Work

Activating kids in the city camp and providing them with cross-cultural learning experience. Volunteers will do it using various informal methods of teaching as well as working in small group techniques. The activities to be held by a team of volunteers may include the following: playing the games and performing music that are popular in the countries the volunteers represent; training kids to perform pieces of amateur drama; preparing festivals; providing intellectual and sport games as well as discussions and excursions round the places of interest; organizing actions for peace and nature protection; leading and supporting kids in their work on the team projects within the topics related to the main theme of the summer. Volunteers are responsible for the day activities in the camp. The work can be demanding, involving longer hours on some days, requiring high level of commitment and responsibility. You will stay with campers from 10:00 to 17:00 and spend another hour to prepare next day activities and feedback. Working days are from Monday to Friday; Sundays are days off. In addition there will be one more extra day-off every week depending on the schedule. Before the camp activities start there will be 3-day training about camp methodology and preparation.There are 8 camp shifts during this summer project which are of different length (5-10 days) and for different ages (10-16 years old). All of them are day camps that are held in Tallinn. The working language is English. An average number of volunteers working with schoolchildren in one camp is 2-8 (both long-term volunteers for the whole summer and short-term volunteers who may join for 1, 2 or 3 weeks); they work in pairs with one of the camp groups of 10-12 teens and change the groups every 2-3 days. An average number of kids/teens participants in one camp shift is 40 who are split into four camp groups; the local participants are mainly youngsters from a Russian-speaking minority group of Tallinn.

Partner

This project is organized for local children by The Language School In Down-Town and non-profit educational association Alternative Language Programs Satellite within its annual activities on multicultural issues for kids. Some international teenage participants may randomly join. The common project s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to children and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication using the learning-by-doing method and organizing alternative English language practice. The project gets youngsters familiar with customs and traditions of the countries from all over the world and encourages them to develop their cross-cultural thinking and tolerance as well as global thinking and individual initiative. The theme of summer 2022 is Sciences for Life . The participants will discover what is hidden behind the word SCIENCE and how the school knowledge of basic sciences is integrated in our everyday habits of life helping to support global sustainable development of eco-systems, technologies, education and even spiritual life of the humankind. Meetings with local and/or international professionals in the field will take place. Thematic photo and video contests for camp participants will be organized.

Location

LocationCamp takes place in the school that is situated in the center of Tallinn, Estonian capital www.visittallinn.ee/eng Leisure timeThere are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as the camp takes place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life.

Accomodation

There are 2 options possible which are subject to availability:1) A furnished shared apartment in the residential area of Tallinn. The apartment has three dormitory bedrooms and all necessary facilities, and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center by public transport. Public transport cards will be provided. Volunteers will cook their breakfast meals themselves (standard European breakfast food will be provided); dinner meals will be served at school between 18:00 and 19:00; lunches will be organized for the whole camp (including kids) in the city centre.2) The premises of the Language School In Down-Town located on the 4th and 5th floors of a business building in the city centre. In summer time, a part of the school is reserved for the volunteers accommodation that includes several separate dormitory bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, a dining area, a large shower area and two separate toilet cabins. Catering will be organized by the School on an agreement with volunteers (selection of times, meals provided or independent cooking, etc.)Please note: it is not possible to stay at any of the camp accommodation before or after the camp. If you need a place to stay before or after the camp dates, we can help you to book a hostel in Tallinn.

Requirements

COVID 19The 7-days self-isolation and COVID-19 testing requirements are not applied ONLY to those persons who have had the COVID-19 disease and no more than six months have passed since they were declared recovered by a doctor (a certificate needed), or have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease (a certificate needed) and no more than six months have passed since the completion of the vaccination. The volunteers who are qualified against these restriction requirements may arrive 3 days before the actual camp dates to be first trained to do their job in the camp. In all other cases, volunteers are subject to 7-day self-isolation. These volunteers may arrive minimum 7 days before the actual camp dates and undertake the following steps: 1) make sure you have a medical/travel insurance that covers Covid-19 test; 2) get tested at the Tallinn airport; 3) if tested negative, stay self-isolated for 6 days and participate in the camp on-line training to get prepared; 4) get tested again; 5) if tested negative, come to school and join the camp (if tested positive, self-isolate for 7 days and get in contact with the camp organisers for further instructions). Accommodation options for the period of self-isolation will be discussed with the prospective volunteers during the interview. Special requirementsYou have to be really motivated to work with kids. Please provide a letter of your motivation along with the application form. An experience of working with children is an advantage. Your ideas and actual preparation to do the activities for kids are essential, so accepted volunteer will be required to meet the team online to discuss and complete some pre-liminary preparation. We ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, symbols of your country, music or popular national games etc., which can be used during your country presentation. We expect active volunteers with a good knowledge of history and culture of their country as well as with an ability and wish to present it to others in a creative way. B2 level of English is required. The age of volunteers is from 20 to 30. Please note that before making final decision about your participation in the camp, the project coordinator will have a video interview with you.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 50 Euro towards the costs of general administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make it please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

In the school office at Joe 3, TallinnThe volunteer is expected to arrive to the camp location before lunch on any Friday within the camp dates, prior to the camp staring on Monday.

