The work to be done is mainly the maintenance of the wetlands (cutting grass, cutting reed followed by raking, removing reed and other plants from water pools, cutting out wood, and garbage collection as needed). The work will be manual and physically demanding. Be ready to work outdoors, in wet areas, under all types of weather (rain, wind). Waterproof clothes with long sleeves and long trousers, a raincoat and rubber boots are necessary.
Accomodation & food:
Foster care home in the castle Novy Falkenburk in Jablonne v Podjestedi. There are 2 bedrooms, a common room, bathroom with showers, kitchen, dining room. Be prepared for basic conditions (no washing mashine). Bring a sleeping bag and a mat You will prepare meals on your own. You can prepare traditional meals from your country. Bring special ingredients that may be hard to get.
Location & leisure:
Jablonne v Podjestedi and the surroundings, Jizerske Mountains in the north of Bohemia.Study part: Educational aspects of the camp will focus on forms of forest management, development of forests after the arrival of men, current problems in the management of nature protection areas or the topic of water containment in nature and the prevention of floods. Guided excursions to the wetlands are also planned.Leisure time: You can go hiking in the beautiful surrounding landscape, visit castles and climb the Jested i the highest peak in the region.
Requirements:
We are looking for volunteers who like nature and are eager to learn new thing about nature protection.Participation fee: 185 EUR/per participant is to cover the costs of accommodation, food, some free time activities and costs of local leader.
The work will be manual and sometimes demanding, it will take place at several locations. In Skalka u Doks you will for example: help with the reconstruction of the house and cleaning, take care of permaculture garden and maintain public areas (cleaning of a path and other tasks given by municipality). In the nearby village Bo345;ejov you will: clean the church, help with preparation of Sunday pilgrim mass, clean the cemetery surrounding the church, esp. the abandoned graves of the ancestors of the inhabitants displaced after WWII and renovate a wall. In the meadows with protected flora you will rake grass to keep biodiversity. Bring solid work shoes, clothes that can get dirty and a raincoat. Different work tasks will depend on current needs and weather.
Accomodation & food:
In the main building of the homestead that is under reconstruction so the conditions are basic. Sleeping on mattresses, you must bring your own sleeping bag. There is a shower with hot water, washbasin, toilet and an equipped kitchen. You will prepare your own meals; you are invited to share your national cuisine. Bring simple recipes from home. It s also possible to use outdoor fireplace.
Location & leisure:
Little village Skalka u Doks (170 inhabitants) and neighbourhood. The village is located in a Protected Landscape Area near the Macha Lake which is a popular tourist attraction. If we work at more distant places, we will take you there by car.Study part: Getting to know the history of the region via old photos, movie night ( outdoor cinema ), Pilgrim Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday 23/7 in the Church of Bo345;ejov (which we will have been cleaning the week before), meeting local permaculture community farming in harmony with nature i it will be possible to spend one day with them and take part in their daily program (work activities, discovering their lifestyle).Leisure time: Bathing on the beaches of Macha Lake, evening activities on the beaches and in the town Doksy, visiting castle Houska and Bezdez, meditative walks in nature, mushroom and blueberry picking, barbecue, closing event at a fisherman s hut on the banks of the Macha Lake with a steamboat sunset cruise. There will be 2 free Saturdays for a one-day trip.
Requirements:
For curious people open to others or for those who want to be like this. Interest in traditional spirituality and history appreciated. Information for allergic people i there are 2 big dogs living in the house.
The work will be manual and outdoor. The tasks will include reparation of fences for animals and gardens, maintenance of traditional houses and parts of play structures for children, general maintenance of the surrounding area, decorating. These tasks will vary according to the current needs. For the event Ethnosalas (the last Sunday of the camp), you will help with organization and will prepare activities for the local kids. If the weather conditions allow, you will also collect herbs in the surrounding meadows and in the nearby forest, herbs which will be used for the production of organic teas. Please note that the weather can be sometimes very hot and that you may have to work in the sun. Bring protective creams and a hat.
Accomodation & food:
In the attic of a house in the centre. Sleeping is on mattresses, there s a common room with a kitchen, 2 showers and toilets. Be prepared for basic living conditions as the house is very small. You will prepare your own meals, taking turns in the kitchen. The workplace is situated at 2 km from the accommodation so volunteers will bring food with them and have proper lunch/dinner after work.
Location & leisure:
Tvarozna Lhota (bus stop in the village, next train stop Straznice). The nearby bigger cities are Straznice (5 km distance) and Uherske Hradiste (30 km). The region is famous for its folk traditions and beautiful countryside.Study part: A guided tour along the nature-trail Oskeruse (traditional regional fruit), nature protection area Certoryje. Learn more about local products, organic farming, the history and natural potential of the region. Workshops on batik with traditional colours are planned. You can take part in some folkloric events that will be organized in the village and try on traditional folkloric dresses.Leisure time: Trips to various sights of the regional cities of Straznice, Skalice, trip to Bata canal, games and activities in the outdoor adventure park in the cottage Travicna and trips to the close-by countryside and sights; swimming in the lake.
