The work will be manual and will be done in the estate which is devastated to a great extent. Firstly, you will prepare exhibits for the museum: mechanic cleaning of wood and/or metal parts with sandpaper or hand grinder, impregnation with a product against woodworms and final treatment with wax or paint. Secondly, you will do preparative building tasks: removing building material, demolition of minor constructions, digging, cleaning bricks, etc. You will work with a cart, a shovel and a hammer. Bring old working clothes. For 1-2 days local volunteers will probably join us during the working hours.
Accomodation & food:
In the premises of the estate that are newly renovated i sleeping in two rooms on beds. It is necessary to bring your own sleeping bags. Common room with kitchen, a shower and a toilet will be available. You can also use the terrace and the courtyard. You will cook meals on your own; some meals will be provided by the local partner.
Location & leisure:
Borotin i the area of the Baroque Manor. Borotin has 675 inhabitants. The estate is composed of 10 buildings; two of them and the terrace are already reconstructed. During the workcamp, a refreshment corner for tourists will operate and there will be many people (visitors of the castle) moving around. Nearby the estate, you can find a pond with a mill. In the surroundings there are meadows and woods. The nearest town is Tabor (35 000 inhabitants) and is located a half an hour drive by bus.Study part: A community evening focused on tasting international cuisine will be organized. The locals will prepare traditional Czech food for you to try. A trip to the historical city of Tabor (underground tunnels, Hussite museum, Old town) will be prepared, too. If you are interested, it s possible to organize a workshop on old Bohemian works and habits (e.g. treatment of goose feathers, making noodles). Bring some traditional recipes from your countries.Leisure time: There will be many possibilities how to spend your free time i e.g. a barbecue in a courtyard of the estate or at the ruin of the castle, playing games (badminton, archery, football etc.), having a rest on a terrace. In Borotin which is around 1.5 km away, there is a football pitch, a sports centre and a pub. You can pick mushrooms in the forest, visit a local goat farm, go for a trip to the nearby castles or visit a rope centre.
Requirements:
Workcamp is suitable for people who are interested in a renovation of historic monuments.
The work will be both manual and with kids. The first week you will help with renovation and maintenance tasks at the castle and in the surroundings. The second week will be focused on the preparation and running of activities for children. Groups of 10-20 children/youth will be coming to the castle from 10th to 14th July together with their youth leaders (children will not sleep at the castle and every day there can be different groups coming). When planning the program for kids, you will be encouraged to use the methodology of Football for development. On Saturday 15th July, a festival with football tournament will take place as a closing event of the Football for development tour 2017. You will help with the logistics - e.g. preparation of the football pitch, building tents, etc.
Accomodation & food:
In a cottage near the castle. There is a bigger room for sleeping upstairs and a common room with a fireplace downstairs. The accommodation is very basic Take a sleeping bag. The toilet and showers are in a container that is located in the courtyard. You can cook some meals for yourselves in a small kitchen and some meals (lunches) can be prepared by a cook. Bring your local recipes.
Location & leisure:
The castle ruin is situated in the tiny village of Hrebeny (79 inhabitants) in Western Bohemia. Hrebeny is part of the village Josefov (358 people). The closest bigger towns are Sokolov or Karlovy Vary. The castle ruin is from 12th century and the area has beautiful nature.Study part: You will have the opportunity to meet local community, mainly at the festival. During the second week, there will be the international team of Football for development ambassadors present at the castle. The ambassadors are young people from Kenya and different parts of the Czech Republic. In the informal part of the program, you can get in touch with all those people. Last but not least you will explore the non-formal education methodology of Football for development that is popular all over the world. More info http://www.fotbalprorozvoj.org/?lang=en.Leisure time: You can go hiking in the mountainous countryside, visit some of the famous spa-towns in the region, go canoeing or swimming, etc.
Requirements:
The workcamp is especially suitable for volunteers who are interested in education, working with children and renovation of cultural heritage. If you like sports it is also an advantage.
