Work

During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global and amp; 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, making videos or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for youWhile 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 and amp; travellersYou 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.

Partner

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.

Location

ReykjavEk is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The worlds northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. ReykjavEk 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.One of the two options below is also included in this camp as a hands-on volunteering activity day:1. A day trip to the Hot River area, combined with a cleanup or work with an environmental project in the area, or2. A day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal cleanup in the area.Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle and/or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in ReykjavEk. 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.

Requirements

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Meeting point

The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 26 at SEEDS office in ReykjavEk. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the Hot River Hike or trip to the Reykjanes peninsula.The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 26 at SEEDS office in ReykjavEk. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Work

You help is needed to continue building up the farm, including construction/ renovating of a tiny house for multifunctional using, made from clay. wood, etc... Previous workcamps in 2023 and 2024 contributed to this project, and now you will have the chance to help complete it. Another manual labour will be renovating other farm facilities. Also, the farm needs a small roundabout that is stable to drive on during wet times. In August, every garden is in the fullness of its harvest season! Tomatoes sweetened by the sun, courgettes and cucumbers growing at a fast speed and need hard-working hands and hungry mouths. But the weeds don't stop growing either. That's why there will be the opportunity to help in the daily business of Market gardening, such as harvesting, weeding, planting seeds and caring for small plants in the nursery! In other words, there will not only be the opportunity to experience multifaceted gardening firsthand, but also to master manual and physical work in a team. So, if you have extra energy, you are more than welcome! In our work, we follow the principle of “Market Garden”: Here is what it looks like: on the smallest possible area, as many crops as possible are cultivated without the use of groundwater-damaging fertiliser, only with the help of compost. The most important idea here is recycling, in order to work with as little labour, pesticides and land as possible. Learning gardening skills, the cycle concept and environmental aspects in agriculture are therefore important learning elements during the work camp. Permaculture and biodynamic principles can be experienced here. The care and feeding of chickens and sheep can also be learned in practice. Another important part is building with natural materials. We plan to implement old craft techniques that were used to build houses and infrastructure without modern technology yet were very energy efficient.

Partner

Michels Kleinsthof is working towards the utopia of a sustainable, resilient, and grandchild-friendly agriculture becoming reality. More than 50 different crops are grown on one hectare using the “Market Gardening” principle. We are part of the movement “Community based agriculture” (in Germany, this is called “Solidarity Farming — Solidarische Landwirtschaft”). This means members are involved in the work on a weekly basis in order to bring sustainable food production to the people. School classes are allowed to experience agriculture firsthand and enjoy looking after chicken, sheep and bees. There is a great variety of tasks in our diverse garden! Diversity makes us independent of the agricultural industries. It also benefits our fellow creatures of all kinds. We deliver a large portion of our products to our 90 Solidarity Farming members, while another part is sold at the market in the picturesque nearby town of Staufen. However, Michel's micro-farm sees itself not only as a food producer, but also as a place of learning and a nature conservation project! Agriculture is the number one cause of species extinction worldwide and is responsible for 25% of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. On one of the most fertile soils in Germany, nestled in a beautiful spot between the Vosges and the Black Forest, the micro-farm sets a counterexample to the monocultures of the rest of the Rhine Valley.

Location

Michels Kleinsthof is located between the Black Forest and the Vosges in the border triangle in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. A nearby quarry pond can be easily reached after work with bicycles provided by the farm and the young, alternative and beautiful student city of Freiburg is also less than 10 minutes away by train. The farm itself is located in a small village called Tunsel, but the entire region is bursting with nature and cultural tourism opportunities. If you are travelling by plane, we would very much appreciate it if you could extend your stay in Central Europe even further, so as not to use climate-damaging mobility just for our project.

Accomodation

Most of the organic seasonal food comes directly from the field to your plate. Everything else that is needed will be purchased. The diet will be predominantly vegetarian. Cooking will take place together in the outdoor kitchen and there will also be the possibility to cook a "classic" dish from your country of origin. Next to the kitchen, there is also a fireplace for sitting together in the evening, so your musical instruments are most welcome! We will also use the clay oven for pizza at least once. As far as sleeping is concerned, we will either set up a communal tent directly on the field or provide some beds in construction trailers. A small hutch will serve as our shower, a composting toilet is already part of the sanitary facilities in the field. Please be ready to live in very basic conditions; you will live outdoors most of the time and close to nature. The work can be physically demanding.