Requirements:
We are looking for volunteers who like nature, are ready to spend a lot of time outdoors and don t mind walking (the accommodation is at 2 km from the work place). We also welcome people with good attitude to children as you will help to prepare activities for them.
You will remove invasive trees and bushes and thus contribute to the creation of a nature forest park where it will be possible to create benches, bins, land art pieces, signs, etc. Then it is needed to clean bricks from the demolition, clean historical buildings from old plaster and broken glass. We recommend you to bring older working clothes, water proof shoes. From the place of accommodation to the working place you will go everyday on foot around 1 km.
Accomodation & food:
Leisure center FENIX in Nepomuk i sleeping in 1-2 classrooms on mattresses. Bring your own sleeping bag. Improvised kitchen, common room, several toilets and one shower will be available. In the work place there will be dry toilet and water in barrels for basic hygiene. You will cook your own meals in the center or we can organize a barbecue.
Location & leisure:
Two neighbouring villages Nepomuk (3 755 inhabitants) and Klaster (154 inhabitants) in the Pilsen region. The castle and manor are situated at the territory of Klaster. Accommodation will be provided in Nepomuk. Volunteers work place i Sternberk Manor (Sternbersky dvur) i is a very large complex of 10 buildings of different type, asphalted courtyard and adjacent forest park.Study part: Welcome evening with local band, music and local volunteers, movie night in the leisure time center or presentation of photos from your country. If you are interested, you can try a workshop on how to search for underground springs or a lecture by a historian about the whole area where you will work.Leisure time: Near the work place there is a big pond suitable for swimming, right in the area, it is possible to have a campfire and play the guitar or drums. It is possible to prepare some alternative activities such as firewalk or Indian sauna, organize a bike trip, visit Pilsen, etc. We welcome people who love photography and we also can prepare an exhibition of photos.
Requirements:
Workcamp is suitable for people who are interested in history and renovation of historic monuments.
Volunteers will do mainly manual work that will be quite physically demanding. The tasks can include building wooden fence for sheep, creating shelters for visitors and tourists, collecting wood, gardening, maintenance of the campsite. One of the tasks can include renovation of the natural house (with natural techniques using materials such as clay, bits of straw and sand). You will also help to prepare the culture event Folkloric Scything . It will involve local community in scything together the meadows. Please bring a white plain shirt, trousers/long skirt and a hat for the event.
Accomodation & food:
In tents and in a house made of clay and straw (for 6-7 people, the rest in tents.) Bring a warm sleeping bag Access to electricity is limited; water is delivered in barrels. Toilets are dry (outhouse). There is no indoor shower (there s a stream or improvised natural shower i water is heated by the sun). You will cook your own meals in improvised field kitchen, taking turns.
Location & leisure:
Vanished village of Zastavka (Stillstand), part of Uhelna in Rychleby Mountains, around 29 km from the town of Jesenik. The village is situated at the hilltop and is quite isolated (the last settlers left 70 years ago after WWII). The nearest village Uhelna is reachable on foot at the distance of 2 km. The surrounding countryside is mountainous and has a charming nature.Study part: Excursion around the vanished village of Zastavka (history and current development); presentation of the organization Brontosaurus; practical technical and crafts skills (work with natural clay plaster, carpentry) by a specialized lecturer.Leisure time: Discovering the beautiful mountainous countryside; visiting a local spa; protected area of Rejviz; towns of Mikulovice, Zlate Hory and Jesenik, etc.
Requirements:
We are especially looking for volunteers who are interested natural architecture, who are not afraid of manual work and of basic living conditions. It is not allowed to smoke and drink alcohol at the campsite.
The tasks are manual and range from less physically demanding jobs to harder ones. You will be involved in the haymaking in the meadows, maintenance of the reserve (cutting wood, protecting young trees, etc.) and the campsite. During haymaking, those who cut the grass have to wake up very early and work until the dew gets dry. Then, the grass has to be returned with rakes, loaded on a car (using pitchfork) and transported to farmers. It s recommended to wear solid shoes, long sleeves, pants to avoid scratches from the hay and a hat to be protected from sun. The meadows can be very wet so bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots) and rain-gear. Be aware that scythe is a dangerous tool and has to be handled cautiously (there will be a technical supervisor to teach you).
Accomodation & food:
In tents. At the campsite there is also on old barn that is used as a kitchen, dining and common room. The nights can be very cold so bring a warm sleeping bag, sleeping mat and warm clothes. You will wash yourself in a cold stream next to the campsite and you ll use dry toilets. You will have meals 5 times a day (vegetarian diet is possible but let us know) i you will be asked to help with cooking.
