This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal activities 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, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the 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. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking 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 weather, we may not be able to do some of the activities planned.
Accomodation & food:
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. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening, please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.
Location & leisure:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. 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.Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm/winter and waterproof clothes. Some of the tasks or activities planned may be cancelled in case the weather is not good enough.
Requirements:
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 (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.
Age:
18-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available
In the Blue Mountains, the main tasks will be maintaining the slopes and preparing them for the next ski season. The city and a few sports associations run lodges and mountain huts there and they might also need some renovation jobs, such as painting and/or cleaning.The working plan is flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts. 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. The landscape is raw and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to experience isolated mountain areas. 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 and 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.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains and sleep in a sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers 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 country for the international evening.
Location & leisure:
The skiing areas of Blafjoll and Skalafell are both about 30 minutes drive away from the city. Blafjoll is south-west of the city and Skalafell is located to the east of Reykjavik. Both areas have great slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. Blafjoll has 16 lifts and Skalafell has 4 lifts. The sports area in Skalafell is situated between the elevations of 380 and 700 m.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.The locations of the camp are remote and isolated, even though still close to the city. Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Other excursions (Golden Circle, South Shore, Hot River hike or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends.
Requirements:
Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically. Even if it is summer, the weather can be cold or rainy. 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. English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.
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.
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 and/or drinks 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. 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.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 350 (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.
Age:
20-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available
The main task at hand is maintaining and repairing footpaths 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) removing 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 them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. All work is done by hand with wheelbarrows and hand tools. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind in the area and its surroundings. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. 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.
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, toilet facilities and a shower. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, but please bring a 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.
Location & leisure:
The work will take place in the forest Stalpastaoaskogur which is located about 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.This work camp takes place in a remote place, 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.
Requirements:
EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 250 (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 30 each way.
Age:
18-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available
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 of the efforts made so far can already be seen at a number of sites in the South-west of the country. Documentation is available and as can be seen, the role of SEEDS volunteers has been substantial.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive and demanding 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.Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors in sometimes isolated sites. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get rather cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. Keep in mind, our earth is getting warmer because of an overload of CO2 in the atmosphere. Also, green plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and capture it in biomass and soil. Revegetation is one of the most effective ways to fight off climate change, especially in a land so heavily eroded as Iceland.
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. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening. Organic waste will be used for compost by the hosting organization.
Location & leisure:
The work takes place in the vicinity of Reykjavik on different locations. 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, area marked by active volcanism under its surface with numerous hot and sulphur springs around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krisuvik geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its wide network of hiking trails through colourful landscapes, amazing ocean cliffs, bird and whale watching sites and the Blue Lagoon. 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 surroundings is a unique experience. Other excursions (like Reykjanes or Hot River hike) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time. Volunteers need to be prepared for physically demanding work. Bring warm and waterproof winter clothes as the project takes place outside and the weather can get very cold.
Requirements:
Participation fee is EUR 350 (Euros) which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp on the first day, the Golden Circle and a full day-trip that will be decided according to weather conditions (either Snaefellsnes peninsula or the South Shore).
Age:
18-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
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 activities 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, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the 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. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking 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 weather, we may not be able to do some of the activities planned.
Accomodation & food:
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. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening, please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.
Location & leisure:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. 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.Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm/winter and waterproof clothes. Some of the tasks or activities planned may be cancelled in case the weather is not good enough.
Requirements:
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 (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.
Age:
18-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available
The main task at hand is maintaining and repairing footpaths 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) removing 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 them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. All work is done by hand with wheelbarrows and hand tools. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind in the area and its surroundings. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. 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.
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, toilet facilities and a shower. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, but please bring a 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.
Location & leisure:
The work will take place in the forest Stalpastaoaskogur which is located about 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. This work camp takes place in a remote place, 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.
Requirements:
Participation fee EUR 250 (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 30 each way.
Age:
18-90
Location:
-
Language(s):
English
Airport:
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 activities 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, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the 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. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking 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 weather, we may not be able to do some of the activities planned.
Accomodation & food:
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. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening, please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.
Location & leisure:
Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. 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.Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp.
Requirements:
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 (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.
Age:
18-90
Location:
Reykjavk
Language(s):
English
Airport:
KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available
« The outside world did not interfere, because it seemed so distant, and so we spent our spare time getting to know each other and learning about each other countries', languages and cultures. Everyone was completely relaxed. This simply would not have been possible on any other type of holiday. VAP enabled me to have a truly memorable experience. »