The organic farm is very dependent on manual work and it would be impossible to maintain the agricultural project without the voluntary work. Firstly, you will be helping on the organic farm - weeding, planting, digging up, harvesting, cleaning, storing, watering, treating of herbs, etc. The work is done outdoors and is usually physically demanding. Secondly, the house and its surroundings are still being renovated so some minor construction and renovation works can be done depending on current needs. Bring good working clothes, solid shoes, a hat and a raincoat.
Accomodation & food:
In 1 attic room on mattresses. Bring a sleeping bag A common room, 2 showers with hot water and 2 toilets are available. Products for cooking will be provided and will include bio vegetables from the farm (vegetarian diet is possible). You will prepare breakfasts and dinners on your own, lunches will be shared with all the members of the community.
Location & leisure:
Ceske Kopisty i a small village near the historical town of Litomerice. The farm is working on 11 ha of fields; there is a garden and a yard with a couple of animals (cow, horse, hens, ducks, pigs). The area is quite vast i there are 3 houses for living, workshops and a common hall. There are 6 adults, 6 children and 8 people with special needs living there. You might meet around 20 other external co-workers.Study part: Lectures about the Camphill movement, Steiners anthroposophy, living in a community, biodynamic agriculture, about Czech and other cultures. It will be also possible to organize workshops such as making beeswax candles, eurythmy and intuitive pedagogy. If you are interested in organizing international evening to exchange about each other s cuisines and nationalities, there will be space for it. Bring your favourite recipes and some specific ingredients.Leisure time: Barbecue with the members of the community, playing football and visiting the local pub, swimming in the river, visiting the nearby Terezin Memorial at the location of the former concentration camp for Jews i the Terezin Ghetto, going for trips to the nature protected area of Ceske Stredohori (cities of Litomerice, Usti nad Labem, castles, nature).
Requirements:
The workcamp is suitable for people who are interested in farming and learning about the community. As you will stay in the place for people with mental disabilities, there are certain rules: smoking and consumption of alcohol within the community area are restricted and it is necessary to respect the privacy and night rest of the inhabitants. Be aware that some inhabitants don t speak English.
Volunteers will take part in two types of activities: maintenance and educational. Maintenance activities at the Bees Education Centre include cleaning and maintenance of exhibits in the museum, painting of rooms or fences, reparations, gardening. The biggest part will be the educational activities. Volunteers will help with the preparation and organization of the Youth Summer School of Beekeepers. They will teach English, organize competitions, and in general communicate with around 30 children aged 7-15 who are interested in the beekeeping topic.
Accomodation & food:
In 2 rooms (on beds or mattresses) at the firefighter s station (200 m away) with bathroom. Showers are in the sport area (5 min walking). Beds with mattresses will be provided. Bring a sleeping bag. Lunch will be provided but you will prepare your own breakfast and dinner. A kitchen is available at the Bees Centre. During the summer camp for kids, all the meals will be provided.
Location & leisure:
Chlebovice (800 inhabitants), Northern Moravia. The village itself is located 3km away from the city of Fridek-Mistek (60 000 inhabitants) and 25km from Ostrava (3rd biggest city in the country) which is known for its museums of hard industry and mining industry. The region is also famous for the Beskydy Mountains.Study part: Presentation of the activities of the Bees education centre, getting to know beekeeper s work (introduction to the acquisition of bee products and their impact on human health, work in colonies), excursion to the beekeeper s farm, excursion to the brewery, participation in the culture event in the village.Leisure time: Diverse free-time activities are planned that include trips, workshops and others. Volunteers can make a trip to Pustevny (mountains), observation tower Panorama, Hukvaldy Castle, go to the Tarzanie outdoor centre. There is a possibility to use the local sport area.
Requirements:
The project is suitable for people who are interested in the topic of bees and who enjoy activities with children. In the project ground there are beehives located so the workcamp is not suitable for volunteers that are allergic to a bee sting.