Requirements

Please bring a sleeping bag, swimwear and preferably sturdy shoes for working in the garden. Please note that you will get dirty in the garden, so clothes that can get dirty and are old are recommended. Remember that the sunshine could be strong, and you should bring suitable headgear and sufficient sun protection. Long-sleeved, thin clothing will also work for this. The living conditions will be very simple, so please be prepared. The work can be physically demanding. Note that it is not recommended to attend if you are allergic to weed.

Meeting point

Nearest airports: Basel, Stuttgart Note: If you arrive at Basel airport, check whether it is free to travel through Switzerland, as you may need an additional visa there (for non-EU countries). If not, choose an airport in Germany.

Notes:

Please bring a sleeping bag, swimwear and preferably sturdy shoes for working in the garden. Please note that you will get dirty in the garden, so clothes that can get dirty and are old are recommended. Remember that the sunshine could be strong, and you should bring suitable headgear and sufficient sun protection. Long-sleeved, thin clothing will also work for this. The living conditions will be very simple, so please be prepared. The work can be physically demanding. Note that it is not recommended to attend if you are allergic to weed.

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.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on June 5 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (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.

Work

This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor cleanup tasks. These cleanup tasks may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or run solely by SEEDS. We also aim to involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will learn how to plan and carry out their own trash cleaning projects back at home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been achieved with volunteers. Volunteers can choose one of the two options below, included as hands-on volunteering activity in the camp:1. A day trip combining a visit to the Hellisheioi geothermal power plant, a trash collection in the area, and the Hot River Hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. 2. A day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula, combined with a coastal cleanup in the area.Please note that all activities are subject to weather conditions and the availability of our partners.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking medium to long distances during the cleanups, and during other activities such as sightseeing. Since a part of the project happens 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

The Environmentally Aware and Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners. SEEDS collaborates with the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the City of Reykjavik, and several local stakeholders on a project to clean up the Icelandic coastline. Partners include the Blue Army, an organisation dedicated to the cause of coastal cleaning, SORPA, the waste collection and management entity in the capital area, and Whales of Iceland, an exhibit showcasing life-size models of whales and porpoises to educate the public about their lives and the impact of human activity on their existence.

Location

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, situated between Europe and North America. Reykjavik 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 volunteers stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Accommodation is in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own 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

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

Meeting point

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on June 5 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp on their own. Those arriving earlier on the same day are welcome in the SEEDS office to drop off their luggage from 10:00 am. TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes food, accommodation, transport from the meeting point to the

Descrizione

Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space. Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also through the daily care and attention given to them by those who value their existence.

Work

The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.

Partner

Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses ́ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.

Location

Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries. The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex. The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles, ensuring that Lohra Castle is maintained not just as a historical monument but as a living environment where culture and nature coexist. The castle is surrounded by a vast natural protected area, making its preservation an effort that combines aspects of cultural and natural heritage conservation. Through their contributions, volunteers help safeguard the balance between history and nature, keeping Lohra Castle a welcoming place for future generations of visitors, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.

Accomodation

shared rooms with 2 – 5 beds in 3 guest houses, warm shower (limited hot water), 1 camp kitchen (cold water), coal-burning stoves

Meeting point

Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)

Work

Come and take part in the project to protect several natural sites in the Basque Country! The programme includes guided tours with specialists from the Department and the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels to discover the flora and fauna on site, as well as a range of different tasks: cutting down and removing invasive exotic species on wet moorland, repairing and installing fences in the mountains, creating sunbathing stations for the European pond terrapin (tortoise)... You'll have the opportunity to work on different sites in the middle of nature!

