Work

Work: The work will be mainly manual and outdoors in all kinds of weather. You will help to restore a part of the Christian cemetery - cleaning paths and areas of graves, relocating tombstones, removing branches, basic landscaping, sweeping, mowing grass, and removing trees in the surrounding area. No previous experience is required. Bring suitable working shoes and clothes and a raincoat. Study part: You will learn about the town's history, Czech culture and nature. The project will take place during the famous Karlovy Vary Film Festival, which offers an interesting cultural programme.

Partner

This short project will take place in the small town of Hroznetin, at the foot of the picturesque Ore Mountains in cooperation with the Local Action Group Krusne Hory (Ore Mountains). The LAG focuses on the support and development of the region through organizing and funding educational and cultural projects, connecting various stakeholders, preparing tourist brochures or co-organizing volunteer activities. The project aims to restore a forgotten Christian cemetery, activate the local community and introduce a piece of Czech land to the volunteers. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: The project takes place in Hroznetin, a small town in western Bohemia with about 2,000 inhabitants. There is a small grocery store, a school, and a post office, there is good phone reception. The closest cities are Ostrov (5 km) and Karlovy Vary (12 km) where you can find doctors, pharmacies and ATMS. The region is popular among tourists for its beautiful countryside near the Ore Mountains. Leisure time: You can visit the town of Ostrov and its sights - the castle garden, also known as the 8th wonder of the world, the local monument zone in the city centre, the Prince's Palace, Ostrov Castle, beautiful churches and monasteries. Or make a trip to the biggest spa complex in Europe – Karlovy Vary – and visit its historical centre and hot springs.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in apartments in Mlynsky dum. You will sleep in beds, bedsheets will be provided. There is a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, bathroom with washing machine and small lounge. Bring your own towel. WIFI is available. You will prepare your own breakfast and dinner from provided ingredients, lunch will be provided. The accommodation is a 5-minute walk from the workplace.

Requirements

Bring clothes and shoes suitable for work, a raincoat and a towel.

Meeting point

Directly from the Prague airport, take the Regiojet bus at 12:00 to the Karlovy Vary bus terminal. Get off at the bus stop “Karlovy Vary Terminal”. Then change to bus 421104 15 in the direction of “Hroznetin, nam.” leaving at 14:43. get off at the last stop “Hroznetin, nam.”, your campleader will be waiting there for you and take you to the accommodation. Please be aware that the journey will take you approximately 3 hours. Detailed travel information will be provided in the infosheet.

Notes:

We are looking for volunteers eager to get to know Czech culture and life in a small village.

Work

Work: You will work on the interior design of the building (grinding window frames, painting, moving material, varnishing) and in the rectory garden (landscaping, renovation of stone walls and fences, chopping wood, mow-ing, moving soil, taking care of vegetable beds, planting trees and shrubs). In case of interest, it is possible to help with more specialized work, such as masonry. The work at the rectory is diverse and will be assigned to you according to your abilities. Please, bring suitable work clothes and shoes that can get dirty or damaged. No previous experience is required. Study part: You will have the chance to discover and learn more about the church of St. George, where you can also organize a concert (bring your own musical instruments if you want). You will have a unique opportunity to go on a tour of the nearby castle Horsovsky Tyn and you can even access the places where the public is prohib-ited to enter. You will visit the Museum of Wirework.

Partner

This project is organized in cooperation with the association Fara Semnevice („Rectory Semnevice “) in the village of Semnevice. The association strives to build a sustainable community, support regional ecological and educational activities and revitalize the Baroque rectory. According to the association's vision, the rectory should become a place where people of different personalities, cultures, nationalities, and religions can meet and live together. The aim of this project is to renovate the rectory and its surroundings, including the community spirit. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of the UN SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: The small village of Semnevice is located in the border region in the southwest of the Czech Republic. There is a pub, a small shop, and a playground in the village. It is surrounded by beautiful nature, forests, and meadows. Within walking distance, there is Sedmihori Natural Park. The nearest big cities are Horsovsky Tyn, Stribro or Domazlice where there are also the closest services such as ATMs or pharmacies. Leisure time: There are many leisure activities to choose from – you can go on a hike, swim, and play all kinds of sports on the local playground (volleyball, football, softball, frisbee etc.). In case of interest, yoga classes or regular warm-ups and stretching might be organized under the supervision of an experienced physiotherapist. You can go on a trip to the Meclov Farm, which is a farm from the 19th century with well-preserved interiors typical for the Czech countryside and you can discover what life looked like back then. You might also go on a trip to the Sedmihori Natural Park.

