Work

Volunteers will be involved in weeding and planting new vegetation in the gardens, feeding llamas and sheep by preparing and delivering their food, enhancing animal enclosures through painting and cladding shelters, mowing grass to create new spaces and building fences. They'll also help painting fences, preparing for a final outdoor cultural event, setting up tents and organizing the space. If the weather doesn't cooperate, volunteers will assist with cleaning stables and maintaining farm buildings, ensuring there's always meaningful work to be done.

Partner

The workcamp is organized in cooperation with the Local Action Group (LAG) Radbuza. LAG Radbuza aims to protect regional values such as well-preserved nature, aesthetic landscape, local culture and healthy environment; and to support citizen initiatives at the local and regional level, including support of small enterprises, housing, education, use of leisure time, etc. The main goal is to revitalize the Rochlov Castle complex by enhancing its greenery, introducing new animals, and planting vegetation. These improvements will contribute to the castle's sustainable operation while increasing its overall attractiveness. Additionally, cultivating the surrounding area will help accelerate the restoration of this historical monument. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: Rochlov is a small traditional village in western Bohemia with only 310 inhabitants. There is a supermarket, a restaurant and a coffee-roasting plant. Phone coverage is good. ATMs and pharmacies are located only in nearby villages. Nevertheless, it is no problem to take the volunteers there by car if they need to. The closest biggest city is Pilsen. Leisure time: Volunteers can go for a trip to the lake or dam. There is an improvised gym, darts and many beautiful routes for cycling or running. Volunteers can also enjoy a campfire, have a beer together, or simply relax. There is a football field and a makeshift gym nearby. Men can participate in training with the local futsal team. Study part: Through trips and excursions to nearby towns and villages (Marianske Lazne, Utery, Cheb, Chotesov), volunteers will be introduced to West Bohemia and its rather complex history. Volunteers will also visit Pilsen and its famous brewery and museum of Pilsner Urquell.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated in two buildings approximately 70 metres apart. One building has 2 rooms with 2 beds, a kitchen with a small fridge and a bathroom with a shower. The other building has 2 beds and a shared bathroom with a shower and a kitchen. A washing machine is also available. Wi-Fi included. Volunteers need to bring their towels. Some meals will be cooked by the volunteers themselves. Some will be prepared at a local restaurant. Volunteers can get coffee or tea from the coffee-roasting plant.

Requirements

The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.

Meeting point

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to get to the meeting point: From the airport take the trolleybus line number 59 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:35 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. At 14:18 get on the train Os7416 to the direction of Domazlice, and get off in Nyrany at 14:36. There you will find your last connection, train Os27418 to the direction of Hermanova Hut at 14:40. You will arrive to Rochlov at 14:49 and your campleader will be waiting for you.

Notes:

There are many dog owners in the village. We require volunteers to respect the animals. Bring a towel and your local food or sweets to share with others.

Descrizione

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

Work

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

Partner

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Location

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Accomodation

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

Requirements

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

Meeting point

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

Work

The tasks are as described: to maintain and increase an organic, educational and community garden; to implement the aromatic garden and create spaces and dynamics to support activities and workshops with children and families as part of the Terra MEpounde Ecofestival; to build composters for organic recycling (for the Ecofestival and for awareness-raising workshops); to recover 6 dry toilets for use at the Festival; to recover spaces for leisure and socializing among families at Quinta do Minhoto; to support the workshops and concerts happening at the Ecofestival, ensuring security of the spaces, hosting artists and other tasks related to the festival.

Partner

A group of local associations in Fornelos (municipality of Fafe) has been organizing the Terra MEpounde Ecofestival for a number of years in order to invite families to take part in leisure, knowledge and social activities around environmental issues and personal development, under the slogan oeThree days to change the world, three days to change your life. This festival takes place only with the mobilization of volunteers who set up all the structures, spaces, recovering spaces in nature for sustainable use, preparing workshops, concerts and other workshops for children and adults, in a festival aimed at the whole family. During the festival, participants will have the chance to meet different people, prepare workshops but also engage in other workshops from dances, meditation, arts, etc

Location

Bring personal hygiene Kit considering natural products (if you dont have, we will produce it during the workcamp), beach and bath towel, swimsuit, sleeping bag, individual flashlight, boots and casual footwear, slippers, work clothes, warm clothing, waterproof, hat, sunscreen, personal documents (European health card, identification card or passport), drink and food for the night intercultural, traditional music and traditional instruments, personal medication. Please, also make sure you have enough of any medication you may need.