Work

Activating kids in the city camp and providing them with cross-cultural learning experience. Volunteers will do it using various informal methods of teaching as well as working in small group techniques. The activities to be held by a team of volunteers may include the following: playing the games and performing music that are popular in the countries the volunteers represent; training kids to perform pieces of amateur drama; preparing festivals; providing intellectual and sport games as well as discussions and excursions round the places of interest; organizing actions for peace and nature protection; leading and supporting kids in their work on the team projects within the topics related to the main theme of the summer. Volunteers are responsible for the day activities in the camp. The work can be demanding, involving longer hours on some days, requiring high level of commitment and responsibility. You will stay with campers from 10:00 to 17:00 and spend another hour to prepare next day activities and feedback. Working days are from Monday to Friday; Sundays are days off. In addition there will be one more extra day-off every week depending on the schedule. Before the camp activities start there will be 3-day training about camp methodology and preparation.There are 8 camp shifts during this summer project which are of different length (5-10 days) and for different ages (10-16 years old). All of them are day camps that are held in Tallinn. The working language is English. An average number of volunteers working with schoolchildren in one camp is 2-8 (both long-term volunteers for the whole summer and short-term volunteers who may join for 1, 2 or 3 weeks); they work in pairs with one of the camp groups of 10-12 teens and change the groups every 2-3 days. An average number of kids/teens participants in one camp shift is 40 who are split into four camp groups; the local participants are mainly youngsters from a Russian-speaking minority group of Tallinn. NB Special feature of this summer: a volunteer is welcome to choose participating in the whole camp program of one shift or joining the camp any Friday just for one or two weeks within the proposed camp dates.

Partner

This project is organized for local children by The Language School In Down-Town and non-profit educational association Alternative Language Programs Satellite within its annual activities on multicultural issues for kids. Some international teenage participants may randomly join. The common project s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to children and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication using the learning-by-doing method and organizing alternative English language practice. The project gets youngsters familiar with customs and traditions of the countries from all over the world and encourages them to develop their cross-cultural thinking and tolerance as well as global thinking and individual initiative. The theme of summer 2022 is Sciences for Life . The participants will discover what is hidden behind the word SCIENCE and how the school knowledge of basic sciences is integrated in our everyday habits of life helping to support global sustainable development of eco-systems, technologies, education and even spiritual life of the humankind. Meetings with local and/or international professionals in the field will take place. Thematic photo and video contests for camp participants will be organized.

Location

LocationCamp takes place in the school that is situated in the center of Tallinn, Estonian capital www.visittallinn.ee/eng Leisure timeThere are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as the camp takes place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life.

Accomodation

There are 2 options possible which are subject to availability:1) A furnished shared apartment in the residential area of Tallinn. The apartment has three dormitory bedrooms and all necessary facilities, and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center by public transport. Public transport cards will be provided. Volunteers will cook their breakfast meals themselves (standard European breakfast food will be provided); dinner meals will be served at school between 18:00 and 19:00; lunches will be organized for the whole camp (including kids) in the city centre.2) The premises of the Language School In Down-Town located on the 4th and 5th floors of a business building in the city centre. In summer time, a part of the school is reserved for the volunteers accommodation that includes several separate dormitory bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, a dining area, a large shower area and two separate toilet cabins. Catering will be organized by the School on an agreement with volunteers (selection of times, meals provided or independent cooking, etc.)Please note: it is not possible to stay at any of the camp accommodation before or after the camp. If you need a place to stay before or after the camp dates, we can help you to book a hostel in Tallinn.