The nature of your work depends on what is actually needed to do according to castle revitalisation plan. This includes cutting grass and wood, removing of invasive vegetation such as nettles surrounding the castle (sometimes on a very steep slope), some basic renovation and maintenance tasks (painting, cleaning inside the castle, etc.) The work is manual and physically demanding. Volunteers will need working clothes that can get dirty or damaged and good solid shoes. It s also good to have long pants since nettles sting.
Accomodation & food:
You will sleep directly at the castle in one big room in bunk beds. Therefore you need to bring your own sleeping bag. There is a toilet and a shower with hot water. Next to the bedroom there is a small kitchen where you will prepare the meals by yourselves. A common room is also available. There is a fireplace outside in the backyard of the castle where you can have barbecue.
Location & leisure:
Castle Grabstejn in the village of Chotyne (860 people) in Northern Bohemia. The nearest town is Hradek nad Nisou (about 7500 people) which is connected with Chotyne by public transport. The area is has a beautiful mountainous countryside which is perfect for hiking.Study part: Learn more about the castle, the park and meet local castle staff. You will have a chance to take part in an evening culture program organized for visitors (such as Night guided tour with historical characters). There will be an opportunity to organize a community dinner. Please bring recipes for your favourite meals and some pictures, music or clothes from your country/region of origin.Leisure time: You can go hiking in the beautiful hilly countryside surrounding the castle and climb a famous mountain Jested (1012 m) with a hotel on the top representing typical socialist architecture. The nearest city is Liberec with a zoo and a botanical garden. It is possible to visit a regional brewery and many other interesting sights, go swimming, visit a Cynology centre. Please bring some games and musical instruments.
Requirements:
This camp is especially suitable for volunteers who like gardening and want to discover closely the castle.
The work in agriculture is done outdoors and is physically demanding for beginners but is beautiful, makes you stronger and healthier. Some jobs will be also less demanding. The tasks will include: cleansing of a bio potato field (weeding, removing potato beetles); making hay; cutting wood from the forest, collecting herbs in meadows; painting and building fences in the garden, removing muck from stables; repairing fences and shelters for animals. It is necessary to bring sun protection (light clothing, a hat) as well as waterproof, fully enclosed shoes and a raincoat.
Accomodation & food:
The work in agriculture is done outdoors and is physically demanding for beginners but is beautiful, makes you stronger and healthier. Some jobs will be also less demanding. The tasks will include: cleansing of a bio potato field (weeding, removing potato beetles); making hay; cutting wood from the forest, collecting herbs in meadows; painting and building fences in the garden, removing muck from stables; repairing fences and shelters for animals. It is necessary to bring sun protection (light clothing, a hat) as well as waterproof, fully enclosed shoes and a raincoat.
Location & leisure:
Nova Ves nad Popelkou (650 inhabitants) i Social Therapeutic Centre Tabor. It is located on the edge of Nature Protected area Bohemian Paradise. A nearby town of Lomnice nad Popelkou is about 4km far away. The historical town of Ji269;in is 20km away.Study part: Workshops on biodynamic agriculture and crafts (working with wool and wood, baking bread and traditional Czech cakes, production of homemade jams); excursion to a geologist i workshop on the processing of gems. It will be also possible to organize an international afternoon for local children and an evening with Czech folk music and dancing together with the neighbours. If you play any instrument, bring it with youLeisure time: It will be up to you i there are many options: e.g. visit to the music festival Cultural Summer of Lomnice; trips around - both on foot and by train (Tabor observation tower, ruins of Kumburk and Bradlec, Bohemian Paradise rock town - all-day trip), swimming, playing games, having a campfire, visiting local beekeeper and other craftsmen (wooden toys and musical instruments, home-made cosmetics).
Requirements:
The workcamp is especially suitable for those who are interested in ecological agriculture and crafts. The premises of the Centre Tabor (both house and garden) are non-smoking, we also do not drink alcohol here. Three people are permanently living in the house. Information for allergic persons: you can meet cats, pollen and hay.