Accomodation

Participants will be living in tents (for individuals or two people) in a part of the Farm with available hot and cold showers and dry toilets. A kitchen complex is an indoor building where participants will have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks in the morning and in the afternoon will be displayed for those who want in the outdoor space of the kitchen. The kitchen complex has an oeelectrical corner to plug devices for charging, but we highly recommend participants to go offline or reduce the use of digital devices to take as much from the experience as possible. There is no internet

Requirements

Sleeping in tents for 10 days can be a tough experience, come with open mind for a natural, simple and enriching experience (you will be surprised if you are willing to make that challenge and also be more distant from mobiles or computers.

Meeting point

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Work

Most of the time volunteers will work at the Jewish cemetery and in the Shakhs synagogue where you will help with the maintenance of outdoor areas (cleaning pavements, weeding, cutting and raking grass, maintaining graveyards, etc.) You will also help with the preparation of the Jewish Culture Festival which takes place in Holesov during the workcamp (moving and installing various equipment for events etc.). The work can sometimes be moderately physically demanding. Please, bring suitable shoes and working clothes. You will also work on the weekend (because of the festival) but you will get enough time off on other days.

Partner

The workcamp is organised in cooperation with Municipal Cultural Center Holesov, a non-profit organization that manages most of the Jewish monuments in the city and organizes the Festival of Jewish Culture. The workcamp takes place in Holesov, a small Moravian town, known for its large pre- second world war Jewish community. There is an important Jewish heritage in Holesov – an old synagogue and also a grave of one of the greatest Jewish scholars - Rabbi Shakh. The goal of this workcamp is to maintain the Jewish cemetery, help with the organization of the festival and learn about Jewish heritage. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: The project takes place in Holesov (12,000 inhabitants), a historical town located in the south-east of the Czech Republic. It is well known for its important Jewish heritage such as a rare synagogue from the 16th century or Holesov cemetery - an important place of pilgrimage for Jews. There is good phone coverage everywhere around the town, ATMs and pharmacies. Free time: During the free time volunteers can go on a trip to the UNESCO site of Kromeriz, visit the pilgrimage hill of Hostyn or the open-air museum of folk architecture in Rymice. You will also have free entry to all cultural activities organized by the Cultural Center. Study part: You will learn a lot about Jewish culture and its heritage through visiting local monuments and experiencing the Jewish Culture Festival (concerts, performances, films etc.). You will also have a chance to meet the local community during a barbecue or at a traditional lunch with the representatives of the community town.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated in a house near the workplace, sleeping on matrasses all together in one room. Please, bring a sleeping bag. There are 2 toilets in the acommodation, showers are apart in the castle complex approximately 500 meters from the accommodation. WIFI is not available in the building - only at the synagogue and the castle. Volunteers will cook meals together as a group. If you need to use washing machines, it can be arranged.

Requirements

The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.

Meeting point

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to ge to the meeting point: From the airport take the trolleybus line number 59 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train R 891 Slovacky Express towards Luhacovice at 13:03 to Hulin, and then change to the train Os 13914 towards Bystrice at 16:04, getting off in Holesov at 16:13. Detailed travel information will be provided in the Info sheet.

Notes:

Requirements: Please beware that the work will take place outdoors and suitable clothes and shoes are needed. We recommend a hat to protect from the sun and a raincoat in case of light rain. Please bring a sleeping bag. We advise you to bring a repellent (protection against ticks). There is a chance of an allergic reaction (working with grass). Notes: Volunteers interested in the Jewish or Moravian culture are especially welcome.

Work

You will work together with the “LEiV” (Verein Lebende Erde) which is a landscape protector group in the European NATURA2000-site “Teile des Südoststeirischen Hügellandes”. You will work on the meadows to collect the hay and in the woodlands to clean them from neophytes. The core idea is to assist the organisation with the traditional art of work that aims to preserve the area and its wildlife. You will also help at the European-Roller Festival (a protected bird from the region). Moreover, you will have excursions to the wonderful protected species living on the side and visit the Mur-river for rafting.

