Work

ProgramCamp program includes team projects, discussions at the round table, social and sport games, performances in the open air, actions for peace and nature protection, meetings with people, visits to museums and sightseeing as well as presentations of the countries that camp participants and volunteers represent, etc. Every day the camp will have a country presentation, a subject to learn or discuss and a related activity. Teenagers will stay in the camp activities zone from 10:00 to 17:00. There will be one day off in the camp and at least one day of travel outside Tallinn. The day off is spent either under the leadership of a member of the school staff or in the host family. Camp activities will take place in the premises of the language school that is situated in the very centre of the city. To activate teenagers and run the program, there will be a group of international volunteers and members of the local school staff. Longer camp shifts include one trip outside Tallinn.

Partner

International language camp is organized for teenagers by The Language School In Down-Town and the non-profit educational association Alternative Language Programs Satellite (ALP S) as part of their annual activities on multicultural issues for youth. The project s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the youth and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication by means of alternative English language practice which includes meetings, visits and direct contacts to young people from abroad. The project gets teens of 14 to 16 years old familiar with national traditions of the countries from all over the world, encourages them to develop their global thinking and individual initiative, tolerance and resistance to xenophobia and ethnic hatred. Camps give foreign participants a great chance to meet youngsters both from Estonia and other countries as well as to experience local life. This summer we offer you to participate in our project called KALEIDOSCOPE . We invite camp participants to discuss ideas of chaos and order, mess and harmony. Together, we will discover our own infinite potential and freedom to create new patterns of life, same way as we create patterns out of random single pieces of colourful glass twisting a kaleidoscope. We will learn how to find harmony in apparent disorder and use chaos as a tool for stress relief, how to turn imperfection into the source of true beauty and embrace uncertainty to make our life journey more successful, unique and vibrant. Camp participants will gain ideas and skills how to deal with a million of combinations of the world s reality.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

LocationTallinn is the capital of Estonia, country s largest city with 450 000 inhabitants and nearly as many tourists during summer. You can get a lot of information on Tallinn on www.visittallinn.ee/engLeisure timeThere are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities since camp will take place in the Estonian capital Tallinn where one can find attractions for any taste: sightseeing, museums, festivals, concerts, etc.

Accomodation

AccommodationThere are 2 options possible (subject to availability, which will become clear by the beginning of the camp):1) In 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 camp participants accommodation that includes several separate dormitory bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, a dining area, a large shower area and two separate toilet cabins. Apart from bedrooms, the tea-room for rest will be also organized where teenagers might watch films, read and play board games enjoying soft sofas. Bed linen, pillows and blankets will be provided, so you do NOT need to bring a sleeping bag unless you want so. For the reasons of security, minimum one school staff member and one volunteer will be staying with camp participants overnights to maintain life, catering and general order on the site. To facilitate a smooth and safe environment at school during the off-hours, the entrance to the school must be kept closed at all times. The access to the school and accommodation areas will be managed by long-term volunteers or school staff. Please be aware that you must be inside by 22:00 the latest unless supervised outside by a school staff member. Participants will have breakfasts and dinners at school, lunches i together with other camp participants.2) In the host families of some of local participants who will join this camp. The apartments of the host families may be located in Tallinn or its suburbs. Participants will stay in a separate or shared room. You do NOT need a sleeping bag. Participants will have breakfasts and dinners in their host families, lunches i together with other camp participants in the city. Travel cards will be provided, pick up service at arrival is provided upon request.Please note: it is not possible to stay at any of the camp accommodation options before or after the camp arrival and departure days. If you need a place to stay before or after the camp dates, we can help you to book a hostel in Tallinn.

Requirements

Special requirementsWe will welcome any ideas to improve the program and your active participation in it. English is the camp language. The age of international camp participants is 14 i 16. Please be aware that during the day program of the camp the participants will be asked to leave their cell phones at their accommodation site to ensure safety of the participants and their engagement with the camp activities. To assure a safe environment for all the campers, we expect all our camp participants will provide their parents letter of consent (Parental Authorization) and travel insurance certificate.Participation feeUnlike the traditional voluntary camp, there will be mostly informal educational activities and guided language practice. Camp program implementation involves costs for boarding and lodging, domestic transport, materials, excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES, nor its partner ALPS receive any financial support for this camp from state or municipality, to make the camp happen we have to charge a participation fee from 350 to 600 Euro depending on the duration of the camp shift. This is a separate fee that is different from your country sending organization s fee you pay at home. It has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp or by bank transfer prior to the start of the camp. If you prefer fee to be paid in cash on arrival please contact us.

