Work

Nature conservation in the city? You might think that there is no room for nature in the city between concrete and tarmac. But if you take a closer look, you are often amazed at what lives there. Where people work, dwell and live, small nature conservation gems are hidden. Come with us to a sand dune in Gifhorn. It is slowly becoming overgrown with shrubs that need to be removed to preserve the habitat of species such as silver grass and sand sedge, which love dry and nutrient-poor conditions. The route then continues into a residential area where there is a wetland biotope. This is a refuge for peat mosses and dragonflies, but ducks also breed here from time to time. It was fenced off to protect it from trespassers. The fence is now very fragile and will be dismantled with your help so that a new fence can be erected. The rivers in the urban area are also special habitats that connect different biotopes. Unfortunately, due to high water and careless people, rubbish often ends up in the waters, which can also be dangerous for other nature reserves. So get in the boats! From the river, rubbish must be removed from the water and from the embankments. The staff of the Environment Department will guide and support you in this work. Your programme will also include an information day on wildlife in natural waters.

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 Project hosts are the Department of Environment and Department of youth work of the District Gifhorn

Location

A playground and a football pitch are available directly on site. The surrounding area invites you to go hiking, cycling and canoeing. You can meet young people at the youth centre and spend time there at events and concerts in the evenings. Other leisure activities are swimming, bowling or canoeing. The mill museum and the castle museum are well worth a visit. On Fridays there are sports activities such as football and climbing in the neighbouring sports hall. ‘Gifhorn International’ a cultural festival with various stands (food and information from all over the world) will take place in the town centre on 13 September. Trip to Hannover, Wolfsburg or Braunschweig at the weekend.

Accomodation

Seminar house in the city centre. Multi-bed rooms, group room, well-equipped kitchen. Right next door, the neighbouring youth centre ‘Die Grille’ offers leisure activities such as an internet café and table football, cosy seating areas and a beautiful outdoor area for relaxing. Shopping facilities are just a few minutes’ walk away. You will cook together. Money for food will be provided. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please state any intolerances during registration.

Requirements

Fitness for physically demanding work. Closeness to nature. You must be able to ride a bike. You must be able to swim.

Meeting point

Meeting point and time: at the train station in Gifhorn. A minibus will be waiting there at 16:30 and 18:30 to take you to the accommodation

Notes:

Please note: INTERNATIONAL volunteers under 18 who apply for this camp have to pay a special teenage fee of 150€ to ijgd (more information after your regsitration)

Work

Nature conservation in great surroundings and sightseeing in the big city! - You can experience both at this camp on the outskirts of the metropolis of Hamburg. You will be working in the Hoeltigbaum nature reserve, a former military training area. A varied mosaic of different habitats has developed on the Hoeltigbaum during and after the last ice age. The result is a variety of old succession stages consisting of open soils, grasslands, fringing meadows and some woodland with many rare and endangered animal and plant species. Where tanks once travelled, there is now vast savannah-like grassland where flocks of sheep, goats and Galloway cattle graze all year round. Grazing keeps the areas open, prevents scrub encroachment and preserves biodiversity. You support the animal "lawnmowers" in their work and remove plants such as bracken, lupins, ragwort and small birch trees to prepare the ground for the underlying and displaced heathland. This is an important contribution to nature conservation work, as heavy machinery would destroy the sensitive heathland. The work takes place on the pastures in the nature reserve. However, the grazing animals have plenty of space to hide and are rarely visible. However, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the cattle and sheep at work. In addition to the practical work, you will learn a lot about nature and environmental protection in general and the nature conservation concept of a semi-open pasture landscape in particular from the employees of the House of Wild Pastures (Haus der Wilden Weiden). You will learn a lot about the local flora and fauna, year-round grazing and cattle and sheep farming in the area of landscape conservation. Information (unfortunately only in German) about the Hoeltigbaum nature reserve and the House of Wild Pastures (Haus der Wilden Weiden) can be found here: www.hoeltigbaum.de

