This project gives SEEDS volunteers again the opportunity to live and work in beautiful surroundings in Ulfljotsvatn in cooperation with our host, the Icelandic Girls and Boys Scouts Association. The project offers diverse tasks and various experiences for SEEDS volunteers. Participants will help preparing the area for the World Scout Moot 2017, by cleaning up the area, setting up tents and some gardening activities as well.The 15th World Scout Moot will be held in Iceland 25th July to 2nd August 2017. It is an official event of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), hosted and organized by the Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association, for young people aged between 18 and 25 inclusive.The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to do the diverse tasks connected with the project.
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will be lodged in a local hut, within a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The area has a well equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The Ulfljotsvatn Scout Center is about 50 km to the east from the capital, Reykjavik. The land is originally a farmland and a property of the city of Reykjavik. The scouts in Iceland have rented a piece of the land for over 60 years. Ulfljotsvatn has been for decades the centre for outdoor activities, leader training and summer camp for scouts and guides in Iceland. Thousands of trees have been planted near the centre in the last 15 years. There is a climbing and abseiling tower in the area. Fishing is good in the lake and there are canoes, kayaks, rowing boats at the centre. Today s most popular boats are 4 persons pedal boats. At the centre there is a 10m high outdoor climbing wall. It is used both for practice and fun in abseiling and climbing.The camp is located about 26 km from Singvellir, which literally means Parliament Plains . At Singvellir the Alsing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Singvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Singvellir is a protected national shrine.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic kronas and it includes the transportation from Reykjavik to Ulfljotsvatn and back (on the first and last day of the camp) and the Golden Circle excursion, which includes the magnificent Gullfoss - Iceland s most famous waterfall, Geysir i the first geyser known to modern Europeans, and Singvellir National Park i a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
In this project SEEDS volunteers will be mostly doing construction, repair and/or marking work in hiking trails and walking paths in the easternmost area of Iceland. The main tasks will be to mark and repair hiking trails or walking paths in an isolated area of mountains and fjords. The working area of Gerpissvaeoio is isolated from the urban areas and far from the towns in the municipality. See more at https://goo.gl/sJAeMM. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee; however, please be prepared for some flexibility due to the nature of Iceland s changeable weather.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain hut in the municipality, away from the towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.The house is equipped with a kitchen. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. There is no shower in the house, but we will have free access to showers in the local swimming pool.Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The project takes place in the municipality of Fjaroabyggo, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by magnificent mountains, picturesque fjords and the sea. Fjaroabyggo is comprised of six fjords, Mjoifjorour, Eskifjorour, Reyoarfjorour, Norofjorour, Faskruosfjorour and Stoovafjorour. The name of the municipality, which is the most easterly one in Iceland, has a strong fjord connection, meaning the people/or the settlement of the fjords. Of the municipality s six villages the most populous one, is Neskaupstaour, with about 1,400 residents. The attractions are a combination of landscape, history and easy going attitude towards life. Eyoibyggoir (abandoned settlements), between Eskifjorour and Neskaupstaour, is the hiker s utopia, and those unable to take long walks can sail there on a cabin cruiser. There are innumerable walking trails through the magnificent landscape of this area, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. Free access to the local swimming pool and hot tubs, as to the public buses and into the local museums.
Requirements:
No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition. 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. Volunteers need to be prepared for working and walking in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves.
Since 2007 SEEDS has been working with an organisation devoted to the re-vegetation of eroded soils in the south-west of Iceland. The aim is to stop the downward spiral of erosion and to strengthen the ecosystem by enhancing its natural vegetation. SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of work depending on host needs each time: a) Revegetation and erosion control using organic materials, b) Tree planting, c) Removal of old fences and d) Monitoring the survival and growth of tree plantations of former years. These tasks will be performed at several different locations in the South-west of the country. By using organic waste materials for fertilizing we aim for a double environmental gain. The soils, impoverished of plant nutrients, are enriched while the amount of materials in need for a treatment as waste is decreased. The materials used are mostly horse manure, yard and gardening waste, fertilizing meal and compost. The usage will depend on the availability of each one of them at the time of the camp. The south-west is part of the volcanic belt of Iceland, with vast lava fields and erodible volcanic soils. Additionally, the area has suffered from overgrazing of sheep for a long time. Consequently the ecological condition is rather poor and some areas have completely lost their top soil. Materials like horse manure, garden waste and the likes are the best revegetation means available. The results so far can already be seen at a number of sites with great contribution from SEEDS volunteers.The work is physical and can be very demanding but also rewarding. Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so be prepared for all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm/winter clothing since the work will take place outdoors and it can get very cold.
