Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) "environmental" projects in Iceland

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 some of these events. The group of volunteers will be able to join them. 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 - 15:00, except on Friday when work finishes at 12:00 as a part of an ongoing research into shortening the working week. Volunteers have to be motivated to join early in the morning, but in compensation they will have more free time in the afternoon. Lunch will be ordered on working days and shared with the local staff.No previous experience is necessary. 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.

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 and/or drinks from your home country for the international evening.

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. 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. Closer than 100 km from Reykjavik, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit. Other excursions (South Shore, Hot River hike, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends. 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.

Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros), which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee 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. English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

Vioey is a popular destination during the summer among Icelandic and foreign visitors. Volunteers will help prepare the island for the autumn/winter season. Volunteers will beautify the surroundings by cleaning up the area, especially along the coastline, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind or brought by the sea to the shores and surroundings.SEEDS volunteers may carry out some gardening activities as well and possibly make and maintain walking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit the area without damaging it and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Depending on the advance of the project and weather conditions, volunteers may have other possible tasks such as checking up and repairing garden furniture.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.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 kinds of weather as it can get cold and rainy. Bring warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) walking shoes/boots as the activities take place outside.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 will be lodged in a local house on Vioey Island, in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.The house has an equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

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 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 artwork, amongst them all nine pairs of basalt pillars that comprise Richard Serra s work Afangar 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.Other excursions (South Shore, Hot River hike, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends. SEEDS is not a travel agency, we do not have guides and these trips are organized for volunteers to have the chance to travel together and to support SEEDS fundraising. Subject to availability and number of participants.

Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros) which can be transferred in advance or paid for on arrival. This fee includes the transportation from the meeting point to the camp location (on the first day of the camp), the Golden Circle excursion and a whale watching trip worth around EUR 200 with tour operators. We will have free rides in the boat/ferry to the city of Reykjavik during the free time and this is subject to its schedule.

18-90

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal opportunities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day included also in this camp is one of the below options:A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. A day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.Furthermore, participants may be able to visit the recycling centre SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. The mentioned activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to prepare and share about environmental issues from their home countries with the group. No previous experience is needed, participants should be ready to spend time outdoors, walk medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, 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.

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. We will receive food supplies and you will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening.

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. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore, Reykjanes and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp. Weather may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and waterproof clothes.

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

18-99

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

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 some of these events. The group of volunteers will be able to join them. 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 - 15:00, except on Friday when work finishes at 12:00 as a part of an ongoing research into shortening the working week. Volunteers have to be motivated to join early in the morning, but in compensation they will have more free time in the afternoon. Lunch will be ordered on working days and shared with the local staff.No previous experience is necessary. 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.

ACCOMMODATIONSEEDS 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 and/or drinks from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATIONReykjavik 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. 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. Closer than 100 km from Reykjavik, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit. Other excursions (South Shore, Hot River hike, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends. 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.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros), which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee 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.LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)

The main task will be maintaining a hiking path in an area called Srihnukagigur or Three Peaks Crater, which is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4000 years ago. Other tasks may be to mark and control areas where the visitors are not allowed to walk in order to protect the surroundings of unnecessary passage and harm. Sports associations who run some of the skiing lodges might also need some maintenance, such as painting and trash hunts are often organized to clean-up the surrounding area.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive but always rewarding. 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. The working plan will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm winter clothes, under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains; in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

The project takes place in the Blue Mountain Range area, which is located about 30 km from Reykjavik. The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it can still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically.Other excursions may be arranged in the free days or after working hours for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares (for example Golden Circle, South Shore, Reykjanes or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hot River Hike, etc.).

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day) and the group will also have a chance to explore the heart of a volcano, the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

18-90

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal opportunities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day included also in this camp is one of the below options:A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. A day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.Furthermore, participants may be able to visit the recycling centre SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. The mentioned activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to prepare and share about environmental issues from their home countries with the group. No previous experience is needed, participants should be ready to spend time outdoors, walk medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, 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.

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. We will receive food supplies and you will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening.

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. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore, Reykjanes and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp. Weather may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and waterproof clothes.

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

18-99

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

Volunteers will support the locals in removing the trash left by visitors and helping restore the land damaged by off-road driving. Volunteers will also help with repairing an old turf building, restoring it to its previous form and making it look similar to several other turf buildings in the surroundings. Additional work may be fixing and maintaining walking paths and making a new trail. Well maintained paths enable people to visit the area without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.Please note that the work in this camp can be very physically demanding (such as turfing) and volunteers need to be in good shape and ready to work hard. 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. The weather conditions are unpredictable and the temperature in the highlands can drop below zero in the nights. Bring warm clothing since the work takes place outdoors.

Volunteers will be lodged in a house at one of the farms, sleeping in shared rooms with beds, please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and be in charge of cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food or drinks from your country for the international evening.

The camp is located in the highlands of Iceland, in the highest inhabited place in the country at 469 meters above sea level. The location is in the North-Eastern part of the country and in the vicinity of the largest national park in Europe - Vatnajokull National Park. Mount Heroubreio, the queen of Icelandic mountains is located in the area. It is situated in the east side of the Odaoahraun desert and close to Askja volcano. The desert is a large lava field originating from eruptions of volcanoes in the area. The Vatnajokull Park is unique; one can find glaciers, volcanic activity, glacier bursts, eruptions and geothermal heat plus an extremely rare landscape. The area is around 12.000 Km2 and is expected to be expanded in the next years. Under the ice-cap, the glacier hides seven volcanoes and most of them are active. Vatnajokull covers about 8 of the country, and is about 1000 m wide at its thickest point.

Participation fee EUR 280 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way. This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.Volunteers should be motivated to experience life in a very isolated part of Iceland. Participants should bring good walking sturdy shoes and warm working clothes. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves.

18-90

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English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

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 some of these events. The group of volunteers will be able to join them. 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 - 15:00, except on Friday when work finishes at 12:00 as a part of an ongoing research into shortening the working week. Volunteers have to be motivated to join early in the morning, but in compensation they will have more free time in the afternoon. Lunch will be ordered on working days and shared with the local staff.No previous experience is necessary. 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.

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 and/or drinks from your home country for the international evening.

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. 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. Closer than 100 km from Reykjavik, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros), which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee 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.

20-99

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available