Partner

The "House of Wild Willows" is a place of environmental education for day-care centres, schools, families and adult groups. However, the house is not only a place of learning, but the staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the neighbouring nature reserve "Hoeltigbaum". In order to preserve and develop the species and habitat diversity, the largest part of the nature reserve has been managed for more than 20 years according to the "semi-open pasture landscape" method, an extensive year-round grazing with various grazing animals. The care of these cattle, sheep and goats is also the task of the "House of Wild Willows". 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

Your work location is in the Hamburg district of Rahlstedt and your accommodation is in the city centre of Ahrensburg. From both locations, you can reach the Hamburg city centre within 30 minutes by public transport (tickets will be provided). So you can stay in Hamburg right after work and explore the many sights and leisure activities. www.hamburg.de (German) / www.hamburg.com (English) Or you can visit Ahrensburg Castle and its park, including a disc golf course, which are both just 1 km from your accommodation. At the weekend, trips to the beaches on the Baltic coast, for example near Lübeck, are well worthwhile.

Accomodation

You will stay in two adjoining flats. The front flat has 8 beds in four open-plan 2-bed rooms. The rear flat has 8 beds in one 6-bed room and one 2-bed room. Both flats have a kitchen, a lounge and sanitary facilities. The flats are located in the centre of Ahrensburg near the train station. You cater for yourselves and cook together. You will be provided with money for shopping. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.

Requirements

Fitness and readiness for physically strenuous and monotonous work; it is essential to bring work clothes for rain and cold, but also for sun and heat as well as, and (waterproofed) shoes; you will travel 30 minutes by public transport (tickets will be provided) to the nature reserve;

Meeting point

Meeting point and time: at accommodation until 6 pm on Saturday 06/09/2025 From Hamburg airport take S-Bahn S1 (direction Wedel or Hamburg-Blankenese) to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg main train station, about 24 min travel time). The S1 is running every 10min. From Hamburg main station At Hauptbahnhof (main train station) you have to take the train R80 or R81 in direction of „Lübeck“, “Bad Oldesloe” or “Bargteheide”. Trains are running every 20-30 minutes. After travelling for 18-22 minutes, you should get off at the station “Ahrensburg”. From Ahrensburg Bahnhof (train station) You leave the main station through the main exit in the direction of the city centre. In front of the station, turn right along Bahnhofsstr. After approx. 200 metres, the road turns slightly to the left, crosses a bridge over a large, multi-lane road and continues with the street name "Hagener Allee". After approx. 300m you cross a short pedestrian zone (approx. 50m) and then you continue straight ahead along "Große Str." for 100m. You will find yourself in a large square with trees and parked cars and turn right into Königstr. After approx. 150m you will reach house no. 4 on the right-hand side, where you turn left next to the house into the driveway at the back to your two apartments. More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com.

Notes:

Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp. You will receive more information after your confirming registration with the specigic infosheet for your project.

Work

Most tasks will be related to hiking paths maintenance, building stairs, making and putting up signs. Volunteersmay also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves thatare located near hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas withoutdamaging the surroundings and, in addition, our volunteers work helps to improve safety for visitors.Last but not least, volunteers can explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free-time activitiesarranged in cooperation with our local project host.

Partner

SEEDS volunteers will once again be working on this project in the beautifulHallormsstaoaskogur forest in the far East of Iceland, doing nature and environment-oriented tasks. SEEDS hasbeen working with the Icelandic Forestry Service for many years and our volunteers have had very positiveexperiences with very good results for the projects and the Icelandic conservation and reforestation efforts.

Location

Hallormsstaoaskogur is the largest wooded area of the country; iIt extends over an area of 740 ha.The reforestation of the area has been going on since a protection law was passed in 1899. The oldest part ofthe woodland is accessible by a variety of hiking trails, such as one through the deepest valley of the countryand one up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent.Small streams run through the land where visitors can cool down on warm summer days. The Eastfjords is aregion with a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. The wild reindeer ofIceland are found here and the herd counts between three and four thousand animals.This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoorfree-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers. Theproject takes place outside and it can get very cold. We recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes(underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), good working and walking shoes.Free-time activities in the area will be organised depending on the weather conditions.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic Forest Service.The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget to bring sometraditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the intercultural evening.