Partner

Grenzenlos is an Austrian NGO based in Vienna. It is independent of religions and political bodies. Grenzenlos is a non-profit association. Its main purpose is to promote world peace and respect between people through intercultural non-formal education programmes abroad which combine cultural integration with engagement at non-profit initiatives worldwide. The German word „Grenzenlos” means “no boundaries” and also “no limits”. The word explains the basic mission of Grenzenlos: to promote the personal development of individuals (no limits!) and inter-cultural understanding through international encounters, trainings, inter-cultural living and work experience (no boundaries!). Grenzenlos offers a variety of international mobility programmes. These programmes are dedicated to world peace through the promotion of intercultural exchanges. • Traditionally, Grenzenlos organizes volunteering programmes (individual as well as in the frame of international camps). • As an exchange organization, we send volunteers abroad and host volunteers in Austria • For people of all generations from 18 to 99 years. • Including stays from two weeks up to one year • For skilled as well as for non-skilled people • Worldwide The Inclusion approach is a high priority for Grenzenlos: special attention is given to promoting the participation of people with disabilities in all our volunteering projects as well as trainings and educational programmes.

Accomodation

Food: You will cook for the group in team. Please inform us whether you require a special diet. Your accommodation and food are covered – however, we recommend you to bring some pocket money. The currency used in Austria is euro. Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation! Accomodation:The local partner will host the volunteers in a school. The volunteers will sleep on the floor, mattress will be provided.

Requirements

1. Grenzenlos is part of the ICYE Federation (an international youth exchange network) and the oldest voluntary exchange organisation in Austria. It was founded in 1949 as a pacifist programme standing in for tolerance and re-conciliation between different cultures. Since 2011 Grenzenlos is also part of the Alliance - Network for European Voluntary Service Organisations. Being part of these networks means that we adhere to the agreed quality standards and policies that affect all our programmes. The coordinating organization has provided the participant with the following policies together with this agreement: • Safer Together - ICYE's policy addressing sexual violence in international volunteering Safer Together Policy (https://www.icye.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ICYE-Safer-Together-digital.pdf) 2.2. We request the travel tickets at least 6 weeks before the project starts 3. Volunteers need a full insurance (medical) for their travel and the time in Austria. Don’t forget to arrange the insurance prior to the departure!

Meeting point

Graz central train station (Graz Hauptbahnhof). 22.07.2025 at 2 pm.

Work

First part (30.07.-06.08.) will be all about the preparation of Windmill festival, which is very rich with content. The volunteers will be helping out to the organizers and the other volunteers in setting everything in its place (stage, fences, cleaning the field) and in decorations, because the festival will start on the 7th. During the festival (07.08.-09.08.), volunteers will help with the tasks (sell the tickets at the entrance, inform the guests, move things, things that need to be moved, keep the space without trash, help the musicians maybe, why not, etc...) for around 4 hours a day. All the rest-enjoying time!

Partner

Wemsical Serbia is NGO from the North that is interested in general development of youth, culture and education. Also, in music. And if possible, in connecting all of it. 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

Orom is relatively small village with almost completely Hungarian population in the Kanjiža municipality, in the North Banat District, Vojvodina province. It is surrounded by natural beauty with landscaped surroundings and friendly hosts. Settlement was founded at the end of the 19th century. Orom was organized around railway station, important crossroad and the school. Many houses, stores, but also windmills were built gradually. It is agricultural area and many people are having farms with pigs and cows (that are taken care of with soul). Today it is well connected with Subotica (Szabadka), that is important center of that part. Before the festival-festival, excursion to Subotica or other interesting places in the neighbourhood can be organized. During the festival, there will be offered plenty of activities where volunteers can take part. Many workshops will be organized, collective reading, photography, potential circus productions, games for kids, cooking lessons, dance, and sometimes rides in the local chariots. One secret (that is not that anymore) is that there is also a big pool where volunteers can relax in the hot sunny days. Please bring a positive attitude, meeting people from other cultures of this Serbian-Hungarian village is really important to the hosts.

Accomodation

The accommodation will be under the tents in the festival zone. Tents will be provided for the volunteers, but if anyone wants extra-comfort, it is completely acceptable to bring your own tent (seriously, haha). Meals will be prepared together or will be made by the local chef, negotiations are still in progress.

