Work

The camp actually begins with the preparation of the camp and setting up the tent, when those who have not had the opportunity until then will learn how to assemble the tent and the rules for setting it up. There will be a training workshop where we will talk about public speaking, how to overcome stage fright and how to put together a good presentation for a good lecture. After that, volunteers in groups of two will choose a topic (with the help of professional associates) that they will work on in the first three days of the camp, in order to present the chosen topic for the next four days. The topics will be aimed at solving the problems that we have already mentioned. Work will include mountain trails clean up and participants will have the possibility of creating posters and involve the local youth to join them.

Partner

For 54 years, the association of researchers "Vladimir Mandić - Manda" has been gathering young people from Valjevo and beyond who have the desire to learn something more than what they learn in school, but certainly in a much nicer way. Our goals are initiation and support in organizing educational programs for young people, popularization of scientific research work and creativity among young people, encourage young people to be active and take part in organized activities, raising awareness of the need to protect and contribute to the preservation of the environment and historical-cultural heritage in the context of sustainable development, promotion and support for the development of volunteerism as well as contribution to solving problems in the local community, better understanding of peoples and cultures, friendship and peace, creating conditions for improving the position of young people and implementing youth initiatives, as well as advocating for adequate verification and affirmation of results achieved by young people. 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

Povlen is a mountain in western Serbia. It has several peaks, the three most important are Mali (Small) Povlen, Srednji (Medium) Povlen and Veliki (Large) Povlen, which, ironically, is the lowest. The advantage of Povlen is that it is not visited by too many or too few people, so volunteers will have their own peace, but also the opportunity to meet mountaineers and tourists from all over Serbia. At the foot of Povlen are the Taorska vrela, a natural monument and one of the most beautiful springs in Serbia. This masterpiece represents the real wealth of the Valjevo region. Mount Povlen is characterized by dense forests and deep river canyons. The mountain is full of hiking trails, each of which tells a story of its own.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep in tents, on mats, which will be provided for them, but it is preferable to bring their own bag. Most of the tents will be for three and four people, but we will also bring one tent for ten people. Volunteers can bring their camping gear which includes all of the above. In case some people do not have their own bags, we can provide them. There will be three or four people on duty every day, who will be in charge of preparing, setting up and serving meals. They will certainly not do it alone, but with the support of camp leaders and researchers.

Requirements

Be prepared to sleep in tents and report all your allergies, injuries (if you have any).

Meeting point

Povlen mountain is located 30 km from Valjevo and 90 km from Belgrade. There are direct train connections from Belgrade to Valjevo several times a day. More details about the meeting point from Valjevo will be provided in the Infosheet.

Work

The camp is designed as a place for socializing, mutual communication and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities with volunteers from the regular population, who come from different cultures and environments. Volunteers will work in the "Oasis" on everyday activities with the users of the house. Main activities are activities that our users also engage in daily: maintenance and arrangement of work and living space; tidying up the yard and plot; pulling weeds and working in the garden (planting, hoeing, watering, crop care and harvesting); sorting of the obtained fruits and vegetables - separation for feeding in the camp, for distribution to socially disadvantaged members of the local community, for livestock and for compost; feeding of animals and maintenance of premises where animals stay; going to the local environment to empty recycling containers with PET packaging, pressing the packaging, visiting vulnerable families from the local community.

Partner

The association "Living togehter" was founded by a group of parents with the aim of improving the quality of life of their children - persons with intellectual disabilities, families and the entire social community since 1997. We have extensive experience in working with people with disabilities, as well as organizing various events. The mission of the Association is to make people with developmental disabilities visible, present and active in all segments of social life, to affirm their abilities and individuality, to promote their rights and enable them to live a dignified and fulfilling life. The values of the association are equality and equal opportunities, commitment, tolerance, solidarity, development of partnership as well as permanent education for all. 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 would take place in Golubinci (a village/town in the municipality of Stara Pazova), 8 km from the town of Stara Pazova. The town has about 5,000 inhabitants, it is a multicultural environment, the majority of the population is of the Orthodox faith, but the Catholic population is also very represented. In the center of the town there are Orthodox and Catholic churches, a supermarket, a post office, a school, a kindergarten, a health center, cafes... It is interesting that the castle Schloss (from the 18th century) is located there, which is accompanied by stories about curses, infidelities and punishments. It has significant architectural and historical value because Karađorđe Petrović and composer Ludwig Van Beethoven stayed there. Various manifestations are held in the town itself throughout the year: Cat Festival (masquerade ball and carnival), Days of Rosemary, Earth Day... During the volunteers' stay, the celebration of Petrovdan - the glory of the place - will be held, during which numerous outdoor activities will be organized and a fair in which enjoyed by all the locals.

