Rheder, located on the Nethe River, is a small town located in the rural Weserbergland region. Together with architect Marcel Kalberer and the Smooth Structures group, your team will build a large living structure, which will also serve as a work of art. You will be using natural materials to build a wicker cathedral, and the tasks to build this will include braiding and cutting the wicker, digging graves, erecting the supporting posts, and connecting them. In addition to the larger construction, you will also build a wicker mesh as well as build a wall out of natural stones.
Accomodation & food:
You will be staying in a festival barn on the castle grounds. Catering: Meals will be provided for you
Location & leisure:
There are opportunities to travel to local university towns such as Gottingen, Kassel, and Bielefeld; Hannover and Dusseldorf are also nice day trips. The Weserbergland region is prime for hiking, visiting cloisters, and for visiting projects run by the Erlesene Natur (www.erlesene-Natur.de) group. Your accommodation is located in a very pretty landscape park.
All projects of Open Houses are based on a sustainable principle. Also on Lohra castle the work will be balanced between natural and cultural fundamental ideas. On one hand the volunteers will repair and restore the castle buildings and on the other hand there will be works to be done in the green area around the property. The Volunteers will take care of the green areas around the castle, as well as for the close-by nature protected area. For example in the garden they will dig up the ground and clear it of weeds and stones. And there are many meadows where grass and weeds need to be cut to keep the castle and its surrounding accessible. Moreover the group will work on a Barnstable in the outer ward of the castle, that will be used as main storeroom with piled big boxes and containers, that keeps historical materials from other houses, that will be used to restore some parts of the castle in the coming years. As the flooring will get a concrete surface, strong volunteers are very welcome. Also reparation works on the storage boxes, as well as sorting and storing material might be a task for the Volunteers. At Lohra Castle, Open Houses organises Workcamps and Building Weeks in the same period. The two working groups are living together and they are one community. The only difference between the two projects is the topics they are working on and the working hours. Building Week volunteers work one hour more. For the application we need the Volunteers of the Building Weeks to bring some experience and interest in the topic of restoration. During the camp it is possible, that Volunteers join the other working group, because of their skills or their own interests. Therefore please also see the Lohra Castle Building Weeks descriptions.
Accomodation & food:
Within the old service buildings of the castle, you will stay in four little houses with 2-, 3- and 4-bedrooms with showers (limited hot water) and toilettes. The equipment is simple but fair. The fullyequipped kitchen, which is situated next to the accommodation houses, is a separate building withlarge tables and benches inside. The atmosphere is rustic and historic.
Location & leisure:
The castle is situated next to a nature protected area. You can explore the landscape by foot; worthseeing is the chapel in Munchenlohra. Excursions to Sondershausen, Muhlhausen or Nordhausen willbe discussed once you arrived.
Requirements:
WHAT TO BRING:working gloves, waterproof shoes, rain jacket appropriate clothes, sleeping bag, pillow
All projects of Open Houses are based on a sustainable principle. Also on Lohra castle the work will be balanced between natural and cultural fundamental ideas. On one hand the volunteers will repair and restore the castle buildings and on the other hand there will be works to be done in the green area around the property. The Volunteers will take care of the green areas around the castle, as well as for the close-by nature protected area. For example in the garden they will dig up the ground and clear it of weeds and stones. And there are many meadows where grass and weeds need to be cut to keep the castle and its surrounding accessible. Moreover the group will work on a Barnstable in the outer ward of the castle, that will be used as main storeroom with piled big boxes and containers, that keeps historical materials from other houses, that will be used to restore some parts of the castle in the coming years. As the flooring will get a concrete surface, strong volunteers are very welcome. Also reparation works on the storage boxes, as well as sorting and storing material might be a task for the Volunteers. At Lohra Castle, Open Houses organises Workcamps and Building Weeks in the same period. The two working groups are living together and they are one community. The only difference between the two projects is the topics they are working on and the working hours. Building Week volunteers work one hour more. For the application we need the Volunteers of the Building Weeks to bring some experience and interest in the topic of restoration. During the camp it is possible, that Volunteers join the other working group, because of their skills or their own interests. Therefore please also see the Lohra Castle Building Weeks descriptions.
Accomodation & food:
Within the old service buildings of the castle, you will stay in four little houses with 2-, 3- and 4-bedrooms with showers (limited hot water) and toilettes. The equipment is simple but fair. The fullyequipped kitchen, which is situated next to the accommodation houses, is a separate building withlarge tables and benches inside. The atmosphere is rustic and historic.