Requirements

No specific requirements needed, but it will make your life easier if you bring sunscreen, adequate clothes and mosquito repellent as it gets hot and humid during the summer in Serbia.

Meeting point

Subotica is the biggest city nearby. From there, the local buses and the trains go to Orom. Details about the schedules of the means of transport will be put in the Infosheet.

Descrizione

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Work

Volunteers will be in charge of ecological part of the festival. They will take care of waste separation, composting, and education of visitors about the preferable dealing with the trash. They will also learn and teach about compost toilets and biofilters for water. Also, there will be opportunities for them to be part of healing and musical events at the festival (they will not only "work", naturally, they are here to have fun, as well).

Partner

Assocition "Eko Heroj" (Eco Hero) is a non-prfit organization that has for its goal protection of the environment, then promotion of ecological topics, but also of volunteerism in general. The main activities are attempts to reach as many people as possible speaking about these important topics. So, there are always many actions of cleaning the nature, many organized workshops, but there are also workcamps now and then. For them priority is zero waste philosophy, which they explain to people whenever they have a chance. 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

The camp is located on the mountain Rtanj (pronounced-Rtany) in lower part of Eastern Serbia. It is well-known for its intact nature, rich flora and fauna, but also its legends and stories, because the shape of the mountain is the one of pyramid (to what festival owes its name; uuu, so mysterious). The best thing you can do there is ask locals to tell you some of those, so you can enjoy in the depth behind myths. Other than that, it is wonderful place, where you can hike and relax, searching for fresh air, clean water and nice locals. Of course, during the festival, volunteers will have the opportunity to access every part of it, as well as to participate in many interesting workshops on different topics. Since everything is made for people there to have great time, just bring your smile and all the rest will be for eternal memory!

Accomodation

The accommodation will be in tents (that will be provided, but you can bring your own, if you want more comfort, we will not make any problems; sleeping bags, as well, can be given by local host), there will be compost toilets (important to know) and showers. Food will be prepared by local chef who will use local healthy and seasonal products. Although there will be some cutlery (knife, fork and spoon), it is recommended that you bring your own, since that policy is something favorited by the local host.

Requirements

There are no specific requirements, but if you want to make your life easier bring sunscreen, adequate clothes and mosquito repellent as it gets hot and humid during the summer in Serbia.

Meeting point

It will be Boljevac or Sokobanja. In the Infosheet everything will be clarified.

Work

Creative Workshops & Outdoor Adventures: As a volunteer, you'll have the exciting opportunity to organize and lead creative workshops and exhilarating outdoor activities in the charming villages of Bārbele, Stelpe, and Dāviņi. From orientation games and sports tourism to high ropes challenges and team-building exercises using non-formal education methods, you’ll help inspire children and youth aged 7 to 25. Your journey will begin with a comprehensive training session to equip you with all the skills needed for a successful and impactful camp.

Partner

Founded in 2005, Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is an energetic non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people in the Bauska region and beyond. At the heart of our mission, we are a values-driven community committed to empowering youth to innovate, share experiences, and foster a sense of togetherness. Our Vision: Empowering Youth, Enriching Communities Create: We ignite local and international projects that open doors for learning, participation, and self-expression in safe, nurturing environments. Experience: We offer dynamic experiences that are both local and global in scope, designed to enhance personal development and prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Be Together: We are dedicated to building a vibrant community where young people can develop essential competencies that contribute to the growth and vitality of their local communities. Our Impact: From sparking youth-led initiatives to providing enriching educational opportunities through non-formal settings, our work is centered around fostering intellectual and creative growth. We ensure that young individuals enjoy their leisure constructively, gain access to critical developmental resources, and acquire life skills that are integral to lifelong success. Join Us: Our community thrives on the contributions, energies, and passion of our members, ranging from children to young adults aged 7-30. We sustain our impactful programs through memberships, contributions, and significant grants from prestigious sources such as Erasmus+ programs, European Solidarity Corps, and State youth programs. Embark on a journey with Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile—where you create, experience, and connect in meaningful ways. Together, let’s smile, share, and inspire!

