INEX-SDA - Legambiente · 2014-05-15 · INEX-SDA SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN 2014 1. Sustainable development of rural areas SDA 101 Moravian countryside Spring 25.4 - 7.5 ENVI/RENO

INEX-SDA

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

CZECH REPUBLIC

2014

INEX-SDA VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN 2014

ABOUT INEX-SDA

INEX – Association of voluntary activities is a non-governmental not-for-profit organisation founded

in 1991 to carry out and support international voluntary work and intercultural education. We arrange

voluntary placements abroad for Czech volunteers and organise voluntary projects in our country for

incoming foreign volunteers. Annually we send nearly 800 volunteers abroad on long or short-term

projects and welcome 400 volunteers to the Czech Republic.

The mission of INEX-SDA is by organising international voluntary projects, educational programs

and campaigns to:

1. assist the development of a tolerant and open society and

2. encourage an active and responsible approach to the world around us both locally and globally

We create space in which especially (but not only) young people can gain new experience, expand

their skills and and develop their own views of the complexity of the world around them.

In various regions of the Czech Republic we organise voluntary projects and programs of social

integration, environmental education and rural development. The Prague office is focusing not only on

sending the volunteers abroad and coordination of voluntary projects in the Czech Republic but also

on development and intercultural education projects and campaigns (e.g. GLEN, Football for

Development, Volunteers’ Club within the project Young Europeans for Global Development). The

Brno office carries out mainly social programs for disadvantaged children and our offices in

Kostelecke Horky and Bile Karpaty work in environmental education and in supporting the revival

and maintenance of local traditions and crafts.

Values of INEX-SDA (principles we promote):

Volunteerism and using of own initiative

Direct experience and critical thinking

An understanding and respect of diversity

Responsibility and sustainable development

BASIC GENERAL INFORMATION FOR WORKCAMP PARTICIPANTS

Age limit: Minimum age is 18 years; if not stated differently, no maximum age limit

Duration of the projects: 10 - 19 days for short-term projects

Number of volunteers per project: 4 -15 for short-term projects

Project language: English

Working hours: Approximately 6 hours per day with 1-2 free days/week

Study part: According to the local possibilities excursions, discussions, workshops, guided tours or

public intercultural evenings are planned as part of each project. Thus INEX-SDA supports non-

formal (intercultural) learning in relation to the projects’ topics.

Insurance: INEX-SDA provides a very basic accident and liability insurance for the project

participants, covering the costs only for minor accidents and damages. INEX-SDA does not provide

any health insurance for the workcamp participants. We expect volunteers to arrange their own health

insurance and bring the necessary documents along with them. The volunteers cannot stay at the

workcamp without this insurance! We strongly advise volunteers to additionally arrange travel

insurance and bringing the necessary documents with them.

Other requirements:

No special knowledge or skills are required but enthusiasm and interest in the project is necessary. For

some projects we ask for a motivation letter, a certificate of good conduct and a medical declaration.

The motivation letter needs to be handed in with the application form. The certificate of good conduct

needs to be sent as a scan 4 weeks before the start of the project and brought by the volunteer to the

project. A form for the medical declaration will be sent to you after acceptance of the volunteer. Please

note the additional information in the project descriptions.

Camp leaders:

Our workcamps are led by one or two campleaders, who coordinate the everyday life in the group.

They co-operate with the local partners and facilitate decision-making in the group. Our camp leaders

are required to complete an intensive 3-day training especially designed for the camp leaders´ needs.

Reservations: Please note that your reservations finish on May 1st for all projects stating before July 1st and on June

1st for all project starting after July 1st. Do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries regarding

infosheets, official invitation letters for your volunteers, information about placement and camps, etc.

Alliance Access 4 All Campaign

We welcome volunteers with fewer opportunities at our workcamps. Placement to the right project

will be based on volunteers' needs and the mutual cooperation between all the parties involved. We

use A4A tools.

We especially recommend these workcamps:

SDA 103 Volunteering in Dysina 9.6. - 23.6 ENVI/FEST 7 + 2 18+

SDA 202 Castle Kynzvart 19.7. - 2.8. ENVI/RENO 11 + 2 18+

SDA 203 Jewish Holesov 21.7. - 4.8. RENO/CULT 8 + 2 18+

CLASSIFICATION OF THE INEX-SDA VOLUNTARY PROJECTS

Our international short-term voluntary projects can be classified into four thematic groups:

1. Sustainable development of rural areas (project code starts with 1)

The projects take place in small rural communities and focus on the sustainable development of the

villages and the surrounding countryside. With their practical and often manual work the volunteers

support local municipalities and non-governmental organizations.

2. Conservation of cultural heritage (project code starts with 2)

The projects focus mainly on the preservation and renovation of historically significant objects such as

castles, historical cemeteries, churches and other monuments. The volunteers will get familiar with the

history of the Czech Republic. Through their practical work awareness for the importance to preserve

historically and culturally important sites is raised.

3. Supporting social projects (project code starts with 3)

The volunteers support various social projects which offer help to people facing social exclusion,

children and youth, the elderly, people with special needs and others. According to the needs of the

local partner, the volunteers do manual work (e.g. renovation, maintenance, construction work) or

work directly with the projects’ clients.

4. Ecological projects (project code starts with 4)

The projects aim at environmental protection and education towards an environment-friendly lifestyle.