Accomodation

Accommodation is provided at the rectory in three large rooms on mattresses on wooden bunk beds. Please, bring your own sleeping bag! WIFI is available. The rectory has a dry eco-toilet and an outdoor shower. Regular toilets and showers are available in the municipal hall (5min) and in the neighbouring building. No washing machine. Water is provided from the rectory well. You will prepare breakfast and dinner altogether. Lunch will be provided by the local partner. One day will be dedicated to Czech cuisine and international specialities. Bring any local ingredients you might need.

Requirements

Smoking is prohibited in the entire rectory area. Remember to bring your own sleeping bag, shoes and clothes suitable for work and musical instruments if you play any. Board games or card games are also welcome.

Meeting point

From the airport take bus 119 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 direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). From here, at 13:13 take the R766 Berounka train to the “Plzen, hl.n.” stop. Change to Bus 400621 10 in the direction of Domazlice leaving at 14:40. The bus station is just in front of the train station, and the bus will leave from platform 5. Get off at the “Horsovsky Tyn” stop at 15:53. Change to Bus 400645 16 in the direction of Velky Malahov leaving from platform 3 at 16:17. Get off at Semnevice stop after 20 minutes at 16:37 where your campleader will be waiting and take you to the accommodation (5min walk).

Notes:

The project is suitable for volunteers interested in history, architecture, nature, and sustainable development, and everyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of the Czech Republic.

Work

Work: Work includes repairing forest fencing for seedlings, raking hay, pulling weeds, preparing firewood, pick-ing up trash in the backcountry, etc. The specific work schedule will be determined depending on weather conditions. You have the opportunity to discover different places in the region during your work. Most of the work will be done outside in the forest and in the wetlands. Bring suitable clothes and boots that can get dirty or damaged, including waterproof clothes with long sleeves, long trousers, and a raincoat. No previous experience is required, you will be trained on how to use the tools on spot. Study part: Interactive field excursions are planned for the volunteers to get to know the locations where they will work and understand why their work is needed and beneficial.

Partner

The project is organized in cooperation with the local NGO Cmelak - Friends of Nature Society whose activities focus on a sustainable lifestyle, nature protection, and environmental education. An example of such activities can be the replacement of unnatural spruce tree monoculture with seedlings of original trees or maintaining wetlands and meadows. The aim of this project is to involve volunteers in activities in the New Forest on Jested mountain and Jablonne wetland park and introduce volunteers to a way of life outside the comforts of civilization at one of our mountain cottages. At this project, you are actively contributing to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Location

Location: The project takes place at various work locations around the city of Liberec. The localities (Wetland Park in Jablonne, the new Forest on Jested mountain or the orchid meadows around the Jizera Mountains) are mostly outside the protected areas, but they are interesting and deserve care. Everywhere is a good phone reception. But the closest services such as ATMs or pharmacies are only in the closest bigger town - Liberec. Leisure time: You can play sports, go on hikes to the natural areas, climb the Jested Mountain - the highest peak in the region, or visit nearby castles. The closest city is Liberec which offers many possibilities to enjoy culture, visit the local ZOO, botanical garden or swimming pool etc. There is also a swimming pool on the premises of the second accommodation in the camp.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated in two places. The first week is in the mountain cottage Padouchov, where you will sleep on the beds. The second accommodation is provided in a camp in Jablonne pod Jestedi, where you will sleep in small cabins with a sink. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and a towel. Toilet facilities and showers are available on both sites. Beware that there is no WIFI or washing machine. Volunteers will mostly cook their own meals from provided ingredients. Volunteers might also use the outside fireplace for cooking.

Requirements

Bring a sleeping bag, adequate clothes and boots for work in wet or hillside areas and a raincoat. It is necessary to pack your stuff into a backpack, not a wheely suitcase or a handbag due to the accommodation at the mountain cottage, where we move partly on foot!

Meeting point

From the airport take bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Mustek” stop and change to yellow metro line B in direction of Cerny Most and go all the way to the final stop “Cerny Most”. From here take the Regiojet bus 15442021 at 14:00 to “Liberec, aut. nadr” (final stop) where your campleader will be waiting for you. Detailed information will be provided in the infosheet.

