The Environment & Sustainability learning camp allows participants to share and learn about global & local issues through theory and practice. If you are concerned, for example, about climate change, waste management, animal protection, sustainable solutions & other environmental topics then this project is for you. Local Icelandic environmental issues as well as issues from the participants’ countries will be addressed. Please note this project is a learning/sharing camp, in which everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience, and not a standard workcamp. The main focus of this camp is to learn about different aspects of environmental and sustainability issues through a selection of workshops, discussions and visits. Topics may include issues like renewable energy, food waste, and sustainable practices such as collaborative consumption or veganism. The over 2 million tourists coming to Iceland every year leave a mark on the country. This camp will help you to be an environmentally aware traveller & consumer. Participants also get the chance to visit local projects focused on the environment, such as a visit to a local recycling centre whereby a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained. The group will also visit a Geothermal power plant and have a guided tour of the facilities via interactive multimedia installations, wall displays and presentations to learn about Iceland‘s geothermal energy utilization. SEEDS participants may also get a chance to improve the local environment through hands-on volunteer activities. In most cases, the camp includes a day or two of voluntary service but in some cases it will not be possible, as the weather does not always allow activities to take place outdoors. This is a camp that combines learning, sharing, exploring Reykjavík, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about issues in their home country with the group of international participants. Participants should be ready to walk around the city for different activities, visits and sightseeing.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with showers, kitchen, washing machine and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Participants from other projects may also stay in the house for part of the time. We will receive food supplies and the group will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks and recipes from your home country for the international dinner.
LOCATION:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is more than pubs and clubs. It also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas & styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
TERMINAL:
Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day), as well as the visits to the Geothermal power plant, the recycling centre & the Golden Circle excursion.
Meeting time will be 18:
00 (6:00 pm) on April 11 at SEEDS Office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own. Some excursions (eg. South Shore or Reykjanes) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp. Weather may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as part of the project takes place outside.
This is the eight year in a row SEEDS offers projects in the Botanical Gardens in Reykjavík. The Botanic Garden is an outdoor collection of living plants, founded in 1961 and it celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2016. The garden’s main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. It conserves some 5000-plant species in eight plant collections. The collections 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 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.
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house, in a beautiful setting in the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavík, 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:
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. Reykjavík 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 Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.
TERMINAL:
Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic krónas 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 Reykjavík 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 opportunity to work on the historical island of Vioey for the 12th year in a row with our host, the city of Reykjavik. Vioey is a popular destination during the summer among Icelandic as well as foreign visitors. Volunteers will help prepare the environment for the busy season. Volunteers will beautify the surroundings by cleaning up the area, especially along the coastline. Volunteers will carry out some planting and other gardening activities as well and possibly make and maintain walking paths.Depending on the advance of the project, volunteers may have other possible tasks such as checking up and repairing garden furniture.The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable and the temperature in May can drop during the evenings. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors. Volunteers should have motivation to work outside and work in all different kinds of weather.
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will be lodged in a local house on Vioey Island, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house 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.Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.
Location & leisure:
Vioey or Wood Island is the largest (1,7 km) island in the Kollafjorour Bay, just outside Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The island is covered by many species of plants and at least 30 species of breeding birds have been counted here. Vioey was inhabited from soon after the settlement of Iceland already in the 10th century and at the beginning of the 20th century around 100 people lived there. Today the island is uninhabited.There is a regular boat connection between the island and the harbour of Reykjavik. The island is only a few hundred metres away from the city and the trip takes just about 10 minutes. This makes Vioey so special; it is a peaceful place, very close to the busy city life of the capital.There are hiking and cycling paths around the island and there is no motor traffic allowed. It also inhabits intriguing sculptural art work, amongst them all nine pairs of basalt pillars that comprise Richard s Serra s work fangar and Yoko Ono s Imagine peace column, a tower of light, which is supported by the widow of John Lennon. Other places of interest on Vioey are related to archaeological research, the village. At the eastern end of the island is the site of an abandoned fishing village and Vioeyjarnaust, at the southwest of the island, it is a memorial to the twenty men who lost their lives when the cutter Ingvar sank off Vioey in 1906. Dramatic formations of columnar basalt may be seen on the shore.
