Work

Depuis plus de 10 ans, bénévoles et salarié·e·s en insertion des jardins maraîchers naturels de Grigny œuvrent ensemble autour de projets de maraîchage, construction et aménagements paysagers. Le chantier de cette année offrira aux volontaires l'occasion de contribuer à l'amélioration des conditions d’accueil du grand public à la ferme. Cette année, tu participeras activement à l’amélioration du cadre de vie à la ferme en contribuant à l’aménagement d’une nouvelle aire de repos dans le parc. Ce projet inclut la construction de mobiliers en bois, comme des bancs et des tables de pique-nique, qui permettront d’offrir un espace convivial aux visiteurs. Tu seras accompagné par un encadrant technique et pourras apprendre à manier des outils, découvrir des techniques de construction durables. En parallèle, tu auras l’occasion de t’initier aux pratiques du maraîchage et de la permaculture. En travaillant dans le jardin, tu découvriras les principes d’une agriculture respectueuse de l’environnement. For over 10 years, volunteers and employees in job integration programs at the natural market gardens of Grigny have been working together on projects involving vegetable farming, construction, and landscape development. This year’s workcamp will give volunteers the opportunity to help improve the farm’s facilities for welcoming the general public. This year, you will take an active part in improving the living environment at the farm by helping to create a new rest area in the park. The project includes building wooden furniture, such as benches and picnic tables, to provide a welcoming space for visitors. You will be guided by a technical supervisor and will have the chance to learn how to use tools and explore sustainable construction techniques. At the same time, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the basics of market gardening and permaculture. By working in the garden, you’ll learn about environmentally friendly farming practices.

Partner

La Ferme Saint-Lazare à Grigny est une ferme pédagogique et solidaire. Elle propose des chantiers d'insertion en maraîchage bio, accueille le public pour découvrir les animaux et le jardin, et sensibilise à l'environnement. Ses produits bio sont vendus localement. The Ferme Saint-Lazare in Grigny is an educational and solidarity farm. It offers work integration programs in organic market gardening, welcomes the public to discover animals and the garden, and raises environmental awareness. Its organic produce is sold locally.

Location

La Ferme Saint-Lazare est une ferme pédagogique, urbaine et solidaire implantée au cœur de Grigny, en Île-de-France. Ce lieu de vie et d’apprentissage favorise la reconnexion à la nature en ville, la transition écologique et l’inclusion sociale. Portée par une démarche participative, la ferme accueille tout au long de l’année des habitant·e·s, des scolaires, des bénévoles et des porteurs de projets autour de l’agriculture urbaine. La Ferme Saint-Lazare is an educational, urban, and community-focused farm located in the heart of Grigny, in the Île-de-France region. This living and learning space promotes reconnection with nature in urban settings, ecological transition, and social inclusion. Driven by a participatory approach, the farm welcomes residents, school groups, volunteers, and project leaders throughout the year around the theme of urban agriculture.

Accomodation

Les bénévoles seront logés dans des tentes individuelles sur le terrain de la Ferme Saint-Lazare, dans un espace ombragé situé à proximité de l'espace de vie de l'association, qui comprend une cuisine, un chapiteau, des douches et des installations sanitaires. Au-delà des temps de chantier, les volontaires participent ensemble à l’organisation de la vie collective. Souvent réparti·e·s en équipes, ils·elles élaborent les menus, participent aux courses, préparent les repas et s’assurent de la propreté des espaces communs. Véritable acteur·ice de ton expérience, tu participeras aussi à la prise de décisions concernant les activités collectives et l’organisation du quotidien ! Volunteers will be accommodated in individual tents in a shaded area of the farm park, close to the association’s communal living facilities: kitchen, marquee, showers, toilets, and gathering spaces. Volunteers will be accommodated in individual tents in a shaded area of the farm park, close to the association’s communal living facilities: kitchen, marquee, showers, toilets, and gathering spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organization!

Requirements

no access for wheelchairs

Meeting point

Grigny train station, France

Work

Your work will include different activities in a natural park like to build an apiary, to help farmers or similar works. Your help is also needed for maintenance works, e.g. on orchid meadows, in forests or on a bird island. This project is especially for nature lovers. Please be prepared to work 5-6 hours a day. Volunteers should come prepared for light or heavy work and be motivated for anything to help the rangers of the Nature Reserve.