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will be lodged in a school building with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik s neighbouring towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, please bring a sleeping bag. There is a shower in the school and volunteers will also have free access to the local geothermal swimming pool..Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional food or drinks from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The work will take place in the vicinity of Reykjavik, and the groups will touch upon more than one project in different places. The main emphasis will be on erosion control in ten different sites in the south west of Iceland, mostly in and around the Reykjanes peninsula. The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields allow little vegetation. There are numerous hot and sulphur springs, around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krisuvik geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its hiking trails that zigzag through the region with colourful landscapes. Amazing ocean cliffs are nested by numerous bird species, often a wonderful spot for bird and whale watching. Another great asset of the peninsula is the Blue Lagoon, a pool using the hot and mineralized water coming down from the geothermal power station.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back (on the first and last day), as the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula excursions (1 full day-trip each), we will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, the National Park of Thingvellir and much more. Other excursions can be arranged in the free days for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.
For the first time, SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to assist with a local fair in the Westfjords of Iceland. Our host is the local municipality of Kaldrananeshrepp in the Westfjords of Iceland and it is one of the less populated municipalities of the country. The village of Drangsnes, which is the main town, has less than 80 inhabitants and the locals appreciate the support of SEEDS volunteers when the village gets busy with the visitors of the festival.Drangsnes (as part of the Westfjords) is a fishing village where the fishing industry occupies a key position. The town s fair theme is the sea, there will be a competition in fishing along the pier, an exhibition related to the life and work on the sea, seafood tasting and other sea related games and entertainment.Volunteers will be involved in preparing the fair and assist during it. Volunteers will support prepare the areas, putting up signs, cleaning the town s green areas and other related tasks. During the fair, volunteers will help with numerous of tasks, guarding, picking up garbage and other related tasks. Volunteers will play a big role in making it possible for this event to take place.
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will stay in a school house equipped with kitchen; sleeping on mattresses in sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have free access to natural hot tubs close to the school. Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional food or drinks from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The Westfjords are one of the most breath takingly beautiful places in Iceland, with its high mountains of extreme beauty and dramatic fjords cutting deep into the landscape.The project is located in the Kaldrananeshreppur municipality in a small town called Drangsnes. The municipality is in the district of Strandasysla, it covers the easternmost part of the Westfjords. The sagas say that the Westfjords were nearly separated from Iceland by three relentless trolls, furiously digging the Westfjords away from the mainland. One troll woman, called Kerling, competing against her conspirators realized that her task would not be accomplished and slammed her shovel down in a rage, breaking off a chunk of land, thus forming Grimsey, on Steingrimsfjordur bay. Though the trolls were unsuccessful in breaking off the Westfjords, the choppy coastline at the far end of Steingrimsfjorour bears marks of the troll woman s handiwork. Her grim profile, transformed into stone by the first rays of sunlight and now watches over Grimsey. Drangsnes, is a small fishing village in Kaldrananeshreppur municipality. The village got its name from a tall rock (Drangur) named Kerling which according to the story is one of the three trolls who tried to separate the Westfjords from the rest of Iceland.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 350(Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic kronas and it includes the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp location and back (on the first and last day of the camp) .Departure time will be at 9:00 (9:00 am) in the morning of July 16 from the meeting point in Reykjavik.The hosts will organise some free-time activities for the volunteers depending on the weather. Please bring warm clothes and outdoor wear as the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable.
SEEDS volunteers will be doing general park maintenance and assisting the horticultural staff attending the collection of perennials, alpines, trees and shrubs in the garden. The garden organizes guided tours and events throughout the summer and some groups of volunteers will assist in the preparation and practical work related to these events. These special events are all related to the general aim and work of the garden and some of them are carried out with a short notice. 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 - 15:30, so volunteers have to be motivated to join early in the morning, but they will have more free time in the afternoon.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house, in a beautiful setting in the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavik, which are located about 4 kilometres from the centre of the city. Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms/dorms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please note that volunteers from other projects will also be staying in the same house.Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources such as geothermal power. About two thirds of the population of Iceland live in Reykjavik including the metropolitan area, or over 200,000 people. 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 Ocean on almost all sides. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again. Visitors experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland s capital, whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife. In the area closer than 100 km from Reykjavik, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic kronas and it includes the transportation from the meeting point to the camp location (on the first and last day of the camp), and the Golden Circle excursion. Meeting point will be in Reykjavik in the late afternoon (17:00 or 18:00) on the first day of the camp. Other excursions (South Shore, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares. Participants in this camp will have a free pass to access one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, situated within walking distance from the camp s accommodation. Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats as part of the project takes place outside.
SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work in the hot spring capital of the world, Hverageroi, volunteering for the municipality. The town is built above a hot-spring field, and derives its name from the Icelandic word for hot spring: hver.Volunteers will mainly be working in the town of Hverageroi and the neighbouring surroundings. The main tasks include pulling and removing weeds and applying preservation on wood. Volunteers will also do some work in a forested area in the municipality, such as making walking paths. Other tasks might be cleaning up and light maintenance in the public recreational areas of the township.The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so be prepared for all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm winter clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors and it can get cold also in the evenings.Around this time of the summer solstice, the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The nights are magical and staying up enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will be staying in a local house/school with access to kitchen and bathrooms and will sleep on mattresses on the floor. Shower facilities in the building are basic but the participants will have access to the local swimming pool. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening in the camp.