Requirements

COVID 19The 7-days self-isolation and COVID-19 testing requirements are not applied ONLY to those persons who have had the COVID-19 disease and no more than six months have passed since they were declared recovered by a doctor (a certificate needed), or have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease (a certificate needed) and no more than six months have passed since the completion of the vaccination. The volunteers who are qualified against these restriction requirements may arrive 3 days before the actual camp dates to be first trained to do their job in the camp. In all other cases, volunteers are subject to 7-day self-isolation. These volunteers may arrive minimum 7 days before the actual camp dates and undertake the following steps: 1) make sure you have a medical/travel insurance that covers Covid-19 test; 2) get tested at the Tallinn airport; 3) if tested negative, stay self-isolated for 6 days and participate in the camp on-line training to get prepared; 4) get tested again; 5) if tested negative, come to school and join the camp (if tested positive, self-isolate for 7 days and get in contact with the camp organisers for further instructions). Accommodation options for the period of self-isolation will be discussed with the prospective volunteers during the interview. Special requirementsYou have to be really motivated to work with kids. Please provide a letter of your motivation along with the application form. An experience of working with children is an advantage. Your ideas and actual preparation to do the activities for kids are essential, so accepted volunteer will be required to meet the team online to discuss and complete some pre-liminary preparation. We ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, symbols of your country, music or popular national games etc., which can be used during your country presentation. We expect active volunteers with a good knowledge of history and culture of their country as well as with an ability and wish to present it to others in a creative way. B2 level of English is required. The age of volunteers is from 20 to 30. Please note that before making final decision about your participation in the camp, the project coordinator will have a video interview with you.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 50 Euro towards the costs of general administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make it please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

In the school office at Joe 3, TallinnThe volunteer is expected to arrive to the camp location before lunch on any Friday within the camp dates, prior to the camp staring on Monday.

Notes:

NB Special feature of this summer: a volunteer is welcome to choose participating in the whole camp program of one shift or joining the camp any Friday just for one or two weeks within the proposed camp dates.

Work

Each day of the camp will have a program completed by local coordinators and the volunteers will be helping to realize it. We expect that volunteers would lead workshops connected with their culture (traditional dances, games, everyday life, food, etc.) The main activities will be intercultural learning through finding differences and similarities between Estonia and countries, where volunteers come from (history, traditions, language, singing, dancing). It will be done through games, drama, sport, discussions. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. After placement volunteers will be contacted by organizers to get involved in the preparation of the program before arrival to Estonia. Volunteer will work in partnership with professional local educators and youth workers i 9 staff members. The age of children is from 8 to 17 depending on shift.

Partner

Taevaskoja Youth Camp is adventurous hiking camp that has been active for 25 years. The aim of Taevaskoja camp is to support children s development through non-formal education. During the youth camp kids participate in different workshops about health, safety, culture and enjoy climbing and hiking activities. Taevaskoja is located in South-Estonia, about 230 km from Tallinn. The camp site is very close to the one of the most popular natural touristic place - Suur Taevaskoda (The Large Heaven s Hall), surrounded by beautiful forest and close to the one of the longest rivers in Estonia. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. The camp aims also to develop children s knowledges about different cultures and support the growth of tolerance. To do that Taevaskoja Youth Camp invites international volunteers to join the camp as animators. Children come to Taevaskoja camp from all over Estonia. Most of them have basic knowledge of English and are very happy to have a chance to practice it. More information on www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-noortelaager/ Camp has several periods with different age groups of kids. NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Location

LocationTaevaskoja is a tiny village in South-Estonia with 90 habitants. However, during summer period, it is one of the most visited natural sightseeing places. Distance from Tallinn is 230 km. http://www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-loodus https://www.visitestonia.com/en/suur-ja-vaike-taevaskoda-sandstone-outcrops TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn or Riga, capital of Latvia. From these cities it is easy to travel to Tartu by bus. From Tartu you can come to Taevaskoja by regular bus or train. Leisure timePlenty of possibilities: hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games, excursions to the places of interest in the area.

Accomodation

In the same house with kids, separate room for volunteers and staff members (2-3 people in the same room). Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, toilets and Wi-Fi are available.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to love kids and be really motivated to work with them. The work demands 24-hours commitment and it can be pretty hard sometimes. Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcome. Good ability to communicate in English is needed and knowledge of Russian may be useful. The age of participants is 20-30.NB Certificate of good conduct/ police check is required for work with kids.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 30 Euro towards the costs of general administration. In case of participation in more than one shift the total fee is 50 Euro. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp.

Meeting point

Taevaskoja bus stop in the evening of the arrival day

Notes:

NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Work

Each day of the camp will have a program completed by local coordinators and volunteers will be helping to realize it. The main aim of activities is intercultural learning through finding differences and similarities between Estonia and countries, where volunteers come from (traditions, language, singing, dancing, etc). It will be done mainly through theatre expression. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of culture of their country, experience in theatre and ability to use it giving workshops and masterclasses for kids.. Volunteers would lead workshops connected with theatre during 12 days of the camp, which may culminate with small performance on the last day of the project. You do not have to be professional, the most important that it is enjoyable and fun Besides, each volunteer has to run one cultural night to present own country and culture to others. After placement volunteers will be contacted by organizers to get involved and guided in the preparation of the program before arrival to Estonia. Volunteer will work in partnership with professional local educators and youth workers - 25 staff members.