Partner

The Basque mountains are characterised by the presence of small wetlands on the slopes, known as peat bogs, in the middle of pastures and moors. There are also other wetlands along the banks of the River Adour, known as barthes. These areas are subject to various pressures, including invasive alien species, pastoralism and tourism. The various sites you will be working on, the Mondarrain and Sare peat bogs and the Mouguerre and Lahonce barthes, are protected natural areas managed by the Pyrénées Atlantiques department and the Conservatoire des espaces naturels. A whole host of actions are necessary throughout the year to preserve these fragile environments, so you'll be taking part in this work and supporting the teams on site. Numerous awareness-raising missions are also carried out throughout the year with schoolchildren and local residents to raise awareness of the remarkable animal and plant species. The workcamp will not only be an opportunity to help preserve these unique places, but also to discover all their secrets thanks to the many specialists who will be on hand to show you around the site.

Location

Don't forget to bring work clothes and shoes that won't get dirty. In the mountains, despite the sunshine, the weather is surprising and can change rapidly. For leisure activities, you'll need to pack clothes suited to the climate (warm fleece or jumper, shorts and hiking trousers, windbreaker, down jacket, warm socks, etc.). For hiking, high-top, notched shoes are recommended. Don't forget sun protection (a hat or cap is essential, sunglasses with a high protection factor because of the intense reflection, sun cream with a high protection factor IP 30-50, etc.) and a swimming costume for swimming or white-water activities. For accommodation, remember to bring a warm sleeping bag and a towel. You should also bring a rucksack (in addition to your luggage), comfortable trainers and a pair of flip-flops. You'll also need to pack these essential accessories: a mobile phone charger, hiking poles (not compulsory, but recommended), a water bottle, a set of bandages and a headlamp or torch. Social events will be organised in collaboration with our leaders and according to your wishes. In particular, we'll be organising themed evenings in each country. If you'd like to share a little of your culture (recipes, traditional stories, unusual objects, music, etc.), don't hesitate to take it with you.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in individual tents, with sanitary facilities, kitchen and communal living area in the small village of Itxassou at the foot of the mountains. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you will help with the shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to healthy, local produce. Together, you'll help organise community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using locally sourced produce. Our aim is to encourage vegetarian eating using local, seasonal products, while respecting participants' diets and discovering local cuisine together. No wifi & hand wash for clothes.

Requirements

This workcamp includes some hiking, the volunteers have to be aware of it and in good physical condition do participate in this project

Meeting point

The meeting point is at BIARRITZ SNCF station on 11/06 in the late afternoon. The exact meeting time will be communicated with the route map, sent out no later than 4 weeks before the start of the project. There are several direct trains from Paris Gare Montparnasse. The journey takes approximately 5 hours. Train reservations can be made approximately 4 months before departure on the SNCF website, link below: https://www.sncf-connect.com/

Work

The main tasks will be clipping branches and chopping (some) trees in the Grimsstaoagiroing forest to open for the forestry paths and clear the working area around the old forest fencing, removing old sticks, installing new ones and fastening fencing wire as to marking a forest path by colored wood sticks.Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near the paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and in addition our volunteers work helps to improve safety for visitors. It may be possible to work in other forests in the area, on similar projects, path maintenance, fencing or putting up benches and tables. No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

Partner

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will work in a forest located in the countryside district of Borgarbyggo, West Iceland, doing nature-conservation and environment-oriented tasks. For 18 years SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic Forest Service and local forestry associations: our groups of volunteers have been helping out in different locations all around the country; with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts.

Location

LOCATION: The project will take place in the countryside of West Iceland; in a district called Borgarbyggo, in a unique natural environment with breathtaking landscapes, between glaciers and lava fields. The place is like an oasis in the desert, as the weather there is often better than in the surroundings. The area s landscape, nature and culture reflect this heritage and bring history to life. There are many possibilities for outdoor recreation in a true natural paradise. The area is home to the most powerful hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Among the natural wonders nearby are the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, where water pours out of a lava field over a length of 1 km. Additionally, the Hallmundarhraun lava field is among the deepest and best known in Iceland. Langjokull (Long Glacier), the second largest glacier in Iceland, expands over 950 km and its highest point is 1355 m. In addition to natural wonders this area is also famous for being one of the first settled locations in Iceland and featured in some of the oldest Icelandic sagas. Historically, its natural warmth made the location an early settlement adding even more depth to its incredible saga and Viking tales that surround the place. The region can be regarded as the setting for most of the Icelandic sagas.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house cooperating with the Icelandic Forest Service. The house is equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel. There is no WiFi in the house.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Remember to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the intercultural evening.

