One area in the Mariaberg complex where people with and without disabilities work together is the ecological farm, which is mainly raising Angus cattle, but also some pigs, geese and therapeutic sheep as well as cultivation of different grains. The farm is located a bit outside the main part of Mariaberg and quite recently it was made possible that the people working in the farm can also live there directly. So the project for this year's Workcamp is to renovate and rebuild the outdoor area at the farm's building so that it can be used for free time activities and relaxation. During some days the Workcamp volunteers will work together with students with disabilities from one of the schools in Mariaberg.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation will be in a gym hall in the centre of Mariaberg close to all needed facilities like showers and toilets. You will certainly have access to the swimming pool of the quarter and have the opportunity to use other facilities. You will not prepare meals for yourself since there is no kitchen close to your accommodation. Hence, you will be served in the local Café and restaurant of the "village".
Location & leisure:
Gammertingen is situated 80 km south of Stuttgart, nestled in the Swabian Albes (not Alpes!)– a beautiful mountain chain with spectacular nature. Without a doubt, you will find enough to do in Mariaberg itself (swimming pool, barbecue, gym halls, bowling, restaurants and cafés!) but the region also offers its nature, typical Swabian villages and small towns as worthy day-trips. The locals are looking forward to the cultural exchange with you and will be happy to organise trips and other activities for you.
There will be two different tasks: 1. You will improve the accessibility of a path surrounding a small lake for people with different disabilities. To make the path more attractive you will create a bare-foot-path and a maybe an area of special herbs and flowers smelling very nice. 2. You will support the middle-age-festival that is taking place in the nearby ruins of a castle and is attracting many visitors. You will for example help setting up tents and stands and offering activities for children. All tasks will be done under professional supervision and in cooperation with people with disabilities (mainly from the Café Courage) or with special needs. The project will start with an introduction focussed on questions of inclusion on the first weekend.
Accomodation & food:
The accommodation will be in the village community centre of Oberesch. Here you can find a big kitchen, a spacious hall, facilities to spend your time or to sleep and toilets of course. Showers will be available at the building of the local fire brigade right next to the community centre. During the middle-age festival you might sleep in a tent next to the castle.
Location & leisure:
The project will take place in Oberesch, a small village with 320 inhabitants situated directly at the German-French border, approx. 40km north of Saarbrücken. The local youngsters are already waiting to meet you. In the area you can find several castles and the famous valley of the river Saar, offering many opportunities for nice excursions even to destinations in Luxemburg or France or hiking tours. The region Saarland has a rich history of steel production and coal mining. Many excursions and activities will be done together with the people from Café Courage thus making the workcamp an unforgettable experience.
This summer we would like to offer projects around all our animals of the farm. We would like to renew the fencing of some of the grazing fields. Another project will be creating a new open hut for the goats in their field. Our chicken houses will need more space and we will build a connection. And the sheeps stable also needs some tender loving care. If it is very hot a short walk to our wood stream Lohbach or a longer walk to the River Wupper will offer some cooling. A wonderful bathing lake is within a short car drive and perfect for an evening swim on those hot summer nights. Volunteers are invited to contribute peace signs in their language to our peace column. It also has become a tradition that some of you paint our benches and tables with sceneries from your countries. We love them all.
Study:
Participants will be part of the community on a day to day basis and especially some evenings when the summer evenings invite to BBQ gatherings. Organic Farm live and especially day to day animal care will be integral part of the project. Additionally, the participants will have the opportunity to see therapeutic riding and are invited to share their knowledge from their countries.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation of the participants will be in bigger and smaller tents. In case of extended bad weather a big barn will also be available. A community kitchen with 2 showers and toilettes is close by. Please bring your own sleeping bags, sleeping mats (if possible) and towels. Please be aware that nights in this region can be quite fresh!
Location & leisure:
The farm village Kotthausen is 295 m above the sea level. Kotthausen has been mentioned first in medieval times around 1350. The region "Bergisches Land" is famous for its wet weather but has an amazing beautiful nature with stunning skies.Kotthausen is at the end of a small road tucked away from any big roads. The Jacobs pilgrim way passes through our lands. The nearest town is more than 6 km, but there is a small shopping centre a 15 minute walk away. And the best ice cream café is just a 30 minute walk away and worth the while. Close by is a beautiful castle, "Schloss Burg", and Wuppertal with its cable railway is also a visit worth. Stunning big lakes invite for swimming break if the weather allows it.
Requirements:
After registration, we require a self-declaration concerning the children and youth protection.
Age:
18-26
Location:
Kotthausen
Language(s):
English, German
Airport:
CGN: Koln Bonn (Cologne, Germany)Vegetarian food will be available
« I can say that the best things about the workcamp and this whole experience were the chance of making a real difference to the lives of very needy children. This is an extremely valuable project where volunteers can have a massive impact. Also the possibility of learning a huge amount about a country so different from our own. I learnt ten times as much by carrying out a workcamp than I would ever do backpacking. »
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