Partner

www.naturpark-nossentiner-schwinzer-heide.de

Location

Area: The project is located in the nature reserve "Nossentiner Schwinzer Heide" in the northeast of Germany. You can find many beautiful lakes and dense forests there. The nearest bigger place is Krakow am See. The place is remote, but the surrounding nature is beautiful. Be prepared to spend two weeks in nature without shopping opportunities. Leisure Time: The nature reserve can be explored on foot, by bike or by boat. In the area there are many beautiful lakes where you can swim. There is a possibility to participate in guided tours through the forest or learn about the endangered animals of the region. Also a trip to a bigger city or to the Baltic Sea can be planned. The activities are discussed in the group and will be decided together.

Accomodation

Accommodation: You will live on a camping site close to a very nice lake. You will sleep in tents (2 persons per tent) on camping beds with mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag and bed linen. If it will rain you can sleep in a building. A kitchen, sanitary facilities and a big meeting room are provided on the camping site. A washing machine can be used. Please be aware, that there is only limited internet connection! You will live on a camping site close to a very nice lake. You will sleep in a 2-person tent equipped with a camping bed with a mattress. Please bring a sleeping bag and bedding. In case of rain there will be a possibility to sleep in the main building, which is located on the same property. On the campsite are available: a kitchen, sanitary facilities, a washing machine, a large meeting room and a roofed terrace. Please note that there is limited internet connection! Food: The volunteers will prepare their own meals. It would be nice, if you bring some recipes and maybe special spices for easy cooking from your home countries.

Requirements

Please be fully vaccinated (2 to 3 shots of one of the following vaccines: BioNtech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson&Johnson) or recovered (date of infection must be min. 28 days old and max. 90 days old).

Notes:

Only limited Wi-Fi available.

Work

There will mainly focus on conserving the group of monuments of cultural heritage site at Hampi. For the last 10 years, FSL India has been working with UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the management of local schools, local NGOs, INTACH and the local tour guide association. Concentrate on the protection of its cultural heritage, sites of historical importance and on creating awareness among the locals, school children, tour-guides and tourists, to infuse a sense of responsibility towards the protection of these priceless monuments. Here, you will help to convert dry areas into beautiful, restful spots by planting trees and flowering plants. Street plays to create awareness, creativity, physical work and archaeological delights are all hallmarks of this unique work camp 1 Clean up and scrub around monuments dating back to 1 CE, to preserve and maintain their beauty and cultural heritage Sessions in school on waste management and Install garbage bins in the community Awareness campaign to the community and tourist on cleanliness 2 Construction of Hand wash basin and Training on Self surviving skills 3 Awaken your thespian skills with a Street Play, to create awareness of heritage conservation 4 Instill patriotism in school children, make them aware of their rich cultural and historical heritage 5 Use your creativity to educate the public on heritage conservation, paint murals in public area

Partner

FSL-India, (Field Services and Inter-cultural Learning - India) is a youth development organisation focused towards Inter-cultural Learning through Voluntary Services set up to promote Global Understanding by providing opportunities to the youth to work in different cultural contexts to appreciate Inter-cultural learning. Thereby, reducing boundaries and bringing people to work together in harmony by understanding the Inter-cultural aspects focusing towards development of people and society through youth mobility and volunteerism. Founded in the year 2000 and legally incorporated in 2001, FSL-India is a Trust under Indian Trust Act 1882. It was formed with the support of like-minded National and International Organizations with a primary purpose to bring about global transformation, progress and growth through youth exchange programs. FSL-India is headquartered in Bangalore, with regional offices in Karnataka (Bangaloru, Mangaluru Mysoru and Kundapur) and Pondicherry and is well equipped with experienced associates who support developmental activities across the country with the help of Local and Regional Partners. Annually, FSL- Indi a mobilizes movement of 500 and more youths from across the globe with the support of International Partners and local NGOs