Partner

Tallinn s youth centre Youth Club Active runs children s camp in Vihasoo for over 25 years. The aim of Vihasoo camp is to give children possibility of active and meaningful summer vacations. The base of Vihasoo lies 70km from Tallinn. The camp is located on the territory of Lahemaa National Park. The wonderful nature, proximity to the sea (about 100m), good facilities i all this makes Vihasoo ideal place for leisure. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. Each summer period of the camp has its own theme. The purpose of this period is to discover different countries and cultures through theatre expression. The idea is to have intercultural diversity to be presented to kids. We want to give children opportunity to discover differences in cultures, that they can learn it and reflect after. To achieve this aim Vihasoo camp invites international volunteers to join it as animators. Most of children are Russian-speaking from minority community of Estonia. The area of the camp is 1,8 ha and it can host about 80 children on one shift. The age is 12-16. More information on www.vihasoo.ee

Location

Vihasoo is tiny village in the picturesque Lahemaa National Park 70km from Tallinn. Surrounded by forest, near to the sea, it is the ideal place for summer vacations. The nearest town (7km) is Vosu, spa town with about 1000 inhabitants.TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn, specially arranged car to Vihasoo. We will organise transfer for the volunteers after their arrival to Tallinn, one day before children arrive to the camp that is to get to know each other and prepare things.Leisure timeHiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games, excursions to the places of interest in the Lahemaa National Park.

Accomodation

In the separate house with other staff members in 4-6-bedded rooms. Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, dry toilets and Wi-Fi are available.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to love kids and be well motivated to work with them. Motivation letter is required. Strong interest towards theatre and previous experience is very welcome The work requires 24-hours commitment and it can be hard sometimes. Weekend is not necessarily free Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with good knowledge of culture of their country and ability to present it. Moreover, volunteer should be good enough in the art of theatre to be able to lead a workshop for kids. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc are welcome. English and Russian are the camp languages.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 30 Euro each towards the costs of general administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make bank transfer please contact your organization.

Meeting point

To be agreed with the project hosts

Work

Each day of the camp will have a program completed by local coordinators and the volunteers will be helping to realize it. We expect that volunteers would lead workshops connected with their culture (traditional dances, games, everyday life, food, etc.) The main activities will be intercultural learning through finding differences and similarities between Estonia and countries, where volunteers come from (history, traditions, language, singing, dancing). It will be done through games, drama, sport, discussions. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. After placement volunteers will be contacted by organizers to get involved in the preparation of the program before arrival to Estonia. Volunteer will work in partnership with professional local educators and youth workers i 9 staff members. The age of children is from 8 to 17 depending on shift.

Partner

Taevaskoja Youth Camp is adventurous hiking camp that has been active for 25 years. The aim of Taevaskoja camp is to support children s development through non-formal education. During the youth camp kids participate in different workshops about health, safety, culture and enjoy climbing and hiking activities. Taevaskoja is located in South-Estonia, about 230 km from Tallinn. The camp site is very close to the one of the most popular natural touristic place - Suur Taevaskoda (The Large Heaven s Hall), surrounded by beautiful forest and close to the one of the longest rivers in Estonia. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. The camp aims also to develop children s knowledges about different cultures and support the growth of tolerance. To do that Taevaskoja Youth Camp invites international volunteers to join the camp as animators. Children come to Taevaskoja camp from all over Estonia. Most of them have basic knowledge of English and are very happy to have a chance to practice it. More information on www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-noortelaager/ Camp has several periods with different age groups of kids. NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Location

LocationTaevaskoja is a tiny village in South-Estonia with 90 habitants. However, during summer period, it is one of the most visited natural sightseeing places. Distance from Tallinn is 230 km. http://www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-loodus https://www.visitestonia.com/en/suur-ja-vaike-taevaskoda-sandstone-outcrops TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn or Riga, capital of Latvia. From these cities it is easy to travel to Tartu by bus. From Tartu you can come to Taevaskoja by regular bus or train. Leisure timePlenty of possibilities: hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games, excursions to the places of interest in the area.

