H2O - Association of Youngsters from Arrouquelas has as its main goals the development of the youngsters through the promotion of pedagogic projects with either a local, regional or international focus. H2O has its foundational principles in the non-formal education, creativity, innovation and irreverence, such common characteristics of the youth, promoting in this manner the concepts of citizenship, democracy and social awareness. H2O's strategy is based on the work of its associates, all young volunteers, using group dynamics to promote peer communication and competence acquisition having as a task the social, cultural and educational development of its community and their youngsters. We value teamwork, with a responsible attitude, openness to innovation, with no dogmas or preconceived ideas, respect for cultural diversity and fostering an European consciousness. http://www.h2o.pt
Work:
The aim of the camp is to restore the 5 fountains of Arrouquelas, small village with 800 habitants, cultural and historical marks in our community, as well as its pedestrian access roads. The participants will produce road signs indicating the path to each fountain; repair the pedestrian roads that lead to each fountain, or open new roads, if needed; Produce tablets with relevant historical content related to each fountain, such as dates of construction, dates or reconstruction, historical facts, the peoples that used each fountain, creating a compendium of the historical importance that the fountains have had and is nearly lost; Restore the abandoned fountains and damaged parts of the ones that are still active.
Leisure:
Outside of the working period, the participants will be able to visit nearby cities, learn about Portugal, its history, habits, culture and language. We will provide entertaining activities that will keep all participants motivated in this project. However, the project will not focus only in the restore of the 5 fountains, but also in manufactures' workshops (with natural resources , such as cork - through the involvement of intergeneration relations from Arrouquelas citizens with the participants) and work on the grapes farms (in this way, the participants will learn all the process of the win's development) The last goal is the evaluation, all the participants have to make a presentation about the day , that will include all the positive and negative aspects of the activities.
Accommodation/Food:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided to all participants during the project - but the dinner will be prepared each night by a group of participants , with the objective of creating intercultural night (the ingredients will be provided by H2O). The participants will be living in tends or one big house for all inside of the village.
Location:
Arrouquelas, a small town near Rio Maior.
Meeting point:
The Participants can reach Lisbon by plane or train and then shall take a bus to Rodoviária do Tejo, Rio Maior. Arrival and departure dates and time shall be communicated to H2O so that we can be prepared to pick up the participants when they arrive and take them to the bus when they leave.
The main aims of Associação Espeleológica de Óbidos (Óbidos Speleology Association) are to endorse the contact between cultures and cultural growth, with aid of the natural resources of our region; provide a diversity of activities which our region in known for; exchange gastronomic habits and traditions; Provide the learning of some speleology techniques; highlight the importance of voluntary assignments in a community; preserve and maintenance of local historic patrimony. Its main main activities are Speleology, Canoeing, Paintball, All Terrain Cycling, Rope activities and Archaeology. aeobidos@gmail.pt
Project and work:
The Óbidos for Everyone work camp comprehends several aims, such as, to endorse intercultural learning trough the interaction of volunteers from different countries, providing debate moments to measure the value of voluntary work on a community’s appraisement. Foment cultural enrichment with visits to our region’s highlight locations (Castle of Óbidos, one of the seven wonders of Portugal, monasteries, forts, the natural reserve of the Island of Berlenga, rich in species of sea birds and it’s wonderful landscape, among others).
In this camp, the work of the participants will consist on preserve and maintenance of our local historic patrimony and flora, learn and utilize the whitewash painting technique on Óbidos village infrastructures and some speleology proceedings to vertical ascend and descend.
Leisure:
In their times of leisure, the campers will have the opportunity to enjoy activities our coast zone is known for, as well as one of the best to the practice of Surf and Body board at Baleal and other outdoor experiences. At some dinners, the exchange of gastronomic habits and traditions will be promoted with thematic meals.
Accommodation:
In a sports hall.
Food:
breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.
Location:
Óbidos, Leiria district.
Meeting point:
5 August at 16:00h at the Entrance Door to the Village of Óbidos.
« 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! »