Notes:

You will spend a lot of time outdoors so you can get into contact with different kinds of plants, herbs, pollen, and insects - beware if you are allergic.

Work

Work: The meaning of the pilgrimage to St. Anna is to spread the work of Benediktus among people. Volunteers will help to prepare and implement the event. The pilgrimage starts with Holy Mass and includes food and drink stalls, countless games for children, live music, theatre and much more. The work tasks will include mowing and raking grass, carrying things, setting up tents, tables and benches, cleaning, cooking, baking, frying, accompanying people with disabilities at work and in their free time, attending community meetings, selling products, making banners or doing face painting. The work will not be physically demanding and does not re-quire any previous experience. Most of the work will be carried out outside, please, bring adequate boots and clothes that can get dirty and a raincoat. Study part: As part of the pilgrimage, there will be a meeting with the general public and the volunteers will have the opportunity to present their culture, either in the form of theatre, fun games for children or making typical food. Other Czech and foreign volunteers also take part in the pilgrimage, with whom there will be an opportunity not only to work but also to spend free time together. During the project, volunteers have a unique opportunity to learn about the life and work of people with and without disabilities in the L'Arche community.

Partner

This project is organized in cooperation with the NGO Benediktus which is a community of people with and without disabilities. Benediktus provides social services, a daycare centre, social therapy workshops and sheltered housing, in order to involve people with disabilities in everyday life. Benediktus also creates sheltered jobs for people with altered working abilities such as drying fruits, cultivating a garden, organizing public events, or reconstructing historical buildings. The aim of the wokcamp is to help with the preparation and im-plementation of the largest annual cultural event, the pilgrimage to St. Anna, and to blur the lines between people regardless of their disability status. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG10 Reduced Inequalities.

Location

Location: The Benediktus community is located in the picturesque village of Modletin, between the villages of Horni Bradlo and Rusinov, in the heart of the Iron Mountains. The area consists of historically significant build-ings, which Benediktus reconstructs and uses for activities such as housing, work and cultural activities. The complex has a timbered fruit dryer, orchard and vegetable garden. Everywhere in the village, there is good phone coverage, nevertheless, the village is small so there are no services such as ATMs or pharmacies. Leisure time: Modletin is located in the heart of the protected landscape area of the Iron Mountains that offers a wide range of activities: hiking, swimming in a nearby dam, mushroom picking, sightseeing in the area (castles, chateaux, historic villages, geomorphological formations, natural monuments), cultural events (concerts, exhibitions, openings). In the area of Benediktus it is also possible to play sports.

Accomodation

Accommodation for volunteers is located in the Benediktus complex in Modletin in the building of the former spa. It is a large attic room with a shower, two toilets and a kitchen. You will sleep on mattresses with sheets but bring your own sleeping bag. There is WIFI and a washing machine. Food will be provided by Benediktus (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and good coffee). By prior arrangement, volunteers can also cook for themselves in the kitchen in their accommodation. We welcome volunteers who want to participate in the preparation of Czech dishes or cook dishes from their countries.

Meeting point

: From the airport take bus 119 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 direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). From here take the train R 983 Vysocina at 14:06 and get off in Havlickuv Brod (at 15:57). Change to the train Os 5382 leaving at 16:13 and get off at Chotebor station (at 16:32) where your campleader will be waiting for you and take you to Modletin, your accommodation.

Work

Work: Volunteers will have two main tasks. 1. Expansion of the forest playground - construction of obstacles, and creation of a forest path. 2. Landscaping - mowing grasslands, pulling out sods, digging a hole for a pool in partially waterlogged terrain. Since most of the work will be outdoors, we recommend bringing suitable clothes that can get dirty or damaged, proper shoes or rubber shoes and a raincoat. No previous similar work experi-ence is required. Study part: A lecture on the local history of the tramp settlements, and a workshop on environmental activities. Guided tours around the area. Informal meetings with locals and an international evening.

Partner

This project is organized in cooperation with the Association for the Jizera Mountains operating in the Jizera Mountains since 1999. The association runs an eco-centre in the middle of the forest where they plant trees, restore tourist infrastructure and offer educational programs drawing children and adults into the adventure of exploring nature. Currently, they are setting up a new eco-centre in Hrabetice, part of the village of Janov nad Nisou. The aim of the project is to expand the forest playground that is used by school groups and create a pool for retaining water in the landscape and modify the natural character. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Location

Location: The eco-centre is located in Hrabetice near Janov nad Nisou in the Jizera Mountains. The closest big-ger towns are Jablonec nad Nisou and Liberec, where there are ATMs and a pharmacy. Nevertheless, the project location is secluded away from civilization, there are no shops or services but still a good phone reception. Leisure time: During your free time there is a possibility to rent bikes or scooters and explore the beauty of the Jizera mountains. Hiking trips to the Jizera Mountains, board games, table tennis.