Accomodation

In the same house with kids, separate room for volunteers and staff members (2-3 people in the same room). Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, toilets and Wi-Fi are available.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to love kids and be really motivated to work with them. The work demands 24-hours commitment and it can be pretty hard sometimes. Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcome. Good ability to communicate in English is needed and knowledge of Russian may be useful. The age of participants is 20-30.NB Certificate of good conduct/ police check is required for work with kids.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 30 Euro towards the costs of general administration. In case of participation in more than one shift the total fee is 50 Euro. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp.

Meeting point

Taevaskoja bus stop in the evening of the arrival day

Notes:

NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Work

Work The Himalayan balsam is plucked up manually. A typical workday will last for 6 hours. Work equipment and gloves will be provided by ELF. Participants need to bring suitable clothes for work, rubber boots, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.Itineraries-1.07 Around noon: arrival to Tallinn Airport. Public transport (bus) from the airport to Tartu (ca 2,5h, 12 euro). Pick-up from Tartu coach station to Karula with ELF s minivan. Free time to explore the region of Karula.-2.07 Work in Karula: manually plucking up the Himalayan balsam. Sauna in the evening.-3.07 Free days to explore the region of Karula. Transport to Otepaa Nature Park.-4-5.07 Work in Otepaa: removing the Himalayan balsam. Sauna in the evening of 5th July.-6.07 Free time to explore the region of Otepaa. Afternoon: drop-off to Tartu coach or rail station. Public transport from Tartu to Tallinn.NB We recommend you to extend your stay coming couple of days earlier and leaving a couple of days later to do some sightseeing on your own. Inexpensive hostels and Airbnb can be found all over Estonia, especially in Tallinn and Tartu. Feel free to ask EstYES for support.

Partner

Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) is NGO dedicated to nature conservation. Its mission is to preserve endangered species and their habitats, natural landscapes and natural associations typical of Estonia. ELF has organized yearly nature conservation holidays where volunteers, participants and group managers work together in order to improve the living conditions of a certain species (i.e. natterjack toad, black stork) or maintain semi-natural communities. You can read on http://elfond.ee/en and see photos from volunteering camps of 2019: http://www.talgud.ee/galerii/2019 The aim of this camp is removing non-native invasive plant species of the Himalayan balsam. Karula National Park in South-Estonia is famous for its vast forests and a hilly landscape. This region is also an important habitat for the black stork which is a rare bird species in Estonia. The Estonian traditions and the old way of life are still alive in Karula. Historical farmhouses, old wagon trails, local dialect and smoke saunas are still here.Otepaa Nature Park, the largest protected landscape in Estonia, is located on hilly uplands. One of the country s most picturesque lakes i Puhajarv, or Sacred Lake in translation i is situated in the heart of the nature park. The small town of Otepaa next to the lake has given its name to the protected area and is a popular skiing destination. The diverse landscapes in the nature park are shaped by both human activity and natural processes.The Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant species that has spread to Estonian nature from the gardens. It spreads quickly and competes with the local flora for habitats, forcing the latter to disappear. Luckily, the Himalayan balsam can be easily removed by plucking and this method has been proved effective over the last two years. The worksite is next to a lake: bring your swimwearELF s volunteers have plucked up the Himalayan balsam in Karula since 2017 and in Otepaa since 2021. The results have been promising so far and we will continue the work in these locations for several years. See pictures of previous camps herehttps://www.talgud.ee/talgud/tehtavad-tood/verev-lemmmalts

Location

Karula National Park in South-Estonia is famous for its vast forests and a hilly landscape. This region is also an important habitat for the black stork which is a rare bird species in Estonia. The Estonian traditions and the old way of life are still alive in Karula. Historical farmhouses, old wagon trails, local dialect and smoke saunas are still here.Otepaa Nature Park, the largest protected landscape in Estonia, is located on hilly uplands. One of the country s most picturesque lakes i Puhajarv, or Sacred Lake in translation i is situated in the heart of the nature park. The small town of Otepaa next to the lake has given its name to the protected area and is a popular skiing destination. The diverse landscapes in the nature park are shaped by both human activity and natural processes.Leisure timeBoard games, sauna, swimming, hiking and exploring the local surroundings, etc.

Accomodation

In beds at Karula or mattresses at Otepaa in the local village centers. Please bring your sleeping bag. Showers and kitchen are available. Two evenings will be reserved for the traditional Estonian smoke sauna. We will be cooking our own food throughout the camp. The Estonian group leader will compile the menu and buy the groceries.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to bring working clothes, warm clothes as nights can be rather chilly, wet weather clothing, summer clothes as days may be hot, wellingtons, sleeping bag and pillow, swimwear, towel, insect spray. Necessary tools and cloves provided by ELF.Participation fee You are kindly asked to contribute 80 Euro towards cost of board, lodging, programme, administration and for nature This fee has to be paid by volunteers either by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp or to the host upon arrival to the camp.