Requirements

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which will cost EUR 35 (Euros) one way or EUR 70 (Euros) both ways.LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.

Meeting point

TERMINAL and TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). SEEDS offers the minibus option, a shared transport from Reykjavik to the camp and back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip.Meeting point at SEEDS office at 11:00 am on June 11. Return to Reykjavik in the late evening of June 19. The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 35 each way, about 20 cheaper than public transport.

Notes:

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

Work

This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor cleanup tasks. These cleanup tasks may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or run solely by SEEDS. We also aim to involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will learn how to plan and carry out their own trash cleaning projects back at home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been achieved with volunteers. Volunteers can choose one of the two options below, included as hands-on volunteering activity in the camp:1. A day trip combining a visit to the Hellisheioi geothermal power plant, a trash collection in the area, and the Hot River Hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. 2. A day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula, combined with a coastal cleanup in the area.Please note that all activities are subject to weather conditions and the availability of our partners.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking medium to long distances during the cleanups, and during other activities such as sightseeing. Since a part of the project happens 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: Environmental Awareness and Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners. SEEDS collaborates with the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the City of Reykjavik, and several local stakeholders on a project to clean up the Icelandic coastline. Partners include the Blue Army, an organisation dedicated to the cause of coastal cleaning, SORPA, the waste collection and management entity in the capital area, and Whales of Iceland, an exhibit showcasing life-size models of whales and porpoises to educate the public about their lives and the impact of human activity on their existence.

Location

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, situated between Europe and North America. Reykjavik 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

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Accommodation is in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own 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; basic conversational skills are needed. TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavik (BS).

Meeting point

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 food, accommodation, transport from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), activities, and one trip combined with the trash collection (Hot River or Reykjanes).Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on June 14 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp on their own. Those arriving earlier on the same day are welcome in the SEEDS office to drop off their luggage from 10:00 am. Additional excursions (eg. Golden Circle or the South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of participants interested in joining them.Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transport from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), activities available; and one trip combined with the trash collection activity (Hot River or Reykjanes).

Work

The non-profit organization “Rêve de Terre” has recently started occupying a new place of activity on the site of the self-catering “La Gatte d’Or” in Harsin, where it would like to organize environmental education activities. The building is surrounded by a 2-hectare plot of land. The organization would like to strengthen biodiversity there, and later be able to offer activities to discover a garden in all seasons. Volunteers are therefore expected to landscape the place. They will create vegetable plots, prepare the soil, and plant (seeds, shrubs, etc.). If one day the weather is too bad to stay outside all day, they will be asked to carry out small renovation works on the building instead. The organization also wants to build a bread oven in this new place. It has already renovated an ancient bread oven in another village, which is now lit once a month by the villagers, and would like to reproduce this friendly dynamic around bread here. The second big task for the volunteers will therefore be to build a brand new bread oven, with the advice and instructions of the technical leader. Finally, to inaugurate the place, a festive "open house" day will take place on the last Saturday of the project: the volunteers will participate in the organization (communication, decoration, sharing their ideas, etc.) and the animation of this day.

Partner

“Rêve de Terre” is a non-profit organization active in environmental education, located in the south of Belgium. Its usual activities include activities for schools (outdoor school, activities around local food, etc.), the organization of stays in the nature for children and of walks in the nature, the animation of workshops around the transmission and sharing of know-how, activities around a traditional bread oven, the support of permaculture gardens, etc. More information: https://revedeterre.be/