Accomodation

Camp Oasis Golubinci gathers people of good will who are ready to help and provide support in life and work to adults with developmental disabilities. Oasis Golubinci is a living and working community for people with disabilities, and in the Oasis itself there is accommodation for volunteers and users. Volunteers will be accommodated in houses that have all the necessary equipment (sufficient number of bathrooms, kitchen, dining room), in double and triple rooms. All houses/accommodation units are in the same yard, so volunteers are directed to each other, although they may be in separate houses. Given that there are 4 different kitchens, there are opportunities for volunteers to participate in the preparation of food themselves, and the association can provide the necessary food, according to our capabilities. Volunteers will be provided with bedding. Previous experience of working with people in situation of developmental disabilities is not necessary, however you should be motivated to spend time with them and help organize activities. Keep in mind that it can be quite hot in the summer, prepare adequate clothes a good mosquito repellent and shoes for working outside.

Meeting point

There is a direct train that takes around 45 min from Belgrade to the village of Golubinci and it operates several times a day. The farm is easily reachable from there. More details will be provided in the Infosheet about reaching the camp

Work

By promoting earthen architecture, you can, on the one hand - preserve, improve and adapt houses to a modern way of life, and on the other hand - train as many people as possible who could engage in renovation and construction as a hobby or a job. Volunteers will be involved in reconstruction of the objects in the assosiation using traditional building as well as making objects from mud. They will have an opportunity to learn more in educational workshops.

Partner

"Club of fine crafts" was founded in 2010 in Mosorin. Our work focuses, on the one hand, on the promotion of forgotten earth construction techniques through theory, and on the other hand - on practical work through workshops, camps and schools of earth architecture. For the last few years, we have also been organizing festivals (Region Earth, LALA Earthland) for the use of earth and outside of architecture. The association gathers a large number of participants and volunteers during the construction season. 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 village Mosorin is located at the foot of Titelski breg, which is a protected natural asset. The Tisa river is located 6 km from the village, although there is a beautiful and well-kept beach 14 km away in Titel. Isidore Sekulić's house is located in the village, and Svetozar Miletić was born there. There is a church in the village, as well as a chapel designed by the architect Đorđe Tabaković, and the iconostasis was made by Uroš Predić. There is the Vlaškalić villa, part of whose ceiling was painted by Uroš Predić.

Accomodation

Volunteers stay in their tents. It would be good for volunteers to bring their own sleeping bags and bedding. There will be 3 outdoor showers and 2 composting toilets available. Vegetarian food is prepared by volunteers with the support of the camp leader (in agreement with the organizers) in the summer kitchen, which has a wood-burning stove and oven, a large bread oven and a gas stove.

Meeting point

From Belgrade you have a bus to Titel. Mosorin is about 14 km from Titel. There is a bus from Novi Sad to Mosorin. More details will be provided in the Infosheet about the meeting point.

Work

You will definitely be a part of history that fought for their nature in this area. Work will be divided into marking of two paths that lead up to the highest point of Stara planina mountain as well as the local natural swimming pool "Zenski vir". Second part will be the support of organizing the festival for nature lovers - setting up the stage, info counters and benches while on the day of the festival, volunteers will support the workers in handing out flyers and the production.

Partner

The association I love Topli Do aims to preserve nature and develop Stara Planina and nurture the spirit of freedom of the people of Stara Planina. I love Topli Do is a community of people who love the beauty of untouched nature, Topli Do and Stara planina. Our wish is to protect Topli Do as a natural oasis of freedom for nature and people. To encourage the development of tourism and a healthy way of life and thinking in Serbia. One of the goals of the association is to prevent the village from dying further, by restoring new life through various projects. The association brings together Toplodolci (people born in Topli Do and those who trace their origins), but also includes Toplodolstvo - friends and enthusiasts from all over Serbia and the region. United, we want to renew life in the countryside and return to tradition and untouched nature in order to seek inspiration and energy for modern challenges. 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 village Topli Do is about an hour's drive from Pirot. Topli Do, one of the most remote villages of the municipality of Pirot, is located in the Stara planina nature park under its highest peak, Midzor (2,169m). It is located in the Stara Planina Nature Park. The village is one of the most authentic villages on Stara planina. Only 7 km from the village is the peak Babin zub (1,759 m) and the famous ski resort Jabučko ravnište on Stara planina. The village is reached from the direction of the village of Temska and you pass through the canyon of the river Temštica ("Little Colorado"), certainly one of the most beautiful and attractive canyons of this type in Serbia. What makes Topli Do and its surroundings stand out from other old mountain villages is the abundance of waterfalls, unique in many ways in Serbia. A special attraction about 4 km from the village is the Piljski waterfall - 64 m. About 8 km from the village there is another interesting waterfall, Kurtulski waterfall - 27 m.