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.
The main task in hand is to maintain and rebuild a 1,2 km long old footpath within the forest. SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of tasks depending on the project and host needs each time: a) Fixing steps on the old footpath, b) Cutting tree branches, c) Vegetation from the path and d) Putting a new layer of wood chips on the footpath. The main tasks will be to maintain and repair existing hiking paths, build steps/stairs. Other tasks may be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near the trails. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the area and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. All work is done by hand with wheelbarrows and hand tools. The work can be 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 -changeable- weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the forest and of course on the weather conditions.Volunteers should be prepared for all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get very cold at this time of the year. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walki
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will be lodged in an old farmstead owned by the Icelandic Forest Service, which is located approximately 5 km from the forest. The house is the old garage at the farm which has been transformed into a summer house. There are beds for 7 people, a small kitchen, dining and a living room, WC and a shower. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, but please bring a sleeping bag. 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 forest Jafnaskarosskogur which is located 25 Km from Borgarnes and about 3 km from Bifrost. In the area there are many interesting places to visit, the waterfalls Glanni and Barnafossar, hiking trails and Husafell, a summer house area with a camp site, hot springs, glacier view, golf course and a swimming pool. West Iceland is famous for its Sagas, most of the Icelandic Sagas were written in West Iceland. Egils Saga, Sturlunga saga and Laxdaela are all stories of farmers, vikings and outlaws in Year 850-1000. In West Iceland you will also have a lot of stories of elves and trolls and folk tales. The area is very charming with a lot of history.
Requirements:
Age: 18LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.SEEDS organises the minibus option , a shared transport from Reykjavik to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 150 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 25 each way.
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.
In this project SEEDS volunteers will be mostly doing environmental construction and repair work in hiking trails and walking paths in the southernmost municipality of Iceland, based in Vík í Mýrdal. The main tasks will be to mark and repair hiking trails or walking paths around the town and in the mountains in the surrounding areas. SEEDS volunteers will help prepare different locations for the summer ahead. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. No previous experience of this work is necessary. 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 unforeseeable weather in Iceland. Additional tasks may be cleaning and beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash that has been blown by the wind or brought by the sea to the shores and surrounding areas. The work can be physically 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. Volunteers might also be asked to do other related tasks, depending on the weather .
ACCOMMODATION:
SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local house in the town of Vík. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor in shared 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:
The project takes place in the south of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and glaciers to the north and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Vík is Iceland's most southerly village. Mýrdalur is bordered by the glacial river Jökulsá to the west and the river Blautakvísl to the east. Its northern border is the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which caps the volcanic Mt. Katla, while its southern limits are the black sand beaches and the rolling Atlantic waves. The natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Just east of the village's outskirts lies one of Europe's biggest arctic tern breeding grounds. South of Vík is a beautiful beach which has its very own charm with the black sand and a dramatic coastline. A short hike within the close vicinity is sure to satisfy serious nature lovers & bird watchers. Vík and its surroundings is one of the main bird life areas in Iceland.
LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
TERMINAL & TRANSPORT:
Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps & back. Apart from being cheap and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites. Departure will be at 9:00 am of May 28. We return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon of June 11.
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Participation fee EUR 250. Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 45 each way, stopping at stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches on the way. The participation fee includes a glacier walk tour on Sólheimajökull glacier and a ride on a zip-line in Vík. Volunteers will also have access to the local swimming pool, sauna and hot tubs.
This is the eight year in a row SEEDS offers projects in the Botanical Gardens in Reykjavik. The Botanic Garden is an outdoor collection of living plants, founded in 1961 and it celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2016. The garden s main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. It conserves some 5000-plant species in eight plant collections. The collections 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 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.
« I appreciate that constructive criticism may be more useful to you than praise but I honestly have no gripes that I could possibly mention. I can only thank you for the experience that I really enjoyed and will undoubtedly follow-up in the coming year. »
