetarian meals will also be available.

Requirements

.

Meeting point

From Belgrade to Kupinovo there are numerous buses, but more on that will be in the Infosheet.

Descrizione

.

Work

Participants will work on the grounds of a former external camp of the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp, where hundreds of women were forced to work under extreme conditions in the armaments industry during World War II. To honor their memory, a memorial is being created on the site. In the first step, volunteers will physically assist in preparing the area and carrying out initial construction measures. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to contribute ideas for the design of the memorial, ensuring that it becomes a dignified place of remembrance and education.

Partner

Since 1990, NiG has been bringing together socially engaged youth and dedicated volunteers to organize and run international work camps in Germany, as well as multilateral youth exchanges both at home and abroad. As part of a global network, we also connect young people with meaningful projects through our partner organizations worldwide. Over the years, thousands of participants from 42 countries have collaborated on impactful initiatives. With more than 800 work camps completed, we continue to create opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and social engagement. In our multi-week camps, volunteers contribute to essential and much-needed projects in various fields, including: > Environmental conservation and sustainability > Working with children and youth > Arts and culture > Preservation of historical landmarks

Location

LOCATION: Malchow is a small town in the south of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated between two large lakes. The region offers numerous recreational opportunities, from beautiful nature and water sports to relaxing walks along the lakes. Malchow also has a rich and moving history: During World War II, it was the external camp of the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where hundreds of women were forced to work under inhuman conditions. Today, remembrance of this time serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for peace and humanity. LEISURE: Volunteers can swim, explore the surroundings by water, or go on bike tours. Excursions to cities such as Rostock are also possible. In the evenings, group games or creative activities provide opportunities for exchange.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in a youth hostel. They will sleep in shared rooms. The accommodation is simple and functional, providing a good base for the shared experience in the workcamp. FOOD: Volunteers will enjoy freshly cooked, delicious meals, including vegetarian options.

Descrizione

.

Work

A 14th-century fortress close to Belgrade awaits volunteers of the 15th workcamp to uncover the mysteries of this historical site in the Vojvodina plains. The task will involve conservation work on the structure, carried out alongside archaeologists and possibly some students. There will also be excavation work and cleaning of artifacts (metals and bones) that are discovered. A unique aspect of this year’s workcamp is the repair of certain sections of the fortress walls, an effort that has not taken place for many years. On some days, participants may engage in removing invasive plants and collecting trash in the surrounding area, which pose a threat to the fortress. Midway through the camp, the popular local festival "Kupinik – Days of Dragons," dedicated to medieval themes, will be held at the fortress. Volunteers will assist in its organization and also have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including workshops and games, while gaining valuable new skills.

Partner

Association "Zeleni pogled" (Green Look) from Kupinovo was registered on June 2, 2015. The main topics they deal with are volunteerism (work with kids and youth in the popularization of ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps), environmental protection (education of people in ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps), and preservation of cultural heritage (organizing cultural events, competitions, festivals, publishing books, collecting works of art, protecting old crafts, educating youth through workshops, lectures, and, you'll guess, that's right—visits to the museums). 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

Kupinovo is a village in the municipality of Pećinci, Serbia. According to the 2011 census, the village has 1,866 inhabitants. It is located near the famous biodiversity area, the Obedska Bara (Obedska Pond or Bog). Kupinovo is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, including the Kupinik Fortress, a medieval fortification from the 14th century; the Church of Saint Luke from the mid-15th century, the oldest Serbian church in the area; the Church of Mother Angelina from the 16th century; and the ethno-complex featuring traditional folk architecture. At the edge of the village, a vast forest begins, offering pleasant daily walks. The nearby Sava River also provides a relaxing leisure activity, with swimming being possible, although the beach is not large or arranged. As the village has limited activities and a small local youth population, the days can feel long. This setting may suit those seeking a break from fast-paced civilization but could be challenging for those who prefer a more dynamic environment. Group preferences will shape different activities, and at least one visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital and a cultural gem, is planned, as there are frequent daily buses. While the surrounding area has some museums and aqua parks, transportation is not the most convenient, so creativity and flexibility in planning are welcome. Ultimately, this project can be an incredible experience or a slow one—it all depends on the group. That’s why we recommend bringing patience and a smile, as they will help turn your stay into an unforgettable adventure in this remote Serbian village with friendly locals!

Accomodation

The volunteers will stay either in two renovated ethno-houses in the Ethno Park in Kupinovo or in the house where the previous village offices were (the precise information will be provided in the Infosheet). In any case, accommodation will be in beds indoors. The food will be prepared for the volunteers by local housewives, with a focus on national cuisine. Traditional Serbian dishes, often featuring creatively prepared meat, will be served, but vegetarian meals will also be available.

Requirements

.

Meeting point

From Belgrade to Kupinovo there are numerous buses, but more on that will be in the Infosheet.