Meeting point

TerminalAirport, bus station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by school or host families at the point of arrival is possible upon request.

Work

The work involves cleaning the items on display at the museum with a vacuum cleaner and brushes. These items will be moved from a storage room to outdoor tents so that the floor there can be repaired and new storage shelves can be put up. The volunteers work is to clean these ethnographic items, which are quite dusty and black as they have not been accessed. They include, for example, carts, wooden utensils, children s beds, large wooden sieves, threshing machines and other larger items typical of Estonian rural life. The work takes place outdoors under tents on the territory of the Open Air Museum. Working hours will be from 10 to 16 with a lunch break from 13 to 14. Saturday will be free. All necessary tools, gloves, protective masks and glasses will be provided. Volunteers will be working along side with local workers of the museum.

Partner

The Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaohumuuseum) is a life-sized reconstruction of an 18th-19th century rural/ fishing village, which includes church, tavern, schoolhouse, several mills, a fire station, twelve farmyards and net sheds. Furthermore, it includes a recently opened 20th century Soviet kolkhoz apartment building. The site spans 72 hectares of land and along with the farmyards, old public buildings are arranged singularly and in groups in a way that represents an overview of Estonian vernacular architecture of the past two centuries from across Estonia. Besides the mission of preservation and presenting the history of Estonian country side, the museum keeps historical cultural traditions running various activities all year around, offering tours and educational programs for families, school children and guests from abroad. This is a very popular place to visit not only for tourist but very much for local people. Obviously, the museum has thousands of exhibits related to rural life as it was centuries ago. This year they have an ambitious plan of revision and cleaning of those kept in the storage, and volunteers are invited to help out this important task. More about the Museum can be found here https://evm.ee/exhibition

Location

LocationThe museum is located 8 km to the west of Tallinn city center at Rocca al Mare district. It lies in the forest at the seashore. There is a regular public bus connection with the city centre. Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, the largest city of the country with a population of 450 000 inhabitants. Tallinn is know for its well preserved medieval Old Town https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/see-do/neighbourhoods/old-town which makes it poupar destination for tourists, especially in summer time. Leisure timeBesides guided and free exploration of the museum and joining activities they offer in this period you can enjoy summer in the Old Town of Tallinn or at the seaside. Volunteers will be given travel card to be used in public transport around Tallinn unlimited after their working hours. In summer Tallinn has especially vibrant life with hundreds of activities and attractions for all tastes.

Accomodation

Volunteers will have have a simple accommodation in the rooms of administrative building. Beds are provided, but you are asked to bring your sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available. Volunteers will have lunches in the museum tavern, while breakfast and dinner have to be prepared by the participants themselves. Ingredients will be provided and volunteers can use kitchen at their accommodation place.

Requirements

Special requirementsPlease bring working clothes and suitable shoes. Tools, gloves, masks will be provided by the museum. You have to bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Your interest towards to theme of the museum will be appreciated. English is the camp language.Participation feeDue to the lack of financial support for the project the participation fee of 175 Euro is requested from volunteers to cover the costs of board and lodging, transport and administration. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp.

Meeting point

TBC

Work

Participants will spend a night in Yeosu with all participants, exploring the city before heading to Geomun Island. There, they will collaborate with professional artists to create artwork using marine debris, household waste, and natural materials which are collected by participants in the island. They will also take part in producing artworks that benefit the local community such as painting and artcrafts. In addition to these creative activities, participants will have time to enjoy Geomun Island’s stunning beaches and beautiful ocean. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their diverse cultures with local elementary and middle school students through food, games, art, clothing, photography, and more. This cultural exchange will allow both participants and students to experience the joy of diversity and gain valuable insights from different traditions and perspectives. This experience is perfect for anyone curious about life beyond the city, where the vast sea meets a vibrant island community. It is also an ideal opportunity for those who wish to contribute to local development and foster collaboration within the community.