Location & leisure:
The castle is situated next to a nature protected area. You can explore the landscape by foot; worthseeing is the chapel in Munchenlohra. Excursions to Sondershausen, Muhlhausen or Nordhausen willbe discussed once you arrived.
Requirements:
WHAT TO BRING:working gloves, waterproof shoes, rain jacket appropriate clothes, sleeping bag, pillow
All projects of Open Houses are based on a sustainable principle. Also on Lohra castle the work will be balanced between natural and cultural fundamental ideas. On one hand the volunteers will repair and restore the castle buildings and on the other hand there will be works to be done in the green area around the property.The Volunteers will take care of the green areas around the castle, as well as for the close-by nature protected area. For example in the garden they will dig up the ground and clear it of weeds and stones. And there are many meadows where grass and weeds need to be cut to keep the castle and its surrounding accessible. Moreover the group will work on a Barnstable in the outer ward of the castle, that will be used as main storeroom with piled big boxes and containers, that keeps historical materials from other houses, that will be used to restore some parts of the castle in the coming years. As the flooring will get a concrete surface, strong volunteers are very welcome. Also reparation works on the storage boxes, as well as sorting and storing material might be a task for the Volunteers. At Lohra Castle, Open Houses organises Workcamps and Building Weeks in the same period. The two working groups are living together and they are one community. The only difference between the two projects is the topics they are working on and the working hours. Building Week volunteers work one hour more. For the application we need the Volunteers of the Building Weeks to bring some experience and interest in the topic of restoration. During the camp it is possible, that Volunteers join the other working group, because of their skills or their own interests. Therefore please also see the Lohra Castle Building Weeks descriptions.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMODATIONWithin the old service buildings of the castle, you will stay in four little houses with 2-, 3- and 4-bedrooms with showers (limited hot water) and toilettes. The equipment is simple but fair. The fully equipped kitchen, which is situated next to the accommodation houses, is a separate building with large tables and benches inside. The atmosphere is rustic and historic.FOODThe meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that everybody will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if you could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.
Location & leisure:
LOCATIONLohra is located in the North of Thuringia, in the Southern part of a lower mountain range called Harz. The next towns are Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (12 km), Erfurt (110 km); Gottingen and Kassel are both 50 km away from Lohra Castle. LEISURE TIMEThe castle is situated next to a nature protected area. You can explore the landscape by foot; worth seeing is the chapel in Munchenlohra. Excursions to Sondershausen, Muhlhausen or Nordhausen will be discussed once you arrived.
Requirements:
WHAT TO BRING:working gloves, waterproof shoes, rain jacket appropriate clothes, sleeping bag, pillow
This Camp will take place at two different locations. The first days volunteers will stay and work at Klein Dammerow and after the weekend they will move to Gantikow.The main work in Klein Dammerow will mostly consist of gardening and cleaning up the historical park around the house, which has long been unused. Year by year, this way it is possible to discover another part of the huge garden area. The participants will mow the lawn and cut bushes and trees. Open Houses attaches great importance to renewable energy. That s why we use an eco-friendly, wood fired heating-system in the Manor house. Under this aspect the volunteers will cut firewood, which was brought to the property, and move it to a roofed place for wintertime. Also it is possible, that the volunteers will go to the forest and collect firewood, to bring it to the Manor.In case of rainy weather the Volunteers can work inside the house and do small renovation works on the building.In Gantikow the volunteers will look after the garden and the surrounding area. Volunteers will mow the lawn, build a fence and put up a fireplace. Collecting the leaves of the Horse Chestnut-trees, to protect them from an insect-disease, will be another important work in the garden. Furthermore there will be digging works around the house for a drainage system.On rainy days the volunteers can work inside the Manor, doing small renovation works as well as cleaning up the cellar and the attic.
Accomodation & food:
Common sleeping room with matresses, warm shower and toiletsThe meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that everybody will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if you could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.You will live in the Gantikow manor. The conditions are simple, as we are working on it to become a accommodation house. Shared rooms, warm shower and toilets in the house.The meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that everybody will be responsible for the meal at least once during his / her stay. So it would be very nice if you could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.
Location & leisure:
Klein Dammerow is situated in a beautiful landscape. The huge garden on the backside of the Manor is ideal for playing ball games or just relaxing. You can use your free time for exploring the surroundings by foot or bike, going to one of the lakes nearby (around 8 i 10 km from Klein Dammerow Manor) or for small excursions.Around the manor-house, in the beautiful garden, with its old trees, there is much space for outside activities and leisure time. A small lake is situated nearby the old building, where it is possible to go swimming. And also the surrounding area with its many lakes and unique small towns invites for trips.