Meeting point

Tartu Coach Station on the afternoon of arrival day

Work

The volunteers will help with everyday farm jobs such as milking goats, feeding chickens and rabbits, making cheese, curd, butter, yogurt and traditional bread, taking care of pastures. Other possible tasks are removing manure from the small barn, helping with ongoing building projects of a rabbit hutch and a chicken coop, cleaning the forest around, making firewood for cold period, painting and fixing the barns and the house, working on the small farm vegetable field, assisting at the farmer market once a month. And there is a fantastic chance to learn how to make dairy products from goat milk and to bake your own bread The volunteers will work 5-6 days a week 5-7 hours a day. Volunteers will be supervised by the hosts.

Partner

Sagevere Goat Farm is situated in the tiny village with 18 inhabitants in the middle of Estonia. There has been a farm there since 1841. Family who runs this farm now moved there in 2015. Now there are 25 adult goats plus baby goats on the farm. The farm also has chickens, rabbits and few lambs. The farm produces goat milk products and different types of breads. This is a lifestyle farm i its goal is not to make a profit but to live close to nature carrying out traditional way of living and farming. This is an organic farm promoting sustainable lifestyle, and this camp is proposed for volunteers who appreciate and share its values, want to learn more about it and to help hard working people in country side. More information about the farm https://www.facebook.com/kitsetalu/

Location

LocationKitse talu, Sagevere village, Turi Parish, Jarva County. The farm is 127 km from Tallinn. Nearest cities are Viljandi, Paide and Poltsamaa. More information on www.visitestonia.com, www.viljandi.eeTerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn. From the airport bus nr 2 and tram nr 4 going to the city centre stops by the Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam). From there you can take a bus to Vohma rist (Koo Parish, Viljandi County). The bus stop is 2.4 km away from the farm. More info at https://www.tpilet.ee/en/. Alternatively, you can take a train from Ulemiste Station which is 1 km away from the airport to Vohma station. The train station is 3.2 km away from the farm. More info at https://elron.ee/en/. Hosts will pick the volunteers up from bus or train station in Vohma.Leisure timeVolunteers can visit Vohma town, which is half an hour away by foot from the farm. The town has few shops, cafe and all-seasons skating ring (https://www.valgusevabrik.ee/en/skating-rink/). Volunteers can visit large cities like Tartu, Tallinn, Parnu which are about 1,5h away by bus. Since hosts regularly visit nearby cities of Paide, Viljandi, Turi and Poltsamaa volunteers can join them. The nearest swimming place is 14 km away and hosts can take volunteers there. Those who are interested can join the host for fishing. The farm is surrounded by nature, so it is perfect for people, who loves it and appreciates quiet farm life far from big cities.

Accomodation

Volunteers will live on the second floor of the farm hosts house. Although it is in not finished, it is warm and well-lighted. Hosts may provide beds and linens but it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag. The bathroom and toilet are on the first floor. Hosts will provide meals while volunteers are invited to help cooking. Farm meals are based on meat and dairy products. If volunteer has dietary restrictions, solutions can be talked over with the hosts. It is possible to make own suitable meals. Farm has good wifi connection.

Requirements

RequirementsMotivation letter is required. You have to be ready to adapt to the simple conditions of the common life in the country side of Estonia and be ready for farm work, which can be diverse yet physically demanding sometimes. As there are 3 dogs and 3 cats on the farm volunteers should not be allergic to dogs or cats. NB Smoking and drinking alcohol is not allowed in this camp Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 50 Euros towards the costs of general administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make it please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

Bu stop in Vohma on arrival day

Work

Each day of the camp will have a program completed by local coordinators and the volunteers will be helping to realize it. We expect that volunteers would lead workshops connected with their culture (traditional dances, games, everyday life, food, etc.) The main activities will be intercultural learning through finding differences and similarities between Estonia and countries, where volunteers come from (history, traditions, language, singing, dancing). It will be done through games, drama, sport, discussions. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. After placement volunteers will be contacted by organizers to get involved in the preparation of the program before arrival to Estonia. Volunteer will work in partnership with professional local educators and youth workers i 9 staff members. The age of children is from 8 to 17 depending on shift.