Location

Some of the fun things to do at Hampi are taking a coracle ride in the nearby Tungabhadra river. These round cane boats have been a mode of transport here from the 15th century. You can also hire a bicycle and take the ride down to any of the interesting ruins, go bouldering or trekking. Some must-visits are Vijaya Vittala, the extraordinary architectural marvel with 56 musical pillars, which create melodic sounds when tapped delicately, the stunning Virupaksha and Krishna temples, the Royal Enclosure with the Queen’s bath and Lotus Mahal (palace). Anegundi, or Kishkindha, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire is a fine repository of neolithic history and prehistoric rock art, represented by Mourya Mane, a several-thousand-year-old Stone Age colony. You can visit the birthplace of Hanuman, the monkey god, or peek at the ancient elephant stable, where the city’s elephants were fed, bathed and trained for battle and other activities.

Accomodation

You will stay at a rented guest house or hostel, with shared rooms Food: South Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Safe, filtered water is available for drinking.

Requirements

VISA - The participants should come on Tourist visa Fee- The participation fee has to be paid on arrival to our Team Leader in Indian rupees.

Meeting point

Meeting point Information about the Meeting Point will be mentioned in the Info Sheet, which will be sent at least a month in advance

Descrizione

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Work

Taraloka hopes to give the volunteers the opportunity to experience living as a community and practising co-operation in living and working together. Women in Taraloka live and work as a specifically Buddhist community and are willing to share what it can look and feel like when living and working from one's deepest values. They will offer the opportunity to learn new practical skills, develop life skills and build confidence through both. They will learn two fantastic meditation practices (which do not make anyone a Buddhist) but which can positively change your life. There will be the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism including ethics, ritual, study, question and answer and personal talks. Again, by attending any of this you are not making yourself Buddhist! The work areas on the project will possibly involve maintenance, decorating and cleaning as well as learning to cook tasty and nutritious vegan meals for the group. In addition to these projects there may be some gardening and landscaping work. This is a work retreat and we are looking for physically fit and healthy women. We hope that the volunteers will have fun working together on these projects as well as meditating together, learning about Buddhism and living as a community. We are offering this opportunity for our volunteers to experience a retreat environment as well as to give their time and energy. We suggest not using your mobile phones and other communication devices during this time. It can be really peaceful and liberating to disconnect from the digital world for a period. Friends and family will be able to contact you on our designated emergency number, should this be necessary during your stay. We are having substantial building work in 2025 so therefore retreat conditions won’t be entirely as we would like as there will be some noise.

Partner

Started in 1985, Taraloka is a Women’s Buddhist Community and Retreat Centre of the Triratna Buddhist Community set on the Welsh-Shropshire border. It was a run-down farm that has been gradually renovated, rebuilt and adapted over the years with the help of many different women with many different skills. The importance of providing a context for women in which the practice of meditation and Buddhism could be developed and deepened was a strong motivating factor for everyone who set up this centre. The name Taraloka means realm of Tara. Tara is an archetypal female figure representing the Enlightened qualities of Compassionate Action. Today, the aim of Taraloka is the same. Women go there and explore what meditation can bring into their life; learn something about the relevance of Buddhist teaching to contemporary life; and experience themselves in a different setting to usual.

Location

Close to Whitchurch, Shrewsbury (Shropshire), Wales near the border with England.

Accomodation

The retreat centre is mostly level and all communal areas are on the ground floor, with some walk-in showers and toilets. Rooms are shared with up to 4 people in a room. Taraloka provides all bedding and bed linen. Taraloka provides three well-balanced, nutritious and deliciously tasty vegan meals per day. You will have the chance to learn how to cook this wonderful vegan food while you are there. Please note the retreat centre is totally vegan, please do not bring any meat, fish, or dairy products with you. NB: No alcohol or drugs on site please.

Requirements

This is a women only work camp. Please add a motivation letter to your application form explaining the reason for your interest in applying for this specific project.

Meeting point

Whitchurch (Shropshire) train station or East Midlands, Birmingham or Manchester airports.