Partner

Geomun Island is a beautiful island located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Yeosu, which is known for having one of the most picturesque harbors in South Korea. While it may seem like a remote island from the mainland, from the perspective of the sea, it holds a strategic position as a gateway to Korea. Because of this, Geomun Island has historical significance—most notably, it was occupied by British forces from 1885 to 1887. Despite being separated from the mainland, the island has developed its own unique culture over time. Today, it is home to about 300 residents who enjoy a peaceful and happy life. Volunteers come to this island to contribute to the well-being of the community and help enhance the happiness of its residents even further.

Location

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z3pWgfAkh3FAxtbs6 Participants will have a free time during a project at the beach and villages in island. Participants will enjoy YEOSU city together for a day before going to Gumundo.

Accomodation

In the local guest house / Meals are provided & Cooked by participants. The accommodation provides air conditioning, bedding, and shower facilities. Each room will be shared by 4 to 5 people.

Requirements

Participants are required to like nature and local engagment. Participants are required to upload their pictures and videos of voluntary services during a project so, they should have social media (Instagram, Facebook, TickTok).

Meeting point

▶ Meeting point: YEOSU Ferry Terminal https://maps.app.goo.gl/2oqBD6q5xNZSoKy57 Participants will meet at YEOSU city. The train or bus runs frequently from Seoul to YEOSU a day by KTX (High-speed train) and express bus. It takes about 2 hours and a half by KTX train. From the train station, you may take a bus or taxi to the meeting point. It will take a 20 min by bus and 10 min by TAXI. After gathering at the meeting point, all participants will move together to the project site by the bus and High-speed ferry following day.(The ferry is quite big and complies with international passenger ship regulations. It is ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all participants). The transportation fee from meeting point to project site by charted bus and ferry will be covered by the Host organization

Descrizione

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Work

Since the school is considered a hub for many important activities, it is also noteworthy that various local organizations have strong connections with it. This will be the case here as well. Since the project can only be defined by three areas on this platform, we cannot describe everything that will take place, but we can elaborate further here. Volunteers will undertake numerous tasks in cooperation with different associations in Požega. With social organizations, decisions will be made about which families require additional support, allowing volunteers to assist those in need with their regular activities. Volunteers will also visit the local association for people with cerebral paralysis, where they will provide help and conduct workshops. Additionally, they will participate in activities at the local Gerontological Center, where they will assist in taking care of the garden and meet elderly people who will be happy to interact with the guests. Moreover, there will be tasks to perform in the school’s yard, such as picking raspberries (one of Serbia's national fruits) and blackberries (another popular fruit in the country). Serbia is indeed a land of fruits. Volunteers will also be involved in planting seeds, removing unwanted plants, and feeding the animals—just a few of the planned activities during their stay in this beautiful location.

Partner

Agricultural high school is founded in 1956. and from that moment it works constantly with youth on important topic like the producing food is. The school is regional center and it offers many opportunities for those who need to obtain certain knowledges in the field of plant and animal treatments. Since 2002. it aims to modernize its methods, so that is why they try to participate in many different projects, in order to give to the local youth wider perspectives on life. 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

Požega is a charming town located in the nature-rich region of Western Serbia. The town center offers a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer, where volunteers can experience the local vibe. However, the school is situated a little outside the center, surrounded by parks, providing a peaceful environment where volunteers can relax during their free time. The school has sports fields for recreational activities, and the town features a swimming pool, which could be a great way to spend some hot days. There are also opportunities for excursions in the area, with more details available in the Infosheet. The only advice we have for this adventure is to bring patience and a smile – it will surely make for an unforgettable and pleasant experience!

Accomodation

The volunteers will be accommodated in the school dormitory, where they will stay in rooms with 2-3 beds and a bathroom (essentially resembling a 3-star hotel). Linen will be provided for their stay. Food will be prepared collectively in the kitchen of the dormitory. Several workshops will be organized to teach the volunteers how to make traditional Serbian meals.

Requirements

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

Meeting point

The meeting point will be cited in the Infosheet.