Location

Explore Latvia’s Heritage: Located in the serene Bauska municipality, our camp offers more than just volunteer work. You’re perfectly placed to explore cultural and historical sites throughout your stay. Plan intercultural events, and soak in the rich local culture and stunning landscapes. Discover more about the region here - https://www.tourism.bauska.lv/en and get insights on Latvia here - .https://www.latvia.travel/en

Accomodation

Live Authentically, Eat Joyfully: Embrace life in the Latvian countryside! You'll stay in a rustic farm setting, sleeping in tents provided by us with comfy mattresses for a good night's rest. Facilities include basic toilets and washing amenities. Get hands-on in our outdoor kitchen where you and your fellow volunteers will cook up delicious meals. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping bag and some traditional snacks from home for our much-anticipated international evening!

Meeting point

Meeting Point Details: Fly into Riga International Airport or arrive at Riga International Bus Station. We'll meet you at the Gaisma bus stop. Please inform us of your arrival time at least a day in advance. Need a lift? Our pick-up service from the arrival points costs €60 for up to 3 people; it's free if you're arriving after 10 PM!

Work

The Festival da Luz (festival promoted by the well-known singer Luz Casal, a native of the town of Boimorto), which has been held in Boimorto since 2012 for solidarity purposes. The main activity of this workcamp will consist of collaborating in the organization and launch of the charity music festival through different volunteer actions such as: • Help in the organization in the days leading up to the festival. • Collaborate in the assembly and distribution of the different areas of the venue where it is held. • Participate in the various tasks carried out during the festival, including distribution of wristbands, accommodation, attention to the public at the information stands, collaboration in the children's area.... • Carry out different information and stimulation activities designed and proposed by the volunteers themselves.

Partner

The General Directorate of Youth (www.xuventude.xunta.es) is a department of the Xunta de Galicia (www.xunta.gal) whose priority is to meet the needs and concerns of the young population living in Galicia, firmly believing that youth has much to contribute to society as a whole. We work to improve the quality of life of young people in our autonomous community, developing actions and programs that benefit them, increase their well-being and allow them to improve their skill.

Location

Boimorto Municipality is located in the southeast of the province of A Coruña. It is located in the center of the imaginary triangle formed by the three great cities of northern Galicia: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Lugo. It is also a crossing point for the Camino Norte de Santiago. Leisure activities: • Visit Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña cities. • Battle of archers: Game in which two teams of archers will face each other, putting their aim to the test. • Cultivation of shiitake in chestnut and oak wood, and we will make a small trunk so that each person can easily obtain mushrooms based on humidity and sun. • Ponte do Castro Recreational Area, river beach. • Galician traditional music (Foliada). • Astronomical Observation. • We will visit the Cistercian Mosteiro of Santa María de Sobrado and the Lagoa. We will do the Ruta da Carballeira, filming location for the movie El Bosque Animated, by film director José Luis Cuerda. • Route of Megalitos de Toques. • Workshops.

Accomodation

Albergue Xuvenil Garatuxa. https://avada.gal/Albergue-Xuvenil-Garatuxa/gl/

Meeting point

The incorporation to the work camp is in the afternoon of the first day and the departure the last day after breakfast. Meeting point: Curtis-Teixeiro train station. From Santiago de Compostela to Curtis-Teixeiro: www.arriva.gal and www.monbus.es From A Coruña to Curtis-Teixeiro, the best option is in train www.renfe.es. The Teixeiro-Curtis station connects daily with medium-distance trains to A Coruña and Lugo as well as long-distance trains to Madrid and Barcelona. RENFE (www.renfe.es). The bus line that connects the airports of Alvedro (A Coruña) and Lavacolla (Santiago de Compostela) with their bus and train stations are www.autoscalpita.com and www.tussa.org respectively.

Notes:

The incorporation to the work camp is in the afternoon of the first day and the departure the last day after breakfast. RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • Cleaning supplies (complete toiletry bag) and shower towel. • Sleeping bag, mat and backpack for routes. • Comfortable shoes for mountain and sports shoes. • Clothes: sportswear (sweatshirts...), swimwear (swimsuit, towel, flip-flops...), warm clothing (suitable clothing to be able to do the job in case of rain or cold), work clothes (gloves, hat)

Descrizione

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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

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Meeting point

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