Location & leisure:
Hverageroi is a South-Iceland town renowned for greenhouse gardening and its geothermal springs. It is located 45 Km from Reykjavik, and may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland expand in and around Hverageroi, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town. The surroundings are a paradise for outdoor activities. To the north of town is one of the country s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen from far. Hiking trails stretch from town through Elfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area, all the way to Nesjavellir and Singvellir National Park. Along the way are warm springs where bathing is possible.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 320 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The fee includes the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back (on the first and last day of the camp) and includes the Golden circle excursion, which includes the magnificent Gullfoss - Iceland s most famous waterfall, Geysir -the first geyser known to modern Europeans-, and Singvellir National Park -a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.The host will provide SEEDS volunteers with access to the local swimming pool. There are also innumerable walking trails in the area that SEEDS volunteers will be able to explore in their free time.Other excursions can be arranged in the free days for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares (for example South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula).
SEEDS volunteers will be doing environmental work in the Fjaroabyggo district in the East fjords of Iceland, supporting the environmental department of the towns. Our host is the local municipality and in cooperation with them, we will work in different protected areas, country parks or nature reserves.The main duties will be to remove and stop the spread of invasive species as lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) and wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) from/around the protected areas. The lupine plant (originally from Alaska) is/was used to control soil erosion and revegetate eroded areas. In some parts of Iceland, lupine has spread to a greater extent than desired, endangering native plant species; so it must be removed from certain areas.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local house in the municipality. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.The house is equipped with a kitchen. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. There is no shower in the house, but we will have free access to showers in the local swimming pool.Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The project takes place in the municipality of Fjaroabyggo, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by magnificent mountains, picturesque fjords and the sea. Fjaroabyggo is comprised of six fjords, Mjoifjorour, Eskifjorour, Reyoarfjorour, Norofjorour, Faskruosfjorour and Stoovafjorour. The name of the municipality, which is the most easterly one in Iceland, has a strong fjord connection, meaning the people/or the settlement of the fjords. Of the municipality s six villages the most populous one, is Neskaupstaour, with about 1,400 residents. The attractions are a combination of landscape, history and easy going attitude towards life. Free access to the local swimming pool and hot tubs, as to the public buses and into the local museums.
Requirements:
The work can be physically demanding and might require a good physical condition. No previous experience is needed. 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. Volunteers need to be prepared for working and walking in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves. The working sites are 5 to 7 Kilometers away from urban areas and we usually leave in the morning for the working sites and return in the afternoon. We will unroot or cut the plants, both manually and also with the help of tools and machines. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee; however, please be prepared for some flexibility due to the nature of Iceland s changeable weather.
This is a unique, demanding and rewarding opportunity for volunteers to gain new skills and ecological perspectives through working and living closely to the land. This project is organised with our hosts located in the Westfjords of Iceland, working in the municipality of Vesturbyggo and in the area of Latrabjarg: The cliffs of all cliffs , which is the westernmost point of Iceland.The main project activity is restoration of cairns in an area in the south of the Icelandic Westfjords, the westernmost part of Europe. Cairns are piles of carefully constructed rock that have historically been used to help people find their way in difficult weather conditions on mountainous walking routes. The cairns to be restored are situated in high and harsh land. A trained wilderness guide and another leader will be working with the group to ensure quality of craftsmanship and to ensure everyone s safety.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will predominantly be camping near Latrabjarg in the Westfjords. Other wild camping sites may also be used, meaning you may be away from modern amenities for a number of days. Food will be supplied and volunteers will help cook and clean in camp. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening. Tents will be provided.
Location & leisure:
The project is situated in the Westfjords, which is a distinct region that very few travellers to Iceland visit. The landscape is a mixture of sea-cliffs, huge beaches, many rivers, vegetated valleys, snowy/rocky mountains and moss-covered hill sides. The Camping site is situated in remote locations. The nature in the area is untouched and almost uninhabited. The cliffs and valleys are packed with birds, the uninhabited fjords offer a moment of silence and tranquillity, and the Arctic fox proudly roams the mountains and inlets. The waterfalls are high and the streams pure. Latrabjarg, is a promontory and it is the westernmost point in Iceland (and Europe if Greenland and the Azores are not counted). The lines of cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is vital for their survival as it hosts up to 40 of the world population for some species e.g. the Razorbill. It is Europe s largest bird cliff, 14km long and up to 440m high.Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available. There is also a programme of group activities volunteers will be offered.
Requirements:
English will be the official language in the camp and a good conversational level is required.Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.Volunteers need to be prepared for physical demanding work, working and camping in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Bring warm winter clothes as the project takes place outside and it can get very cold. Please bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking boots, a good sleeping bag, sleeping mat and gloves.There is an application process for those wishing to join. To apply, please submit CV/Resume and motivation letter, stating your relevant experience and reasons for wanting to join.Age: 18
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