Requirements

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. As it isoutdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, asdepending 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, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. Werecommend 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.

Meeting point

Meeting point at SEEDS office in Reykjavik at 8:00 am on September 6. Return to Reykjavik in the late evening of September 21.The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 80 (Euros) each way. This is about 30-40 cheaper than public transport.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 400 (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 cost EUR 80 (Euros) one way or EUR 160 (Euros) both ways.

Work

Participation in the sustainability transformation work of the historic Koroinen farm, increasing self-sufficient production, securing biodiversity.Tasks: gardening, field and meadow work, harvesting, organizing tasks for the big weekend Village festival. invasive species control

Partner

The old Koroinen community farm on the banks of the Aura River is owned by City of Turku and maintained by the Koroinen Association of Living Culture which promotes the wellbeing of both the environment and people, community spirit, craftsmanship, sustainable use of natural materials, and ecological farming and lifestyle.We organize cultural events open to the public, volunteer work, and offer a variety of courses. This camp is a part of the project European Youth in Action: policymakers for climate justice, supported by the CERV programme, improving competences in concrete actions for climate justice. The horizontal theme of this camp is biodiversity.

Location

Turku is a beautiful old seaside city which used to be the capital of Finland before Helsinki. It is located 150 km from Helsinki and is also easily accessible by ferry from Sweden. In case you are flying, there is also a small airport in Turku, but it is easier to fly to Helsinki and then take a train or bus to Turku.Koroinen historical farm is a nature location, on the beautiful river side valley of Aura-river. The farm is located less than 2 km of the city center. Walking and bicycle trails to the city center and upstream theriverside pass through the farm. Koroinen farm is permaculture center and a transition movement actor with 25 years long history of sustainable development work. On the farm can be found community gardening, plotgardening, crafts workshops, biodiversity art park, sauna, swimming in the river, rowing boat, bicycles and lots of community members.

Accomodation

Accommodation inside the main house, mattresses provided, please bring your own bed linen or sleeping bag with you. In the farm nature it is also possible to camp in the yard with your own tent, if you wish. Meals will be cooked together.

Requirements

The volunteers need travel insurance for the duration of their stay. The EYA project is primarily targeted to European volunteers but open for all. Green travelling is encouraged. Volunteers traveling by land (bus or train) for most of their journey will be eligible for a travel grant up to 100euro.

Meeting point

Koroistentie 2, Turku

Work

Support the educational centre Kell am See, an important place for youth work in the whole area of Trier, by doing environmental and maintenance works! The educational centre is public, non-profit and offers the opportunity for youth groups, associations and schools to spend some days or weeks here, running a seminar or some other projects. One focus of the offer is on environmental education and outdoor activities. You will be working to take care and maintain the green areas around the regional education centre. Your tasks will include: • cutting the grass and bushes; • renovating/taking care of the playground and its big swing, the low rope course, the tree houses and the sports grounds; • tending the herbs garden and the insect hotel; • building wooden benches; • cleaning the grounds of the centre. In addition, you will continue to upgrade the outdoor area pedagogically and create new offers. One of the workcamps set up an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, which is used for different educational actions with youngsters.

Partner

Kell am See is a touristic village not far from Trier, the oldest German city. The regional youth department runs an educational centre in this village, which offers different environmental educational activities for youth groups and school classes. Also, school classes or youth associations can come here for several days and run own seminars or trainings. The centre was just renovated a couple of years ago and different new outdoor and training facilities were installed. For them it is important to get the support of international volunteer for their centre but at the same time they share the aims of international volunteering and want to offer a nice opportunity to you. By participating in this project, you are supporting education on environmental issues (UN SDG 4 and 13).