Accomodation

You will stay in a cottage that serves as the association's eco-centre. There are smaller rooms with showers and toilets in each room. Blankets and sheets are provided. The building has a kitchen, a common room and a dining room. There is a WIFI and a laundry machine available. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the local host. You will cook dinners together as a group. The food will be mainly vegetarian.

Requirements

Please, bring clothes and shoes that are suitable for work.

Meeting point

From the airport take bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar. At Mustek stop, change to yellow metro line B in the direction of Cerny most. At 14:00 take the RegioJet bus from Cerny most, platform 6, to Liberec, Fugnerova. In Liberec, Fugnerova, platform M, take the last bus n. 791 at 15:25 and get off at the stop Janov n.Nisou, Hrabetice, kaplicka. The meeting point is at the bus stop at 16:00. It takes 10 minutes to reach the accommodation on foot from the bus station and your campleader will walk you there.

Notes:

You will spend a lot of time outdoors so you can get into contact with different kinds of plants, herbs, pollen, and insects.

Work

Work: Odolena Voda would like to create new and improved public goods. You will be involved in producing public benches and a variety of playground equipment, such as swings and slides for children. You will also paint the fences of a summer cinema and a tennis court. In the town‘s landscape, you will cut the grass to create walk paths and signs for directions. Study part: You are going to experience a bike ride in the historical part of Czech queens' city. There will also be an excursion to a local baroque church with a trip to the main tower with incredible views. There will also be a barbecue organized where you will have a chance to meet local people and learn about their culture, language, and way of life.

Partner

This project is organized in cooperation with the town of Odolena Voda, which is responsible for the management and development of the city. Its main duty is to provide a quality life for the local community, take care of public areas and the greenery surrounding them, and develop education and culture in the city. The goal of this project is to improve the public spaces, renovate the town‘s playgrounds and sports centres, and take care of the landscape around it. In this project, you are actively contributing to the achievement of the UN SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: Odolena Voda has a population of around 6 500 people and is located around 25 mins by bus from Prague. There is a nice city centre where you can take a walk. It has a few restaurants and also a supermarket. Phone coverage is very good in the area, there is an ATM and a pharmacy in the town. Leisure time: You will have access to facilities where you can play volleyball, soccer, basketball, or even try archery. There is also a skatepark or a lake where you can swim. Otherwise, you can go for a walk around the city or visit a local restaurant.

Accomodation

You will be accommodated with camp beds in a local elementary school, where you will be divided into three separate rooms. You will have access to two bathrooms, where each has a capacity of 6 people. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Free WiFi and a washing machine will both be available. You will prepare meals together as a group in the school's well-equipped kitchen.

Requirements

Bring a sleeping bag and clothes and shoes suitable for work that can get dirty.

Meeting point

From Prague airport, take bus 119 to “Nadrazi Veleslavin” station. At 13:50, take the train “Os 9820” from “Nadrazi Veleslavin” station to “Kralupy n.Vltavou”. From there, you will move to a bus station around 5 minutes from the train station (you will have almost 50 minutes to transfer, so no rush). At 15:52, take bus number 663 from “Kralupy n.Vltavou, zel.st.” station to “Odolena Voda, Komenskeho'', from where your campleaders will pick you up and walk you to the accommodation (3 mins).

Notes:

The project is especially suitable for people who are not scared of manual work.

Work

Work: Children and parents will work together when possible (e.g. helping with cooking, collecting wood, har-vesting vegetables and gardening). Work will be organised in two groups. The first one will be working in a nature reserve located 3km away from the campsite, their work will consist of mowing grass, raking and col-lecting grass. Please note that the meadows can be very wet; bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), a raincoat and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The second group will be working on the campsite preparing food, collecting wood, doing maintenance tasks or working in the nearby forest. Study part: Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability or recycling. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, play games and learn how to recognize stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora. Every evening, there will be a group meditation and stick talking in a special sacred tee-pee.