Descrizione

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Work

Volunteers will engage in assisting various tasks that include: Renovation: This will include manual work (making new floors, partitioning rooms, painting, and cement mixing). Children’s games: (children’s indoor and outdoor games that will stimulate learning, team building, and activeness. Local games will be introduced as well as foreign ones from the volunteers. Please bring new games to share with kids). Nature activities: (bird watching, planting a tree, creating tree feeders, learning about various plants, birds, animals, worms, and insects available in the area). Academic development activities: (after school hour homework, various competitions aiming to motivate children’s academic development).

Partner

This project will be hosted by the Lutheran Parish in Rongai which is intending to address providing early childhood accessibility to all children in the community. Distance travelled to school every day by pupils has substantial adverse effects on attendance at school. Younger children at the age of 4-6 are often the most vulnerable to accessing early childhood educational centers. Walking several kilometers every day is more strenuous for a small child than a teenager. Schools are located further from children’s homes. These factors among many others create significant barriers preventing millions of the world’s younger children from attending school. This project is aiming to renovate an old church building into a day care center where young children from the community can access early childhood education. It is also aiming to provide extracurricular activities for students after school hours.

Location

Kamwanga is an area of Longido District, Arusha Northern Tanzania, located about 112km from Moshi town. The community is accessible via public transport starting from Moshi main bus terminal to Tarakea and then changing to Kamwanga via Lolarash. Indigenous inhabitants are from the Masai tribe, however, due to the economic activities happening in the North Kilimanjaro Forest, there is a good mixture of people from various parts of the country. The community shares a border with Kenya as well as the Kilimanjaro Forest. If you are coming from Kilimanjaro Airport (about 43km), you will need to take a shuttle to Moshi town. Possibilities and options for leisure activities are: - Wildlife safari: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Tarangire National parks. There are various packages depending on the available time and budget, including mountain climbing (Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru), eco and cultural tourism.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be at a community residential house. It is basic accommodation where you should expect to use water, toilet, and have a bath. Mattresses will be provided in shared rooms. Volunteers are expected to help in meal preparation and cleaning. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire period of the project.

Requirements

This project will appreciate having a volunteer who is interested in doing manual work, works well with children and teens, is patient and committed, interested in other cultures and local realities, creative, and easy to adapt to different situations. This person must prove to have zero criminal record related to children.

Meeting point

The nearest bus/Ferry terminal is Moshi town Central Bus station located in the capital of Kilimanjaro region.

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

- Restoration work of some degraded pathways and natural heritage;- Small reparations or maintenance work in the village of Frossos and Centro Interpretativo da Pateira de Frossos;- Maintenance of sensorial trail and vegetables garden;- Vegetation trimming and removal;- Improvement of walking trails;- Improvement of local fauna, flora, and landscape, including fire prevention actions;- Building nest-boxes for birds, insects and bats;- Control invasive species;- Presentation and discussion of the natural and social reality of the regions of origin of the participants;- Promotion of environmentally and socially responsible attitudes and values;- Development of action-training actions focused on individual and collective learning.

Partner

General objectives:- Valorisation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage (namely, of the village and the Pateira of Frossos);- Promotion of sustainability, environmental awareness, and biodiversity protection;- Promotion of intercultural relationships, good environmental practices, and citizenship;- Promotion of specific skills in the field of cultural and natural heritage protection.Specific objectives: - Maintenance of walking trails;- Removal of invasive species and prevention of forest fires by controlling shrubs and invasive vegetation.- Installation of shelters for wildlife;- Improvement and protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services;- Valorisation of natural and cultural heritage through participation in leisure activities and workshops.

Location

The camp will take place in the Frossos rural and protected areas of Albergaria-a-Velha, a municipality rich in water, water mills and green areas. Video on Pateira de Frossos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BanuW7XlyPct=47s

Accomodation

Participants will sleep in an old school complex in Frossos, Albergaria-a-Velha, in shared rooms (separated by gender) with beds. There will be locker rooms with hot water showers are also separated by gender.Participants have to bring their own towels and hygiene products, sleeping bag or sheetsblanket, and pillow. The organization will provide breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Lunches and dinners are prepared/cooked by the municipalitys staff and served at a canteen, but some lunches will be served in the field (sandwiches, fruits, etc.). Theres a vegetarian option

Requirements

Bring music and food from your region, working clothes and shoes, sun screen, hat, a presentation on the nature of your region, towels and all needed hygiene products, sleeping bag.

