The project that now lies ahead is part of offering experiences that allow for transformation and wellness. The volunteers will help create an Icelandic style Sweat Lodge, a traditional style turf and rock building that people sit within and experience the heat from rocks (heated on fire) and steam as water is poured on those rocks.No previous experience is needed but some carpentry skills or experience on earth work to create the rock and turf walls may be helpful. In any case there will be a chief carpenter and team leader. This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers with passion, interest and stamina to be a part of the development of this unique centre and to get to know the ideology behind it. The project is mostly using natural materials or reusing/repurposing old ones to build up the centre and to beautify the surrounding environment.SEEDS volunteers may also help to beautify the surroundings of the farm by landscaping, laying turf, picking up trash and working on paths to protect the area from unnecessary passage and harm. Volunteers might also do some renovation tasks, such as painting. Volunteers need motivation to work outdoors in changeable weather conditions. As most of the project happens outdoors, volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities (as) planned.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms or in the repurposed buses. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions in the shared accommodation. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural 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:
The old farm in Kjalarnes is located about 30 minutes away from the capital Reykjavik with all its attractions. From the location you can walk to the beach or up the mountain, go horseback riding, find Hot Springs, Lava fields, waterfalls and Singvellir, one of our finest National parks lies within an hour drive. Mosfellsbaer, the nearest town, has an excellent thermal pool with a sauna, gym and jacuzzi hot tubs, a golf course, craft shops and food shops.
Requirements:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. Some excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore, Reykjanes, the Hot RiverHike or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares if there is additional free time after the camp work or during the weekends. It may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.
You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and stunning natural attractions in the Golden Circle or other excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing. Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact.The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the surroundings is a unique experience.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural 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 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. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.
Requirements:
English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the visits available and the Golden Circle excursion. Other excursions (e.g. to the South Shore, Vesturland, Geldingadal volcano, Reykjanes and/or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.
The forestry project starting in the summer of 2022 is very important for biodiversity and wind-shelter. The main tasks will include tree-planting, putting up fences for tree protection and doing other outdoor tasks that will be needed around the building of infrastructure in the farm. 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.This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers with passion, interest and stamina to be a part of the development of this unique farm and to get to know the ideology behind it.
Accomodation & food:
SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house at the farm. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The host will arrange all meals and the volunteers will take shifts assisting in the kitchen. It is important that volunteers keep in mind to keep all common areas clean.The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions in the shared accommodation. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural 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:
The farm is located in Svarfaoardalur, a large and beautiful valley that is part of the Dalvikurbyggo municipality. The camp location is 3 km away from the village of Dalvik , which has a nice swimming pool and a different variety of services, and 40 km to the town of Akureyri the capital of northern Iceland . Svarfaoardalur is a wide, fertile and populated valley, dotted with quintessential farmsteads, gurgling streams and surrounded by a ring of spectacular mountain peaks. The highest mountain in the area is Dijafjallshnjukur, its summit measuring 1445m. The Svarfaoardalur Nature Reserve, Iceland s oldest wetland protection area, spans out across the valley s lower marshlands. Covering almost 8 square kilometers, this area is famous as a nesting ground for a wide variety of bird species.
Requirements:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. Weather is unpredictable, there can be warm and sunny days but it can also be cold and/or rainy, so be prepared for all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing 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.
« 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! »