Partner

The project is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The project takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization and we welcome volunteers that are fond of trying out a basic lifestyle in the forest and do not mind longer walks. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area, maintain the campsite and enjoy nature. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Location

Location: Stara Knizeci Hut (Bohemian Forest): Latitude: 49.72222 / Longitude: 12.468973 The campsite is in a remote part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov. The campsite is located about 30 minutes walk from the nearest bus station. Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to the Czech towns in the neighbourhood (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Ger-many thus a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games, handcraft or experi-ence an Indian sauna. If you have any games, musical instruments or any other activity you could share or teach the group in the campsite conditions, you are welcome to bring them.

Accomodation

In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. Large families will have their own tee-pees; smaller families will share tee-pees. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. The nights might be very cold, bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are dry and outdoors. You will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.

Requirements

Bring clothes and shoes suitable for work, rubber boots and a raincoat, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping mat and warm clothes for the night. To reach the workcamp you will take forest paths, therefore you need to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in luggage. There is a strict no alcohol and drugs policy at the campsite. Participation fee: 50€ adult and 25 € child

Meeting point

From the airport take bus 119 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 direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:43 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. Go to the bus station in front of the train station and take bus 440251 3 in the direction to “Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut”. Get off at this last stop at 16:03. The meeting point is at the bus stop. PAY ATTENTION! THIS IS THE ONLY CONNECTION YOU CAN TAKE ON THIS DAY!

Notes:

This project is for families with 5+ years old children or individuals. We expect participants to be nature lovers, open-minded, flexible and interested in living in an eco-friendly and community way. Every year, there are several children and family-friendly camps organised, so even if the accommodation and facilities are basic, they are suitable for children. Because the work will take place outside, beware of allergies to grass, pollen, insects, etc. On departure day, there are only 1-2 connections from Stara Knizeci Hut to take you back to Prague with arrival in the afternoon/evening, so consider that when planning the trip.

Work

Work: You will work in a nature reserve about 3 km from the campsite where you will walk on foot. The main work will consist of mowing, raking and collecting grass on protected meadows. This work might be physically demanding. As the meadows can be very wet, make sure to bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), rain gear and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Work gloves will be provided for you. You will also work directly in the campsite on maintenance tasks and in the nearby forest by doing various manual jobs. At the end of the project, you will help to dismantle the campsite and to transport all the material to Prague where it will be stored during winter. Study part: Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps by the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora. Every evening, there will be a group meditation and stick talking in a special sacred tee-pee.

Partner

The project is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The project takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization and we welcome volunteers that are fond of trying out a basic lifestyle in the forest and do not mind longer walks. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area and maintain the campsite. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Location

Location: The project takes place in the Bohemian Forest near Stara Knizeci Hut. The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. There is limited phone coverage. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov where you can find ATMs, pharmacies, doctors etc. Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to the Czech towns in the neighbourhood (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Ger-many; a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games or experience an Indian sauna. If you have any games, musical instruments or any other activity you could share or teach the group in the campsite conditions, you are welcome to bring them.

Accomodation

In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are dry and outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.

Requirements

Bring a warm sleeping bag, a mat and warm clothes. There is a strict no alcohol and drugs policy at the campsite. Please note that the last three days are dedicated to dismantling the campsite and transporting all the material to Prague. Therefore leaving the workcamp earlier is not an option.

Meeting point

From the airport take bus 119 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 direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:43 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. Go to the bus station in front of the train station and take bus 440251 3 in the direction to “Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut”. Get off at this last stop at 16:03. The meeting point is at the bus stop. PAY ATTENTION! THIS IS THE ONLY CONNECTION YOU CAN TAKE ON THIS DAY!

Notes:

We expect volunteers to enjoy camping and being outdoors. This camp is perfect for volunteers who want to enjoy living and working in basic conditions in close touch with nature. If you are ready for this, an amazing experience is waiting for you! The project might be also suitable for people with social, economic and some health disadvantages. Please, let us know ahead if you need any assistance. To reach the project you will take forest paths, therefore you need to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in luggage. Because you will be outside all the time, beware of all kinds of allergies (grass, pollen, insects, hay etc.).

Work

Work: The work will be carried out in the area of Rabstejn Valley and it will be accessible from the camp on foot. The work will include removing woody plants, digging the soil, cleaning, installing educational signs, and marking and creating hiking trails (e.g. installing wooden stairs). The physical demands will correspond to the capabilities of the individual participants. An employee of the technical services of the town will supervise the work. All the work described above should take place outside. In case of rainy weather; you will work in the roofed building of the former textile factory or in the town Study part: There will be a meeting with witnesses (displaced Sudeten Germans, some of them lived directly in the Rabstejn concentration camp after the war before they were relocated) and students of the English College of Prague, which will be conducted in the form of lectures and discussions.