Descrizione

The Peace and Resilience Project is set in a calm, nature-rich region of Himachal Pradesh, far from any conflict zones. It invites volunteers from around the world to engage in meaningful, creative activities that promote peace, inner strength and cultural connection. This project also aims to send a global message that India is safe and welcoming for volunteers, despite external tensions. Each activity is designed to build emotional resilience, spark reflection, and foster a deeper sense of global solidarity.

Work

Volunteers would compile information to convey message on peace, harmony and a safe environment having space for everyone regardless of their caste, creed and religion. They will visit 3-4 communities and interact with the people to better understand local values, culture, behaviour and prepare materials for future volunteers. The volunteers will also spend time on plantation, nurturing already planted trees, cleaning etc, do wall or pot planting with peace message promoting global peace and an environment for a better living. Since peace and environmental education and protection is the focus of the camp they will be expected to create awareness on issues like global warming, climate change, Carbon emission, sustainable lifestyle etc. while visiting local communities. The volunteers will also get an opportunity to get an exposure of other humanitarian projects, meeting with women groups, physical activity in RUCHI campus and work in communities or slums.

Partner

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Location

Ruchi campus which is located near Bandh village. It is 30 km from Kalka town and 60 km from Chandigarh city. The area offers a unique opportunity to live with nature in a peaceful environment. Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be visited. Nearby Kasauli town, a hill station, is a major tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla, the state capital, will offer an opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains and British architecture.

Accomodation

Volunteers will live in the RUCHI campus in shared accommodation. All minimum basic amenities will be available with library facilities. Vegetarian food will be served. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self- management is required. Sleeping bags are not necessary but required for personal hygiene.

Requirements

Interest in environment and climate changing issues. Physical fitness, Flexibility and High level of motivation.

Meeting point

International Terminal: New Delhi and Chandigarh Nearest railway station: Kalka

Work

Alliksaare Farm s main direction is horse breeding. At the moment there are around 150 horses on the farm. The work can be diverse: it is to take care and maintain the pastures located by the sea - clearing around the pastures, building or removing fences, repairing fences, cleaning the stable. Another work is cleaning the coast nearby the farm from rubbish brought by storms. There can be some work for preparing food for horses for a winter time. However the major and the most important one is work with horses directly - taking care and training them. There are horses of any age but mostly young ones, so depending on your experience and willingness to learn more, it is possible to practice taking care of and training young horses. For example socializing and training foals, halter train yearlings and saddle and/or carriage train young horses. The work will be mainly outdoors. Working time is 6-7 hours a day. Work will be done under some supervision and guidance of the local host but mostly independently.

Partner

Hiiumaa, according to the Nordic sagas, emerged from the Baltic Sea as a small islet more than 10 000 years ago. The island of Hiiumaa was first mentioned in historical documents as a deserted island called Dageida in 1228. The first inhabitants settled down at the end of the 13th century. Nowadays, Hiiumaa is the second biggest island of Estonia with an area of 965 sq. km and a population of around 9 000. It has many historical and nature sights, and there are kind people known for their hospitality and good sense of humor. The island is referred to as a remote area of Europe, and EstYES feels particularly proud developing international voluntary projects for over twenty years there. EstYES has been cooperating with eco-farms all over Estonia for solidarity and practical support to local people who work in the agricultural sector keeping traditional lifestyle and developing new eco-farming despite all difficulties. Alliksaare Farm on Hiiumaa Island is one of such projects. 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. Alliksaare Farm breeds an endangered breed of horses called Estonian Native horse. This is their main focus. Also Alliksaare Farm has an important task taking care of coastal meadows which are international birds migration area under protection of NATURA Program. Video of past camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEAc2Sch6f8