The work will be manual and sometimes demanding, it will take place at several locations. In Skalka u Doks you will for example: help with the reconstruction of the house and cleaning, take care of permaculture garden and maintain public areas (cleaning of a path and other tasks given by municipality). In the nearby village Bo345;ejov you will: clean the church, help with preparation of Sunday pilgrim mass, clean the cemetery surrounding the church, esp. the abandoned graves of the ancestors of the inhabitants displaced after WWII and renovate a wall. In the meadows with protected flora you will rake grass to keep biodiversity. Bring solid work shoes, clothes that can get dirty and a raincoat. Different work tasks will depend on current needs and weather.
Accomodation & food:
In the main building of the homestead that is under reconstruction so the conditions are basic. Sleeping on mattresses, you must bring your own sleeping bag. There is a shower with hot water, washbasin, toilet and an equipped kitchen. You will prepare your own meals; you are invited to share your national cuisine. Bring simple recipes from home. It s also possible to use outdoor fireplace.
Location & leisure:
Little village Skalka u Doks (170 inhabitants) and neighbourhood. The village is located in a Protected Landscape Area near the Macha Lake which is a popular tourist attraction. If we work at more distant places, we will take you there by car.Study part: Getting to know the history of the region via old photos, movie night ( outdoor cinema ), Pilgrim Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday 23/7 in the Church of Bo345;ejov (which we will have been cleaning the week before), meeting local permaculture community farming in harmony with nature i it will be possible to spend one day with them and take part in their daily program (work activities, discovering their lifestyle).Leisure time: Bathing on the beaches of Macha Lake, evening activities on the beaches and in the town Doksy, visiting castle Houska and Bezdez, meditative walks in nature, mushroom and blueberry picking, barbecue, closing event at a fisherman s hut on the banks of the Macha Lake with a steamboat sunset cruise. There will be 2 free Saturdays for a one-day trip.
Requirements:
For curious people open to others or for those who want to be like this. Interest in traditional spirituality and history appreciated. Information for allergic people i there are 2 big dogs living in the house.
The work will be manual and outdoor. The tasks will include reparation of fences for animals and gardens, maintenance of traditional houses and parts of play structures for children, general maintenance of the surrounding area, decorating. These tasks will vary according to the current needs. For the event Ethnosalas (the last Sunday of the camp), you will help with organization and will prepare activities for the local kids. If the weather conditions allow, you will also collect herbs in the surrounding meadows and in the nearby forest, herbs which will be used for the production of organic teas. Please note that the weather can be sometimes very hot and that you may have to work in the sun. Bring protective creams and a hat.
Accomodation & food:
In the attic of a house in the centre. Sleeping is on mattresses, there s a common room with a kitchen, 2 showers and toilets. Be prepared for basic living conditions as the house is very small. You will prepare your own meals, taking turns in the kitchen. The workplace is situated at 2 km from the accommodation so volunteers will bring food with them and have proper lunch/dinner after work.
Location & leisure:
Tvarozna Lhota (bus stop in the village, next train stop Straznice). The nearby bigger cities are Straznice (5 km distance) and Uherske Hradiste (30 km). The region is famous for its folk traditions and beautiful countryside.Study part: A guided tour along the nature-trail Oskeruse (traditional regional fruit), nature protection area Certoryje. Learn more about local products, organic farming, the history and natural potential of the region. Workshops on batik with traditional colours are planned. You can take part in some folkloric events that will be organized in the village and try on traditional folkloric dresses.Leisure time: Trips to various sights of the regional cities of Straznice, Skalice, trip to Bata canal, games and activities in the outdoor adventure park in the cottage Travicna and trips to the close-by countryside and sights; swimming in the lake.
Requirements:
We are looking for volunteers who like nature, are ready to spend a lot of time outdoors and don t mind walking (the accommodation is at 2 km from the work place). We also welcome people with good attitude to children as you will help to prepare activities for them.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