Location & leisure:
Natural reserve Hute in White Carpathian Mountains close to itkova village (170 inhabitants), South-East Moravia. The campsite is remote, located 2 km from the village and bus station. There is no wi-fi and the mobile signal is scarce.Study part: Lectures with experts on the protection of endangered fauna, meeting local farmers and craftsmen, getting to know local history and myths (the so called Goddesses of Zitkova ). It will be possible to organize international evening - cook some traditional food from your countries, etc.Leisure time: Outdoor activities, group games, creative workshops. Some activities will be organized and some will be up to you. The area is very nice for hiking and it s also possible to go swimming in the nearby pond (2 km). If you play any musical instrument, you are welcome to bring it with you
Requirements:
The camp is suitable for volunteers who are not afraid of living and working in rougher conditions in close contact with nature. It is not recommended to people allergic to grasses (hay fever), wasp or bee stings. What to bring: warm sleeping bag, mat, solid boots, raincoat, hat, warm clothes (the weather in the mountainous locations is colder especially during the night), torch (other instructions will be provided in the infosheet).
Depends on the weather and preceding groups. The priority is to finish the haymaking in the meadows and in the rest of the time to maintain the reserve (cutting wood, protecting young trees, etc.) and the barn. During haymaking, those who cut the grass have to wake up very early and work until the dew gets dry. Then, the grass has to be returned with rakes, loaded on a car (using pitchfork) and transported to farmers. It is recommended to wear solid shoes, long sleeves and pants to avoid scratches from the hay. It is necessary to have a hat to be protected from sun. The meadows can be very wet so bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots) and rain-gear. Be aware that scythe is a dangerous tool and has to be handled cautiously (there will be a technical supervisor to teach you).
Accomodation & food:
In tents. At the campsite there is also on old barn that is used as a kitchen, dining and common room. The nights can be very cold so bring a warm sleeping bag, sleeping mat and warm clothes. You will wash yourself in a cold stream next to the campsite and you ll use dry toilets. You will prepare your own meals i taking turns in kitchen services, the barn.
Location & leisure:
Natural reserve Hute in White Carpathian Mountains close to itkova village (170 inhabitants), South-East Moravia. The campsite is remote, located 2 km from the village and bus station. There is no wi-fi and the mobile signal is scarce.Study part: Lecture by a scholar from Masaryk University in Brno on the location, reasons for its protection and species that can be found there is planned. We can also arrange a beekeeping or a herbal workshop since Zitkova is very rich for healing herbs and famous for their collection. It is planned to visit Trencin (city in Slovakia).Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding hills, swimming in a nearby pond (2 km), playing badminton and volleyball, collecting mushrooms and herbs, singing or playing music (ukulele, guitar), etc. Bring your musical instrument if you have any
Requirements:
The camp is suitable for volunteers who are not afraid of living and working in rougher conditions in close contact with nature. It is not recommended to people allergic to grasses (hay fever), wasp or bee stings.
Work will be manual and will be done in an overgrown park. The tasks will include: removing self-seeding woody plants, shrubs and fallen trees (with scissors, a hatchet and a handsaw), raking and removing grass and cleaning construction material from one part of the castle that is under reconstruction. Bring working clothes which can get dirty, sturdy shoes and waterproof jacket or raincoat (in case of bad weather). There is not much work to be done indoors so be prepared for all kinds of weather.
Accomodation & food:
In the privacy at one of the association s member in the village Pocinovice (about 10 km from the workplace). Sleeping on mattresses in your own sleeping bags. There are two big rooms, WC, a bathroom and a kitchenette with a cooker and jug kettle. Hot lunches will be brought to the work place every day. You will prepare other meals by yourselves.
Location & leisure:
Veseli - a small village (about 58 inhabitants) which is a part of the municipality Janovice nad Uhlavou, and a village of Pocinovice (around 548 inhabitants). Both are located at the foothills of umava National Park, close to Klatovy. From the place of accommodation (Pocinovice) to the workplace (Veseli) you will go every morning by train (20 min). The train station is near the castle. The village of Pocinovice has bakery, pub, library, some small shops and sports grounds.Study part: Presentation of the castle and its troubled history, excursion to Klatovy underground with a historian, meeting local youth associations in their centre or at the youth summer camp, meeting young volunteer firefighters, getting to know the history of the region.Leisure time: Trip to Chodsko region and participation in the local festival in Domazlice; volleyball tournament with local players, trip to Dobra Voda (5km by forest road), trip to Castle Klenova and Kanice, swimming, campfire with locals, etc.
Requirements:
Workcamp is suitable for history lovers and for people who want to discover life in a small Czech village. Due to living in a house with a host you will have a unique opportunity to experience local culture and customs, at the same time we ask you for respectful behavior
« The outside world did not interfere, because it seemed so distant, and so we spent our spare time getting to know each other and learning about each other countries', languages and cultures. Everyone was completely relaxed. This simply would not have been possible on any other type of holiday. VAP enabled me to have a truly memorable experience. »
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