Location

LocationAlliksaare farm is located in Nurste Kula, Emmaste parish, Hiiumaa island. Hiiumaa is situated in the western part of Estonia, 130km from Tallinn. More information available on the following websites: www.emmaste.ee, www.hiiumaa.ee, www.visitestonia.com TerminalAirport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn. From Tallinn airport plane to Hiiumaa leaves twice a day https://eestilennud.ee. Or you get there by bus. For this take bus nr 2 or 15 going to the city centre. Buses stop at Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam). From there buses go to Hiiumaa two times per day taking you straight there (including ferry transportation from the mainland). Timetables are available online at www.tpilet.ee (bus from Tallinn to Hiiumaa), https://transport.tallinn.ee/ (transport in Tallinn).Leisure timeThere are a lot of natural picturesque sights on the island as well as good possibilities for swimming in the sea or hiking in the forest. It is planned to visit other parts of Hiiumaa Island on the week-end. Hiiumaa offers a lot of various cultural events in summer time and you will have the possibility to join them. In spring and autumn you can enjoy birds watching as their migration route goes over island. This camp is perfect for people who enjoy being close to the nature and are interested in traditional way of rural living.

Accomodation

The accommodation conditions are very simple - in caravans, however beds are provided. Please bring your sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available on site. There is a kitchen with all necessary equipment for cooking. Ingredients for food will be provided, but you need to cook by yourselves. We ask you to keep the living and common areas clean (washing dishes, cleaning the floors, etc).

Requirements

Special requirementsYou have to be open-minded and ready to adapt to the simple conditions of the common life in Estonian countryside. Be ready for independent work staying without permanent supervision. Please consider that the work is mainly farm work which can be hard at some time. It is very important that you already have some substantial experience with horses and be able to interact and train them. Please send a motivation letter explaining it. It can be helpful if you have some technical skills: repair machines, building, use chainsaws, etc. Driving license is an advantage. Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted on the farm. Participation feeWe ask participants to contribute a single fee of 60 Euro towards the costs of general administration. Fee does not depend on the duration of your stay. This fee has to be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp to the bank account. If you cannot make bank transfer please contact your sending organization for solution.

Meeting point

TBC

Work

As there will be traditional Days of the Village/ Marjamaa Summer Fest on 01.-03.08, volunteers are asked to help it out doing various practical jobs related to its organization and running. This will involve cleaning and tidying up and other manual work. But it is also expected that volunteers contribute to the festival by introducing their national culture, music, dances, also food to local people as well as organizing games and fun activities for local children during the Day of the Youth and Children in the frame of the Festival. Be ready to work for some hours on the weekend

Partner

It is long lasting good tradition for EstYES to organize international camps in co-operation with Marjamaa Community. It lies on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu, and it is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage: ancient settlement in Varbola, XIII century church in Marjamaa, numerous German manor houses of XVIII-XIX centuries and active culture life nowadays. Local authorities see in the international camps a powerful tool for local development - not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction multicultural dimension to the population of small local communities in the country. The camp will take place in the village of Marjamaa, the centre of the community. The main idea of this camp is to assist running traditional Marjamaa Summer Fest helping different practical tasks.

Location

LocationMarjamaa is a village with ca 4000 inhabitants on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu. Distance from Marjamaa to Tallinn is 66 km. Being an administrative centre of community with 7000 inhabitants Marjamaa has several shops, department stores, culture house, cinema, couple of pubs, etc. Larger city nearby is Rapla (25km), an administrative centre of the county. Marjamaa has good bus connection to Tallinn and Parnu. More information on www.marjamaa.ee and www.raplamaa.eeLeisure timeYou can enjoy all performances of the Festival. Besides, it is possible to do sport at the school stadium, swim in the local swimming pool; also go for some visits to the places of interest in the area.

Accomodation

Volunteers will have simple accommodation in the rooms of the Marjamaa Community House right in the centre of the village, sleeping on mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available. Volunteers will have lunches and dinners in the local canteen and breakfast prepared by themselves at the accommodation.

Requirements

Special requirementsPlease bring sleeping bag and pillow. It will be great if you could think about your contribution to the festival and bring some materials, music, games for kids as well as national food/ drinks for it. If you can present folk songs or dances from your country or teach others it you really should not hesitate to do it English is the camp language.Participation feeDue to the lack of financial support for the project the participation fee of 175 Euro is requested from volunteers to cover the costs of board, leisure activities and 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

TerminalAirport, harbor, bus and train stations in Tallinn; bus to Marjamaa. Pick up on arrival

Descrizione

"Workcamp Village" launched! Former NICE staff and others to boost depopulated areas!