Accomodation

Accommodation for volunteers will be provided in the adapted building of the agricultural cooperative "Topli Do" - the mountain lodge Topli Do. Accommodation is provided for volunteers in two four-bed rooms. Sleeping is on military beds, blankets and bedding are provided. The building of the mountain lodge itself is a village building adapted for these purposes, and is used as a lodge for adventurers and mountaineers throughout the year. The home has a toilet, a bathroom and a shower with hot water. Our local partner, the "Stojanovic" farm, prepares meals for volunteers and other festival participants during the camp and the festival. Meals will be served in the canteen on the premises of the agricultural cooperative Topli Do.

Meeting point

Closest airport terminal is in Nis where low coast airlines fly to several Europan cities, however much better connections have Belgrade and Sofia. There is a bus Belgrade and Nis to Pirot, from Sofia airport you can catch a bus to Nis first. Topli Do is 35km from Pirot and when you recieve the Infosheet there will be more info about arriving to the meeting point from Pirot.

Work

Build a mud quarter on the Vlasina lake! This small mud huts will serve students and researchers in their field work and volunteers could learn about the traditional building techniques that involve mud. Volunteers will have combined days of education and work. Also cleaned grass surfaces, removing weeds and other elements from the field, as well as leveling the land. Volunteers will build from mud and straw, so the main part of the work will be dedicated to education and construction techniques. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the surrounding flora and fauna with mentors, gain experience in identifying plants and how to work with natural materials.

Partner

Project Education Association STML D.O.O. Vranje is organizing a summer camp-type event for the second time and for the 6th time since the initiative of the RID Summer School of Architecture. In the previous period, 4 summer schools were organized from 2016 with the support of the municipality of the city of Vranje, the municipality of the city of Surdulica, the Tourist Organization of the city of Surdulica and the Moscow Architectural Institute. The goal is to form natural settlements from natural materials of traditional construction for the needs of summer housing for students and researchers in nature. 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

Vlasina Rid is a village in the municipality of Surdulica with outstanding nature and represents a unique climate, landscape and natural entity. Since 1949, since the dam was built and the bed of the Vlasina river was dammed, the flora and fauna around the lake have become an exceptional specimen of plant and animal species. On the territory of the Vlasina plateau, there are also many hamlets and small settlements, which existed before the construction of the dam. There are also examples of architectural and cultural heritage, which volunteers will be able to visit, explore the Vlasina Rid village, Palja Monastery and a large number of traditionally built houses. One of the significant features of Vlasina is its healing effect on health, due to the abundance of clean fresh air and the large number of plants in the area.

Accomodation

The volunteers will be accommodated in the mountain lodge and in the apartments on Vlasina Rid. There is a kitchen where food can be prepared. Preparation is organized with the help of the camp leader and it is determined which of the volunteers helps in the preparation. We will deliver food and groceries from the surrounding plots and a couple of shops nearby.

Meeting point

There is a bus from Belgrade to Surdulica and from Surdulica to Vlasina Rid. More details will be provided in the Infosheet about the meeting point.

Work

XIV century fortress close to Belgrade awaits volunteers to find out the mysterious building in the Vojvodina planes. Volunteers will work on the conservation of the fortress together with the archeologist as well as some digging work. Also, they will participate in the cleaning of the sorounding areas from invasive plants and trash.

Partner

Association "Zeleni pogled" from Kupinovo was registered on June 2, 2015. The main topics we deal with are volunteerism, environmental protection and preservation of cultural heritage. 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 located in the municipality of Pećinci, Serbia. As of 2011 census, the village has 1,866 inhabitants. It is near the famous biodiversity area, the Obedska bara. Kupinovo is a place rich in cultural and historical sights. The most interesting are: Kupinik Fortress, a medieval fortification from the 14th century, the Church of Saint Luke from the half of the 15th century, the Church of Mother Angelina from the 16th century, the ethno complex with objects of folk architecture.

Accomodation

The volunteers will stay in the two renovated ethno houses in Kupinovo, located in Ethno Park (https://www.turizampecinci.rs/туристичке-атракције/етно-парк-купиново/). The food will be prepared together with the host from the groceries that will be provided. Note that although the camp is close to Belgrade transport connections are bad and during the camp there won't be an opportunity to go there. Instead, you will be located on the premise of the special nature reserve "Obedska bara" and very close to Sava river that will give you a lot of ground to explore.

Meeting point

The easiest way to get to Kupinovo is from Belgrade. The bus leaves from the main station in Belgrade. More details will be provided in the Infosheet about the meeting point.