Partner

The project is organised in cooperation with the town of Ceska Kamenice located on the borderline of three protected landscape areas. The nearest one is Bohemian Switzerland National Park just on the outskirts of the town. The city centre consists of a well-preserved urban heritage zone with several cultural monuments. For these reasons, the town is a natural centre of tourism. The project will take place in the nearby valley, where ruins of the former concentration camp of Rabstejn lie. The goals of the project are two: 1) to ensure the rehabilitation of the former Rabstejn concentration camp, and 2) to improve the tourist infrastructure in the entire valley. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of the UN SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: Participants will be camping in a field located in the valley, in the proximity of the former textile fac-tory. 1.7 km from the train station Vesele p. Rabstejnem. There are ruins and monuments of the former Rabstejn concentration camp in the valley. The nearest ATM, pharmacy and shops are in the town of Ceska Kamenice (3 km). Leisure time: You can go on a trip to the surrounding areas. There are three protected landscape areas, Czech Swiss National Park, and several cultural monuments – in Ceska Kamenice and the nearby area. There is also a swimming pool, a sports complex (ball games and outdoor tennis/badminton courts), a water park in Decin, Via Ferrata, a slackline, etc. We can organise a match with the locals. Feel free to bring your musical instruments.

Accomodation

There will be a camp built for the purpose of the project. Accommodation in tents for 2 people, you will need to bring a mat and a warm sleeping bag. Facilities (such as a kitchen or dining room), toilets and will be on the premises of the former textile factory just next to the camp. A shower is outside and the water is heated by the sun. Bring a towel and warm clothes, temperatures might drop in the valley to 8 degrees. Please be aware, that there will be limited access to electricity in the camp, limited phone coverage and no WIFI! You will cook your own meals on a mobile stove.

Requirements

Please bring your own sleeping bag and a sleeping mat, a towel, warm clothes for nights and clothes and shoes suitable for work. Please bring your favourite national recipes to prepare for the international evening. (If you need special ingredients from your country, take them along).

Meeting point

From Prague airport, take bus 119 to the “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 direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). At 14:45, take train R 686 Labe from “Praha hlavni nadrazi” to “Decin hlavni nadrazi”. At 16:37, take train Os 6660 from “Decin hlavni nadrazi” to “Vesele p. Rabstejnem”. Arrival at 17:00. Your campleader will be waiting there for you and take you to the accommodation. Our camp is 1,7 km far from the train station, so pack in a backpack not a suitcase with wheels!

Notes:

The project is suitable for volunteers who like to get to know the history of the region and who enjoy working outdoors.

Work

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

Partner

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

Location

Location: Ceske Kopisty – a small village near the historical town of Litomerice. The farm uses 11 hectares of fields; there is a garden and a yard with a couple of animals (a cow, a horse, chickens, ducks, and pigs). The area is quite vast – there are 3 residential houses, a candle workshop, and a common hall. There are 8 adults, 4 children and 7 people with special needs living there. You might meet around 10 other external co-workers. Everywhere in the village, there is good phone reception. There is an ATM 3 km away in Terezin, and a pharmacy 5 km away in Litomerice. Leisure time: There is a football pitch in the village after that, you can refresh in the local pub or swim in the river. You might visit the nearby Terezin Memorial at the location of the former concentration camp and the Terezin Ghetto Museum.

Accomodation

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

Requirements

As you will stay in the place where people with various disabilities live, there are specific rules you are asked to respect: smoking and consumption of alcohol within the community area are restricted, and it is necessary to respect the privacy and night rest of the residents. Be aware that not all members of the community can speak English. Please, bring a sleeping bag, enthusiasm and a good mood!

Meeting point

From Prague airport, take bus 119 to “Nadrazi Veleslavin” station. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar. At the “Muzeum” stop, change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany. Get off at the stop “Nadrazi Holesovice”. Here, take a bus from platform 7 at 13:30 to your final destination “Terezin, U Pamatniku”. The campleader will be waiting for you there at 14:30 and take you to the accommodation.

Notes:

The project is mainly suitable for people who are interested in farming and community life and don’t mind working from early hours.