Partner

Taevaskoja Youth Camp is adventurous hiking camp that has been active for 25 years. The aim of Taevaskoja camp is to support children s development through non-formal education. During the youth camp kids participate in different workshops about health, safety, culture and enjoy climbing and hiking activities. Taevaskoja is located in South-Estonia, about 230 km from Tallinn. The camp site is very close to the one of the most popular natural touristic place - Suur Taevaskoda (The Large Heaven s Hall), surrounded by beautiful forest and close to the one of the longest rivers in Estonia. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. The camp aims also to develop children s knowledges about different cultures and support the growth of tolerance. To do that Taevaskoja Youth Camp invites international volunteers to join the camp as animators. Children come to Taevaskoja camp from all over Estonia. Most of them have basic knowledge of English and are very happy to have a chance to practice it. More information on www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-noortelaager/ Camp has several periods with different age groups of kids. NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Location

LocationTaevaskoja is a tiny village in South-Estonia with 90 habitants. However, during summer period, it is one of the most visited natural sightseeing places. Distance from Tallinn is 230 km. http://www.taevaskoja.ee/taevaskoja-loodus https://www.visitestonia.com/en/suur-ja-vaike-taevaskoda-sandstone-outcrops TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn or Riga, capital of Latvia. From these cities it is easy to travel to Tartu by bus. From Tartu you can come to Taevaskoja by regular bus or train. Leisure timePlenty of possibilities: hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games, excursions to the places of interest in the area.

Accomodation

In the same house with kids, separate room for volunteers and staff members (2-3 people in the same room). Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, toilets and Wi-Fi are available.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to love kids and be really motivated to work with them. The work demands 24-hours commitment and it can be pretty hard sometimes. Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcome. Good ability to communicate in English is needed and knowledge of Russian may be useful. The age of participants is 20-30.NB Certificate of good conduct/ police check is required for work with kids.Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 30 Euro towards the costs of general administration. In case of participation in more than one shift the total fee is 50 Euro. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp.

Meeting point

Taevaskoja bus stop in the evening of the arrival day

Notes:

NB It is possible to join for several camp shifts in a row.

Work

The main task is harvesting various berries and vegetables such as rhubarb, currants, raspberries, then helping juice making and packaging. But there will be also weed control and fertilization with mulch in plantations, mowing grass, removal of bushes and wood chipping, assistance in the construction of various small buildings and other necessary structures on the site. And there is ongoing work of planting seeds. There are also birds on the farm which you can take care of If you like. Working hours are 5-7 hours a day for 5 days a week, partly depending on the season and weather conditions.

Partner

For many years EstYES has been cooperating with eco-farms around Estonia for solidarity and respect for their work and to support local people involved in agricultural sector, who keep traditions and develop eco-farming in Estonia despite of difficulties. Kingu Organic Farm is one of them. This is a berry, fruit and vegetable micro-farm in the South Estonia. The main berry crops are raspberries, various currants, gooseberries and much more. It also grows garlic and rhubarb. Everything is grown in an environmentally sustainable way using straw and hay. There are also ducks and bees in the farm. This farm promotes sustainable lifestyle, and this camp is proposed for volunteers who appreciate and share its values, want to learn more about it and to help hard working people in country side.

Location

LocationThe farm is located in Kanepi municipality just 11km from Otepaa and 47km from the center of Tartu. When coming from Tartu, choose a bus to Voru and get off at the Saverna stop. Buses stop there quite often, travel takes about 40 minutes. Also you can come through Otepaa. Knowing you arrival time and place hosts will pick you up from there. More information is on www.tpilet.ee. The farm is located in the village of Aiaste. It is important to understand when coming there is that it is calm and quiet place (there are no events in the village). But with nice weather, it is possible to see a deer in the field, a fox in a strawberry bed, or a stork. While sitting by the fire at night, enjoy the starry sky and listen to the nature sounds by animals such as badgers or raccoons. There are 3 farms around which attracted new residents in recent years i they are young families with children. So participants are welcome to spend some time with them sharing their culture and languages. More information on www.visitestonia.com Leisure timeIt is possible to swim, make a fire, play volleyball and various games (like disc golf), or do mushroom picking if you are interested. There is a swimming lake in Valgjarv 4 km away. You can use various hiking trails. If interested you can visit the nearby farms, where you can get to know horses, sheep and other animals and see many other interesting things. And there is Cantervilla Castle nearby, where you can have fun in the water park. More information at www.cantervilla.ee

Accomodation

Farm life conditions are simple. Sleeping is in a separate house in beds however you have to bring your own sleeping bags. There is a kitchen with all necessary equipment. Volunteers can make breakfast and lunch themselves, and dinner will be prepared by and taken with the family. Washing is in a sauna. And there is a dry toilet. Volunteers have to take care of their surroundings by cleaning up after themselves.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to be open-minded and be ready to adapt to the simple conditions of the rural life being ready to do farm work which can be hard sometimes. Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute 50 Euro towards the costs of general administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. If you cannot make bank transfer please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