Meeting point

-

Work

The work can be repetitive as general gardening tasks tend to be and most of it is outdoors. The project starts early every weekday: working hours are from 8:00 - 15:00, except on Fridays, when work finishes at 12:00 as a part of an ongoing research into shortening the working week. Volunteers have to be motivated to start work early in the morning, but in compensation they will have more free time in the afternoon. No previous experience is necessary, but the work requires patience and good physical condition as it may be tiring. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing good walking shs/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats).

Partner

WORK/PROJECT: This is the fifthteenth year in a row that SEEDS offers projects in the Botanical Gardens in ReykjavEk. The Botanical Gardens are an outdoor collection of living plants, founded in 1961 and it will celebrate its 65thanniversary in 2026. The gardens main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. They conserve about 5000 plant species in eight plant collections, which give an idea of the enormous diversity of vegetation in the northern temperate zone. The garden is open to the public and free of charge.SEEDS volunteers will be doing general park maintenance and assisting the horticultural staff tending to the collection of perennials, alpine trees and shrubs in the garden. The garden organises guided tours and events throughout the summer, with which the volunteers may assist in their preparation. These special events are all related to the general aim and work of the garden and some of them are carried out at short notice.

Location

LOCATION: ReykjavEk is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The worlds northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. ReykjavEk 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.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house, in a beautiful setting in the Botanical Gardens of ReykjavEk, which are located about 4 kilometres from the centre of the city. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. As participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 6 people, everyone is expected to behave considerately. Please bring your own towel. Please note that participants from other projects will be staying in the same house.Volunteers 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.

Requirements

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros), The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes food, accommodation, transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the hot river excursion. Meeting point will be at the SEEDS office in ReykjavEk at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on September 2. Volunteers that cannot arrive on time (later flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp location. Those arriving earlier the same day are welcome from 10:00 am in the office to drop their bags/luggage and wait for the meeting time. Additional excursions (eg. Golden Circle or the South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of participants interested in joining them. Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing good walking shs/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

Meeting point

Grettisgata 3a 101, ReykjavEk

Notes:

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: KeflavEk/ReykjavEk (KEF). Bus station: Central ReykjavEk (BSE).

Work

SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impactThe camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army).

Location

he accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please 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.

Requirements

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

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on September 3 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR euro400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Work

This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking medium to long distances during the cleanups, and during other activities such as sightseeing. Since a part of the project happens outdoors, volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

The Environmental Awareness and amp; Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners. SEEDS collaborates with the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the City of ReykjavEk, and several local stakeholders on a project to clean up the Icelandic coastline. Partners include the Blue Army, an organisation dedicated to the cause of coastal cleaning, SORPA, the waste collection and amp; management entity in the capital area, and Whales of Iceland, an exhibit showcasing life-size models of whales and porpoises to educate the public about their lives and the impact of human activity on their existence.This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor cleanup tasks. These cleanup tasks may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or run solely by SEEDS. We also aim to involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will learn how to plan and carry out their own trash cleaning projects back at home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been achieved with volunteers. Volunteers can choose one of the two options below, included as hands-on volunteering activity in the camp:A day trip combining a visit to the HellisheiE(i geothermal power plant, a trash collection in the area, and the Hot River Hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. A day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula, combined with a coastal cleanup in the area.Please note that all activities are subject to weather conditions and the availability of our partners.

Location

ReykjavEk is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The worlds northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, situated between Europe and North America. ReykjavEk 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.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in a house in ReykjavEk. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Accommodation is in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Please bring your own towel. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please 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.

Requirements

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Meeting point

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on September 3 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp on their own. Those arriving earlier on the same day are welcome in the SEEDS office to drop off their luggage from 10:00 am.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes food, accommodation, transport from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), activities, and one trip combined with the trash collection (Hot River or Reykjanes).Additional excursions (eg. Golden Circle or the South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of participants interested in joining them.Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.