Location

Kell am See is a village 30 km from Trier, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The area is well known for cycling, hiking and other ways of outdoor activities. In Kell, there is a holiday resort, which offers more than 200 holiday bungalows next to a lake (close to the educational centre). The area is not just appreciated by tourists: People from the area also come here for cycling (there is a 45 km cycling path on a former railway roadbed) or to spend a nice day outside. In addition, the region offers plenty of historic sites (castles, museums….). You will get the opportunity to come in contact with local associations, e.g. the local voluntary fire brigade. Since public transport is poor, the number of excursions will be limited but you will for sure visit Trier, famous for its Roman sites, its cathedral and for being the birth place of Karl-Marx.

Accomodation

You will stay in five wooden tepees for max. five persons each. It is really great to stay here surrounded by pure nature, with the campfire in the middle of the circle of tepees. In the centre you will have your own kitchen including a dish-washer, a living room and sanitary facilities. For your free time you will find plenty of outdoor facilities (campfire, basketball, football, volleyball…) and a nice indoor room. Please be aware that the tepees have beds and electricity but no heating, so it might be cold at night. Bring a warm sleeping bag! In the different facilities of the centre as the kitchen and the living room, there is heating. Wifi is available. Your group of volunteers will be responsible for grocery shopping and cooking together. The food will be bought with the camp budget and everybody will take turns for cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more sustainable dishes.

Meeting point

Meeting point: You will be picked up from the bus stop in Kell am See. There is the bus No. 230 from Trier to Kell am See every 2 hours. Please inform your campleaders about your arrival time on Sep 07. You can check for connections from anywhere to Kell am See on: www.bahn.com/en.

Work

The activities planned for the project are: • Environmental care workshop in collaboration with youth collectives. • Green space cleanup and environmental awareness rally for children. • Ecological exchange in the pedestrian zone: recyclables for plants. • University lecture and plogging race (running while collecting trash). • Cultural route and visits to iconic tourist sites. • Visit to the zoo and metropolitan park with an outdoor picnic. • Gala commemorating Mexico’s Independence Day at the Municipal Palace. • Participation in an international night. • Intercultural activities, including a museum visit, Latin rhythm class, and traditional demonstrations.

Partner

León, Guanajuato, faces the challenge of accelerated urbanization, which has significantly reduced green spaces and recreational areas that are essential for biodiversity and quality of life. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for young people to take an active role in building a more sustainable future. Through this volunteering project, we aim to empower youth with the tools and knowledge to care for the environment and demonstrate that their actions can have a positive impact. The goal is to promote environmental education, create accessible spaces where young people can engage in ecological activities, and encourage collective action as a solution to protect our environment. Additionally, the project integrates Mexican traditions as a way to connect the community with nature, inviting participants to take part in cultural events and activities that strengthen their sense of belonging and commitment.

Location

León, Guanajuato, is a city known for its history, leather industry, and culture. It is the largest city in the state and is famous for producing footwear and leather goods. The city also features beautiful colonial architecture, nice local markets, and important festivals like the León International Balloon Festival. With a mix of modernity and tradition, León is a popular place for both tourists and locals. Some recreational activities that can be done are: 1. Explore the Historic Center: Walk around the city center, visiting places like the Main Square, León Cathedral, and the Museum of Art and History. 2. Zona Piel: Visit this famous leather market, ideal for buying high-quality products such as shoes, bags, and accessories. 3. Museum of the Mummies: Located 30 minutes from León, in the state capital, it features the exhibition of mummies that were found in the city's old cemetery.

Accomodation

Volunteers staying at the Niños Don Bosco Training Center in Mexico will be accommodated in simple yet comfortable facilities. They will be assigned a shared room with other international volunteers.

Requirements

This camp is open to everyone who is sensible and open-minded. It is crucial for the participants to respect, open to learning and appreciate the conditions of a different culture.

Descrizione

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Work

Based on the time of the year the volunteers will be working during the day or at night in the months of August and September from 20:00 to 08:00. Depending on the number of turtles that come ashore, two teams might be formed among the volunteers. In this way, each group will be taking turns, working one night, and taking the next night off for recovery. In addition, the weekends are also spared for resting. Some of the activities to be performed are: 1. Finding adult turtles and collecting their eggs. 2. Moving the eggs to a protected place called Vivero. 3. Releasing newborn baby turtles into the sea. 4. Patrolling the beaches at night. 5. Making some reconstruction in the most important turtle camps of the region. Please consider that the schedule is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and the condition of the sea turtles and it is possible to work with crocodiles in case there is no work with turtles, this can happen mostly in the months of January and February. The coordinator or the camp leader will be informing you regarding your work schedule.