Location

The self-catering “La Gatte d’Or” is located in the small village of Harsin, in the district of Nassogne, about 10 km by car from the small town of Marche-en-Famenne. It is an isolated place, in the countryside, with no shops nearby. Shopping will be done by or with the association’s staff members, at producers and in shops of the region. Volunteers will be able to take advantage of the organization’s good knowledge of the region and its magnificent natural heritage during break times. Among the possible activities: walk to discover the beaver habitat in the woods of Marche-en-Famenne, kayak on the lake of Nisramont, visit to “Fourneau Saint-Michel” and its museum of rural life, etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep on the first floor of the self-catering “La Gatte d’Or” in Harsin, in rooms with two beds. Four toilets and three showers are available on the same floor, as well as a dining room where volunteers will eat and cook. “Rêve de Terre” will take care of shopping and preparing menus for the first few days, after which volunteers will be able to give free rein to their imagination and culinary talents! However, volunteers are asked to use seasonal and local products.

Requirements

Be prepared for physical work, with manual tasks outdoors that can sometimes be tough.

Meeting point

Monday the 16th of June in Marloie train station around 3.30pm. Find your route on: www.belgiantrain.be

Notes:

This project is a volunteering team, supported by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union. Compared to the usual workcamp participation scheme, some main financial and administrative differences must be underlined:  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  The volunteers do not have to pay any fee (not sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project  The volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 5€/day, once they arrive on the project in Belgium  The volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance  The volunteers need to register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal; CBB will organize their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project  The volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online by the ESC portal

Work

You love heritage and nature and want to make a difference ? Come help to improve the heritage discovery trails in Clermont L'Hérault ! In addition to the renovation work, you'll have the chance to discover and take part in the organisation of a music festival at Lac du Salagou! You would like to go behind the scenes of a festival with a wide variety of music ? Then this is the place for you ! The municipality is keen to maintain these paths for the enjoyment of walkers. Discover the rich heritage of the commune, with its archaeological oppidum, its castle, its capitelles, its small dry-stone walls and its calades in an exceptional natural environment : close to the Lac du Salagou. Your job will be to highlight Clermont-Ferrand's heritage by carrying out small-scale landscaping work, clearing undergrowth and making safe the access roads and paths leading to these different sites. This work is essential to maintain these paths while allowing visitors, walkers and the curious from all walks of life to come and discover this rich heritage! What's more, you'll have 5 whole days devoted to the music festival. The festival begins on Wednesday 25 June. The concerts will take place in the evening on Friday and Saturday, while tidying up and dismantling are scheduled for Sunday 29 June.

Partner

Since 2015, we've had a very strong partnership with the town of Clermont l'Hérault and local associations that promote the discovery of the local heritage. This partnership, with the organisation of the Salagou en Scène festival, is unprecedented. Our delegation's offices are located in the commune. We also run a number of voluntary projects for young people in the area. We work closely with volunteers from local heritage associations. This project to enhance the calade on the communal path contributes to the enhancement of Clermont l'Hérault's heritage.

Location

Clermont L'Hérault is a charming little town north of Montpellier, in the south of France. Boasting a Mediterranean climate and a remarkable natural environment (Lac du Salagou, rivers of the Gorges de l'Hérault nearby), it also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with its castle and cathedral and its many festive and cultural attractions. In the heart of this unspoilt setting, you'll be able to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor activities and make cultural, festive and artistic discoveries.

Accomodation

You will be camping at Lac du Salagou, in individual tents (remember to bring your sleeping bag and sleeping mat). A communal room is available for group use. You will share the various group tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders so that you can help with the shopping and preparation of meals, giving priority to vegetarian, healthy, local produce. You will eat with the other local volunteers during the 5 days of the festival.

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 arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for them, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country. This project is supported by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program for young people between 18 and 30. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. The participation to ESC volunteering teams is subjected 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 (neither sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project and will receive financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established depending on their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; - volunteers need to enrol in the PASS, the ESC Portal; then 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 at the project in France; - volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the portal.

Meeting point

CLERMONT L’HERAULT bus station at 5pm If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.

Notes:

Remember to take gloves, clothes and good shoes for the day's work. And don't forget your sunglasses, swimming costume and beach towel! The days can be hot, but the nights can be cool. If you wish, you can also bring music and an object typical of your country/region to share your culture with the other participants.