Work

1) Preparation for the of kid's nature camps in the summer. 2) Supporting kid's nature camp(ex. Playing with kids, organizing events for kids etc.). 3)Putting away nature camp (ex. Tidying up the tent, clean up accommodation etc.)

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Tabito Satoyama Restoration Committee (TSRC), since 2022. Tabito-cho is an area of Iwaki City with an ageing population, but at the same time it still retains its traditional satoyama landscape. Former NICE staff, her husband who took up as Local Vitalization Cooperator (organized by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) in 2019, was fascinated by Tabito area and wanted to pass on the local satoyama nature and culture to the next generation. The TSRC was set up with the involvement of local people. The couple's vision of a 'Tabito Workcamp Village' to enliven the depopulated and ageing town with a workcamp movement was launched. T From 2022, TSRC accepted very short-term workcamp in spring, short-term workcamp in summer and medium- to long- term volunteers were organized, and accepted a university group.

Location

Iwaki city is located in the southern part of Hamadori (near seashore), Fukushima prefecture. It is the second most populous city in the Tohoku region. Tabito Village was merged with Iwaki City in 1966. The Tabito area is located in the southern part of the city and is steep, mountainous and undulating throughout. Volunteers will get knowledge about revitalization of the region, life in rural villages. Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, hot spring, etc.

Accomodation

Shared room in Tabito Workcamp Village. Sleeping bag is needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Bath is rented at a nearby inn.

Requirements

Anyone who also has an attitude of concern for the local people and children! 9,000 JPY (59 USD by the rate on 2024 April 19th) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for your meals and accommodation!).

Meeting point

The nearest international airport is Tokyo (NRT or HND) from which it takes 3 hours by bus to the meeting point. Vols. need to arrive at NRT or HND by 07:00 of first day and can leave there after 19:00 last day.

Work

The volunteers will get a training with the facilitators during the summer course, conducting activities, games, dynamics, songs, etc., that promote in the participating children the love and empathy for nature, biodiversity, and for animals. Some of the activities that the volunteers will carry out include: • Renovating some areas of the Zoo. • Cleaning and repainting spaces to prepare for the arrival of children to the summer course. • Preparing recreational activities and games with local facilitators to engage children during the summer course. • Participating with the children in the summer course as support to the facilitators and activity coordinators at the Zoo, having fun and learning together.

Partner

The Morelia Zoo has stood out for implementing environmental education initiatives. Its main goal is to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of caring for the environment, biodiversity, and the preservation of flora and, especially, fauna. This is achieved through various activities carried out throughout the year. Each year, the zoo organizes the famous summer camp, a space designed for children who, over the course of three weeks, participate in fun and recreational activities with the support of trained instructors. These activities not only spark curiosity but also foster empathy and love for animals and the planet. In a safe environment surrounded by greenery and a variety of species, children have fun while gaining valuable knowledge about the reality of animals and the impact we can have on their protection. The project's goal is for volunteers to support facilitators and coordinators in the activities of the summer camp, actively engaging with the children in its dynamics. Through this experience, both volunteers and children will have fun and learn together, promoting values such as empathy, respect for nature, and environmental stewardship.

Location

Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán in Mexico, is a historically and culturally rich city. Founded in the 16th century, Morelia is known for its impressive colonial architecture, including numerous Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also famous for its vibrant cultural life, which includes music festivals, theater, and cinema. Additionally, Morelia is renowned for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as tamales, corundas, and carnitas. Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán, offers a variety of activities for all tastes: • Exploration of the Historic Center and admire the colonial architecture of the Cathedral and historic buildings. • Visit the Alfredo Zalce Contemporary Art Museum and the Crafts House. • Tasting of Local Gastronomy.

Accomodation

The accommodation will be in a Hostel located in the downtown of Morelia, Michoacan. With services like Wi-Fi, hot water, etc. ATMs and medical centers are nearby.

Requirements

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

Work

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

Partner

Wemsical Serbia is NGO from the North that is interested in general development of youth, culture and education. Also, in music. And if possible, in connecting all of it. Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.

Location

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

Accomodation

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

Requirements

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

Meeting point

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