Partner

Vive Mexico has been organizing this workcamp regularly in Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit since 2014. The main achievement of the project is to protect the sea turtles with the help of volunteers who will be cooperating with a team of biologists. Up to now, the project has been quite successful and has reached extraordinary results. Participating in sea turtle conservation is a great opportunity to discover the rather charming life of sea turtles.

Location

Rincon de Guayabitos, also known as Guayabitos, is a beach town located in the astonishing Sierra Madre Occidental, in the state of Nayarit and bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the cities of Tepic, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Riviera Nayarit is emerging as one of the most attractive and magic destinations of Mexico. The area extends approximately 300 kilometers along the coast, integrated by mountainous jungle and facing coastal islands. For those seeking a more rural and rustic experience with magic beach towns in Mexico, the Riviera has a massive open space for everyone along the Nayarit coast, also, for those who want to relax there are also quiet beaches and there are other beaches with heavy waves for surfers.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be staying in a shared room with another volunteer. Food will be provided

Work

This workcamp will enable you to carry out a number of activities: opening up the environment (cutting down trees), delimiting the protected area from the area frequented by kitesurfers, for example (installing wooden barriers), uprooting invasive species to enable endemic species (flora or fauna) to reproduce. The aim of the project is to preserve the area around the pond, whether through visitor management or plant management. 25h/week

Partner

This international workcamp is organized in partnership with the Syndicat mixte Rivage and the commune of Le Barcarès, on the edge of the Etang de Salses Leucate, a protected wetland renowned for its varied biodiversity. The partnership between the Rivage syndicat mixte and the REV has existed for several years. The syndicate regularly collaborates with REV on the organization of international workcamps and other one-off events. The two organizations are used to working together, and share the same values and ambitions. In addition to removing invasive species (witch's claw, yucca, prickly pear, agave, etc.), the aim of this year's workcamp will be to help set up measures to protect and enhance the site's existing biodiversity (e.g. trail development). As the work is weather-related, tasks are generally defined at the start of the project.

Location

You'll be located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Etang de Salses Leucate, close to Perpignan and the Pyrenees. Local residents and elected representatives will be invited and encouraged to take part in the project (welcome, mutual aid, solidarity, and exchanges). As the workcamp will take place in a protected area, most leisure activities will involve discovering the surrounding nature (flora and fauna), as well as the culinary heritage. Transportation will also be provided to organize discovery outings and leisure activities.

Accomodation

You'll be staying in a gîte provided by the local council, just a few minutes from the Mediterranean Sea. There are dormitories, sanitary facilities, and a kitchen. Meals will be provided and prepared in turn by participants.

Meeting point

Gare Leucate La Franqui. Between 4pm and 6pm

Work

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: The Environmental Awareness and amp; 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 ReykjavEk, 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 amp; 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.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:A day trip combining a visit to the HellisheiE(i 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. 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.

Location

LOCATION: ReykjavEk is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The worlds northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, situated 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.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers stay in a house in ReykjavEk. 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

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).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.

Meeting point

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on September 12 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.

Notes:

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: KeflavEk/ReykjavEk (KEF). Bus station: Central ReykjavEk (BSE). 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 September 12 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 condi

Work

SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at SElheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and BlEUi Herinn (the Blue Army).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 AlviE(ra, 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

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.

Location

The accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from ReykjavEk. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under IngElfsfjall, The Mountain of IngElfur, with a view of EyjafjallajEkull 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

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

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Meeting point

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Notes:

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed. TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: KeflavEk/ReykjavEk (KEF). Bus station: Central ReykjavEk (BSE). EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR aO400 (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 ds not include the transportation from ReykjavEk to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways. Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on September 12 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.