Work

Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits, such as outdoor cleanup tasks, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on weather conditions, as on the availability of our partners. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice while exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Partner

SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing and hands-on activities. On top of that you get to know Iceland and its culture while having fun, exploring the city, its attractions and stunning nature, which you can experience in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances (up to 1,5 hours) during activities and sightseeing. During this camp, participants can share their passion for (and learn more about) global and local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management and sustainability, and you also love taking photos, then this project is for you While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers

Location

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city that lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature. A day trip to the Hot River area, combined with a cleanup or work with an environmental project in the area, is included for the participants in this camp. Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle and/or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 6 people so everyone is expected to behave considerately. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the Hot River Hike trip.

Meeting point

Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). From the airport there are bus services to the city, either the Flybus or the bus number 55. The meeting point will be at the SEEDS office at Grettisgata 3a. The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 26 at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

We will help their organic farming (planting rice and vegetables, weeding in the vegetable fields, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, reconstruct the neighboring traditional house owned by the ex. inhabitant and destroyed by snow, help the house work such as cooking, washing, clearing, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (06:00-18:00 with some brakes) and hard!

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), organized together with Kyodo Gakusha (since 2000 here), a cooperative community where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, people who are tired of city life, who want to learn farming, who want to live in the nature, etc. They have 5 communities in Japan incl. Maki and grow animals and vegetables in an ecological, organic way. Maki is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains!), so it once became an abandon village in 1970s and then, was revived by Kyodo Gakusha. Over 10 people were living till several years ago, but less and less in these years (almost nobody in the winter), so vols. are needed even more! *Outcome of this project: In 2025, we had 20 STVs for 4 short term workcamps and 3 LMTVs from 9 countries who greatly contributed to their protecting the houses, farming and caring animals that was difficult to finish by the time they needed without volunteers! Especially for June, it was very helpful to have managed to finish rice planting:) See the long-term goal of this project as Local SDGs made by the previous project leader at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2019-ep3-188767935 (only in Japanese, sorry, but you can still enjoy the pictures!)

Location

Maki is located in the beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”, at about 900 meters asl. and there is something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization. Other activities - Exchange program, Excursion on a free day (possibly to Hakuba, a famous tourism spot), etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep in a few rooms of the house that is a very beautiful cultural heritage and equips the basic facilities such as water, electricity and a bath room! They will have meals, meetings and social life with Kyodo Gakusha members in the main building (just 30 meters far). Meals will be cooked by volunteers together with the members by turns. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

Requirements

Volunteers need to have high motivation and patience to keep the hard, long and important work in the very isolated, natural place and to respect the way of the local host. No special skills nor experiences are needed. Motivation letter is needed!

Notes:

Study theme - Similar type of communities in each country and their networking Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - The popular documentary film for this place was broadcasted in 2015 at arayashiki-movie.jp/en/.

Work

Assisting in the preparation (preparation of saplings and tools, setting up tents, etc.) and operation of tree planting festivals in two locations in Aomori Prefecture (Ajigasawa and Hiranai). On the day of the festival, many participants, local students to those from all over the country, will gather to plant trees. 1) Preparing a beech nursery and organize a tool shed. 2) Preparation and operation of the tree-planting festival in Hiranai on June 14. 3) Preparation and operation for the tree-planting festival of SMPS in Ajigasawa on June 21.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Shirakami Mountains Preservation Society (SMPS) since 2006. The Shirakami Mountains is one of Japanese valuable preserved natural forests consisting primarily of beech trees, registered as a World Natural Heritage in 1993. SMPS aims to preserve the natural beauty of the Shirakami Mountains by nurturing seedlings of beech trees, planting them, training mountain guide, etc. SMPS hosts tree-planting ceremony every June for preserving and promoting the value of it. They also preserve the forests near the Mutsu-bay, famous as production of scallops. Due to climate change, the sea water temperature increased abnormally and the most of scallops were dead. So SMPS started to preserve the forest there to let nutrient water flow to the ocean.

Location

Volunteers will work in Ajigasawa town and Hiranai town in Aomori prefecture. Aomori is located on the northernmost tip of Honshu Island. Shirakami Mountains located in southwest and the Mutsu-bay nestles between the eastern Shimokita and western Tsugaru Peninsulas. Other activities - Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, taking a walk at morning, hot spring, etc.

Accomodation

Shared room in school dormitory. Sleeping bag is needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Requirements

Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high motivation for work in the forests actively with local people.

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers will get knowledge of history and culture of Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage, and skills of conservation forests in Japan. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None

Work

Collecting plums that naturally fall from the tree onto the net. Harvesting and sorting of plums on trees by hand. Cultural exchange through visiting schools. etc.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with Akitsugawa Promotion Group (APG) since 2024. Tanabe City and Minabe Town in Wakayama Prefecture are Japan's largest Ume(plums) products-growing areas. The region features a unique plum cultivation agricultural system that has been recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage by FAO. This system utilizes nutrient-poor, gravelly, and unstable slopes, preserving firewood and charcoal forests while strategically planting plum orchards. For over 400 years, it has sustainably produced high-quality plums, maintained through various wisdom and innovations. However, the region is also suffering from an aging population and declining birth rate, and sustainable agriculture, particularly plum farming, is in danger due to a lack of manpower. An international workcamp was organized with the aim of spreading the plum and the region's attractions to volunteers from all over the world, and passing to the next generation.