Saverna bus stop on arrival day, pick up by the host

Work

The work at Lohusuu village will be removing brushwood and vegetation to restore a sandy habitat. A typical workday will last for 6 hours. Work equipment and gloves will be provided by ELF. Participants need to bring suitable clothes for work.Itineraries-14.07 Before noon: arrival at Tallinn Airport. Public transport: train from Ulemiste station to the town of Jogeva (ca 1,5h, 12 euros). Pickup from Jogeva with ELF s minivan. Free time to explore the local area.-15-16.07 Work in West-Estonia removing junipers and brushwood from a coastal meadow. Work in Lohusuu village: removing brushwood and vegetation to restore a sandy habitat.-17.07 Free time to explore the local area. Drop-off to Jogeva train station. Public transport (train) to Tallinn.NB We recommend you to extend your stay coming couple of days earlier and leaving a couple of days later to do some sightseeing on your own. Inexpensive hostels and Airbnb can be found all over Estonia, especially in Tallinn and Tartu. Feel free to ask EstYES for support.

Partner

Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) is NGO dedicated to nature conservation. Its mission is to preserve endangered species and their habitats, natural landscapes and natural associations typical of Estonia. ELF has organized yearly nature conservation holidays where volunteers, participants and group managers work together in order to improve the living conditions of a certain species (i.e. natter jack toad, black stork) or maintain semi-natural communities. You can read more on http://elfond.ee/en and see photos of volunteering camps 2019 and 2020: http://www.talgud.ee/galerii/2019 , http://www.talgud.ee/galerii/2020The aim of this camp is restoring the habitats of endangered amphibian the common spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus) in the Eastern part of Estonia.Lohusuu village is located on the border area of two interesting regions both of which have a Russian-speaking majority. The first one is East-Viru County, where oil shale mines, towns from the Soviet era, and industrial landscapes intertwine with a huge forestry region i Alutaguse National Park. The latter is the last refuge to the Estonian population of the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). The second is the coastline of Lake Peipus i the 4th largest lake in Europe i which comprises picturesque small towns and fishermen villages. The coastal area is the home to Russian Old Believers, who emigrated here many centuries ago to find shelter from religious prosecution. Their traditional dishes, including smoked fish, and onions are worth tastingThe common spadefoot is the amphibian is nocturnal and spends its days digging deep in the surface. Therefore, the spadefoot prefers habitats where the soil is grainy, for example, vegetable gardens and sandy areas. The toad emerges at night to feast on invertebrates such as spiders, ants, and beetles. Its tadpoles are the biggest in Estonia and can grow up to 13 cm longThe number of spadefoot toads in Estonia has decreased rapidly during the last 10 years. The main reason behind this is the loss of habitats as modern agriculture with large fields and pastures supersede the mosaic landscape needed by these amphibians. The volunteers can help out by restoring habitats, mainly cutting brushwood and removing vegetation to increase the area of open sand.See pictures of previous camps: https://www.talgud.ee/talgud/tehtavad-tood/mudakonn

Location

Lohusuu village is located on the border area of two interesting regions both of which have a Russian-speaking majority. The first one is East-Viru County, where oil shale mines, towns from the Soviet era, and industrial landscapes intertwine with a huge forestry region i Alutaguse National Park. The latter is the last refuge to the Estonian population of the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). The second is the coastline of Lake Peipus i the 4th largest lake in Europe i which comprises picturesque small towns and fishermen villages. The coastal area is the home to Russian Old Believers, who emigrated here many centuries ago to find shelter from religious prosecution. Their traditional dishes, including smoked fish, and onions are worth tastingLeisure timeBoard games, sauna, swimming, hiking and exploring the local surroundings, etc.

Accomodation

Simple accommodation in bunk beds in the visitor center of Alutaguse National Park. Showers and kitchen are available. One evening will be reserved for the sauna. We will be cooking our own food throughout the camp. The Estonian group leader will compile the menu and buy the groceries.

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to bring suitable clothing and footwear for work, a pillow, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, swimwear, towel, sunscreen and insect spray. Participation fee You are kindly asked to contribute 50 Euro towards cost of board, lodging, programme, administration and for nature This fee has to be paid by volunteers either by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp or to the host upon arrival to the camp.

Meeting point

Train station in Jogeva on the afternoon of the arrival day