Requirements:
WHAT TO BRING:working gloves and strong shoes, appropriate clothes, sleeping bag, pillow.
The Friedensdorf Storkow is an anti-racist youth project that works for humanity, solidarity, and intercultural youth work. Your support is needed in maintaining green areas in the city and on the Peace Village grounds. After work, this camp offers you the opportunity to learn German. Two hours of instruction daily plus the use of German in everyday life will improve your command of the language greatly. Your language instructors are native speakers and have experience in teaching German as a second language. They are a regular member of your team throughout the camp.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation: You will be staying in a three story house in the Peace Village.Catering: Meals will be prepared as a group.
Location & leisure:
Free Time: Storkow is one of the oldest cities in Brandenburg and offers a historical fortress. Along with cultural offerings, your team can also play volleyball, basketball, and soccker. In the area you can visit lakes and animal parks, and you are less than an hours ride from Berlin.Location: Storkow
Requirements:
The camp language is German; a basic knowledge of German is required
All projects of Open Houses are based on a sustainable principle. Also on Lohra castle the work will be balanced between natural and cultural fundamental ideas. On one hand the volunteers will repair and restore the castle buildings and on the other hand there will be works to be done in the green area around the property. The Volunteers will take care of the green areas around the castle, as well as for the close-by nature protected area. For example in the garden they will dig up the ground and clear it of weeds and stones. And there are many meadows where grass and weeds need to be cut to keep the castle and its surrounding accessible. Moreover the group will work on a Barnstable in the outer ward of the castle, that will be used as main storeroom with piled big boxes and containers, that keeps historical materials from other houses, that will be used to restore some parts of the castle in the coming years. As the flooring will get a concrete surface, strong volunteers are very welcome. Also reparation works on the storage boxes, as well as sorting and storing material might be a task for the Volunteers. At Lohra Castle, Open Houses organises Workcamps and Building Weeks in the same period. The two working groups are living together and they are one community. The only difference between the two projects is the topics they are working on and the working hours. Building Week volunteers work one hour more. For the application we need the Volunteers of the Building Weeks to bring some experience and interest in the topic of restoration. During the camp it is possible, that Volunteers join the other working group, because of their skills or their own interests. Therefore please also see the Lohra Castle Building Weeks descriptions.
Accomodation & food:
ACCOMODATIONWithin the old service buildings of the castle, you will stay in four little houses with 2-, 3- and 4-bedrooms with showers (limited hot water) and toilettes. The equipment is simple but fair. The fully equipped kitchen, which is situated next to the accommodation houses, is a separate building with large tables and benches inside. The atmosphere is rustic and historic.FOODThe meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that everybody will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if you could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.
Location & leisure:
LOCATIONLohra is located in the North of Thuringia, in the Southern part of a lower mountain range called Harz. The next towns are Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (12 km), Erfurt (110 km); Gottingen and Kassel are both 50 km away from Lohra Castle. LEISURE TIMEThe castle is situated next to a nature protected area. You can explore the landscape by foot; worth seeing is the chapel in Munchenlohra. Excursions to Sondershausen, Muhlhausen or Nordhausen will be discussed once you arrived.
Requirements:
WHAT TO BRING:working gloves, waterproof shoes, rain jacket appropriate clothes, sleeping bag, pillow
In this camp you can do your part to maintain and rehabilitate a pond ecosystem near the Baltic Sea. Here, you will also learn about the diverse tasks that the Nature Preservation Station does every day. You will build small bridges out of wood, lay passages and remove pipes that interrupt the natural flow of the pond. The work may become physically challenging at times. You will be led by experts in the field and can learn a great deal about the flora and fauna of this wonderful nature area.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation: You will be staying in a school in the Langballig community. Catering: Meals will be cooked together.
Location & leisure:
Free Time: You will be in the place where many Germans spend their vacations. Away from the stress and everyday hectic of the cities, you can spend your evenings sitting outside with your new friends, play volleyball, bike to the beaches, etc. The city of Flensburg is only 15 km way, and is reachable with a 30 minute bus ride. Here, you will find museums, shopping, cafes, and restaurants. You can also take a trip to Denmark from here. For more information about the Langballig community and the city of Flensburg please see www.langballig.de and www.flensburg.de. Location: Schleswig-Holstein; Flensburg 15 km.
Requirements:
Parts of the project may be physically challenging at times. You will most likely bike to your work site, which is 3 km away from your accommodation.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
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