Location

Tanabe City is located in south-central Wakayama Prefecture. It is the second largest city in Wakayama Prefecture and the economic and industrial center of southern Wakayama. It is the junction of the Nakaheji and Oheji routes of the Kumano Kodo, and is known as 'Kuchikumano'. With an area of over 1,000 km², the city has the largest area of any city in the Kinki region. Other activities - Observation of charcoal making, making plum juice, etc.

Accomodation

All volunteer members stay together in a single large shared room of community center. Sleeping bag is not needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Requirements

Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside and have high motivation for work

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers have opportunities learning about "Minabe-Tanabe Ume system", which is a World Agricultural Heritage Site. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None

Work

1) Cutting down trees in the forest and carry them out so that SATOYAMA forest receives enough amount of sun light and will be kept in the healthy condition for biodiversity. 2) Supporting Satoyama Kids weekend camp . 3)Volunteers may take care of free-range raised chickens. Volunteers sometimes work with mentally/physically challenged people who work at the same place. 3)Harvesting mushrooms

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with "Akame no SATOYAMA wo Sodateru kai", a local environmental organization for conservation of SATOYAMA forest working in Nabari city since 1999. Because this area is relatively close to the big cities between Osaka and Nagoya, there were plans to build a golf field and a disposal center. However, the local people stopped those plans by collecting donations and buying the land. SATOYAMA needs to be maintained by humans for its biodiversity and water adjustment function. Our ancestors had protected and utilized the forest in an ecological and sustainable way, which has been neglected by modernization at many places in Japan.

Location

Workcamp is held in Kami-mitani area, Nabari city, Mie prefecture, about 60 km from Osaka. There are famous falls nearby that many hikers visit. Other activities - Hiking, Visiting Nara prefecture on free day etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in a regular Japanese house. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NO need. The bath is a traditional style where we heat the water ourselves using firewood.

Requirements

Strong motivation and physical strength are highly needed. Motivation letter is required.

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers will acquire the knowledge of conservation work in SATOYAMA forest. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None

Work

Main works are 1. Drawing on the fences that are near mountain, 2. Agriculture: harvesting rice, 3. Supporting the events with local people and do some other work for the community.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with "Kamimamakuchi village" since 2013, and they tried starting new project with volunteer. Depopulation (especially of youth) is a serious problem here similarly in many other country sides. This village have only 20 families and very few young people. It is difficult to keep traditional culture and community work, so we aim to help keeping this landscape/cultures and telling local village’s attraction by young power! *Outcome of this project: Volunteer had painted fence about 1km! And organizing candle night festival, cultural party! Local people really welcome to coming the new people! Please see the long term goal of this project as "Local SDGs" at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2019-wp2-188758763 (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!).

Location

Ishikawa prefecture is almost middle of Japan. Campsite is very small village located in South part of Ishikawa prefecture. There are rice fields, historical shrine, and beautiful nature. (https://goo.gl/maps/JBr8Py5WowS2) Other activities - Exchange parties with local people, trekking and hot spring etc.

Accomodation

The community center in the village. There are clean kitchen and toilet. Volunteers take a shower in the kindly local people's houses. Please bring sleeping bag! Volunteers prepare the meals by themselves. Wi-Fi is not available.

Requirements

High motivation to work hard and seriously and enjoy simple countryside life. Need idea for local revitalization. Speaking Japanese language is welcomed!

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers get knowledge about actions for developing local village. Also, the basic knowledge of the Japanese language and local culture. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - Follow (@kamimamakuchi_nice) on Instagram to see the activities of the local host.

Work

The work will be mainly helping organic agriculture (cutting thatch, harvesting/ threshing rice, selecting beans, taking care of goats, cows and chicken) and also carrying the things from the town to Maki, renovating the trails on the way, reconstructing the neighboring traditional house owned by the ex. inhabitant and destroyed by snow, helping the house works especially cooking, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (06:00-18:00 with some brakes) and hard!

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), organized together with Kyodo Gakusha (since 2000 here), a cooperative community where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, people who are tired of city life, who want to learn farming, who want to live in the nature, etc. They have 5 communities in Japan incl. Maki and grow animals and vegetables in an ecological, organic way. Maki is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains!), so it once became an abandon village in 1970s and then, was revived by Kyodo Gakusha. Over 10 people were living till several years ago, but less and less in these years (almost nobody in the winter), so vols. are needed even more! *Outcome of this project: In 2025, we had 20 STVs for 4 short term workcamps and 3 LMTVs from 9 countries who greatly contributed to their protecting the houses, farming and caring animals that was difficult to finish by the time they needed without volunteers! See the long-term goal of this project as Local SDGs made by the previous project leader at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2019-ep3-188767935 (only in Japanese, sorry, but you can still enjoy the pictures!)

Location

Maki is located in the beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”, at about 900 meters asl. and there is something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization. Other activities - Exchange program, Excursion on a free day (possibly to Hakuba, a famous tourism spot), etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep in a few rooms of the volunteers' house that is a very beautiful cultural heritage and equips the basic facilities such as water, electricity, toilets and a bath room! They will have meals, meetings and social life with Kyodo Gakusha members in the main building (just 30 meters far). Meals will be cooked by together with the members by turns. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

Requirements

Volunteers need to have high motivation and patience to keep the hard, long and important work in the very isolated, natural place and to respect the way of the local host. No special skills nor experiences are needed. Motivation letter is needed!

Notes:

Study theme - Similar type of communities in each country and their networking Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - The popular documentary film for this place was broadcasted in 2015 at arayashiki-movie.jp/en/.