The volunteers will do practical environmental work in natural preserves, forests, organic farms and

other environmentally important areas. Most of the work takes place outdoors such as renovation of

tourist trails, planting trees, gardening and scything meadows.

Workcamps 2014

on the map

INEX-SDA SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN 2014

Code Name Date Type Vols+Leader

s Age

Special

information

SDA 101 Moravian Countryside Spring 25.4. - 7.5. ENVI/RENO 7 + 2 18+

SDA 103 Volunteering in Dysina 9.6. - 23.6 ENVI/FEST 7 + 2 18+

SDA 105 Foster the City 14.7. - 27.7. RENO/CONS 8 + 2 18+ ML needed

SDA 106 Moravian Countryside 20.7. - 4.8. ENVI/RENO 11 + 2 18-26

SDA 107 Volunteering in Region of living waters 3.8. - 16.8. RENO/ENVI 13 + 2 18+

SDA 109 Revive the park in Pilsen 18.9. - 30.9. ENVI 8 + 2 18+

SDA 111

SDA 201 Castle Grabstejn 14.7. - 27.7. RENO 10 + 2 18+

SDA 202 Castle Kynzvart 19.7. - 2.8. ENVI/RENO 11 + 2 18+

SDA 203 Jewish Holesov 21.7. - 4.8. RENO/CULT 8 + 2 18+

SDA 204 International Voluntary Academy Hartenberg 2.8. - 16.8. RENO/CULT 12 + 2 18+

SDA 301 Organic Farming at Camphill Community I 18.5. - 31.5. AGRI/RENO 10 + 2 18+

SDA 303 Organic Farming at Camphill Community II 6.7. - 19.7. AGRI/RENO 10 + 2 18+

SDA 304 Therapeutic Center Ledovec (Iceberg) 19.7. - 1.8. RENO/FEST 5 + 1 18+

SDA 305 One Flew Over the Swallow's Nest 20.7. - 2.8. RENO/ENVI 7+ 2 18+ ML needed

SDA 307 Organic Farming at Camphill Community III 27.7. - 9.8. AGRI/RENO 10 + 2 18+

SDA 310 Organic Farming at Camphill Community IV 17.8. - 30.8. AGRI/RENO 10 + 2 18+

SDA 402 New Forest 17.8. - 30.8. ENVI 14 + 2 18 -26

SDA 403 Preserve the unique landscape of Palava 2.8. - 16.8. ENVI 12 + 2 18-26

SDA 404 Back to nature 25.8. - 12.9. ENVI 12 + 2 18+

SDA 405 Nature and Natural Architecture in Jeseniky 22.7. - 6.8. ENVI/RENO 15 + 3 18-26

INEX-SDA SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN 2014

1. Sustainable development of rural areas

SDA 101 Moravian countryside Spring

25.4 - 7.5 ENVI/RENO Vols 7 + 2 team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp will take place in the small Moravian village of Tvarozna Lhota, situated in

the White Carpathian Mountains, near to the Slovak border. The region is famous for its folk traditions

and its beautiful countryside. In the outskirts of the village, the local NGO “INEX-SDA Bile Karpaty”

runs a small centre for rural development and sustainability called Cottage Travicna. The centre also

hosts an outdoor museum with traditional cottages, some farm animals, a herb garden and traditional

fruit trees, showing how rural life in the mountains used to look like there in the past. Every year

several public events take place there.

Work: The work will be manual. Firstly, volunteers will work in the outdoor museum, mainly

repairing fences, making hay, cleaning, and weeding the herb garden. Secondly, volunteers will collect

herbs from the surrounding meadows, which will then be used for the production of herbal teas. At the

beginning of the workcamp (on 26th April) a small festival of typical fruit products called “Oskeruse”

will take place. The volunteers will help with the technical preparations of the event (i.e. installation of

an exhibition, cleaning up afterwards) and are invited to attend the celebration.

Study part: Apart from the celebration mentioned above, there could be other folkloric events during

the workcamp, such as erection of the maypole (central point of the village made of tall decorated

wood). There will be many opportunities to learn about local products, local farming, the history,

traditions and potential of the region.

Leisure time: Trips to the countryside and to folklore events, visits to touristic sights in the

surrounding towns and villages will take place.

Accommodation/Food: In a building in the very centre of the village. Volunteers will need to bring

their own sleeping bags and sleeping mats. Two small bathrooms are available. Please be prepared for

basic living conditions as the house is very small. Volunteers will prepare their meals together – a

small kitchen is available in the living area. Bring your favourite recipes.

Location: Tvarozna Lhota, Southern Moravia (bus stop in the village, next train stop Straznice and

Veseli nad Moravou)

SDA 103 Volunteering in Dysina

9.6 - 23.6 ENVI/FEST Vols 7 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The project is organized with the municipality of Dysina, a small village in Western Bohemia

not far from Pilsen. You will mainly support the community to improve the look of the village and

take care of the local green in parks and in other public places. You will also help to organize an

important cultural event in the village.

Work: The work will be mainly manual. Firstly, you will take care of the community green areas - so

you should be fond of gardening works (cutting bushes and grass, painting works, raking etc.).

Secondly you will help with some manual tasks that will be needed for the preparations and running of

a local festival “Folkloric afternoon” that will be held in Dysina and will be part of the International

Folkloric Festival Pilsen 2014. Thirdly, you can also meet local school children and prepare some

presentations about your country of origin and your culture for them. Bring something special from

home which could be suitable for such an activity (games, music, pictures, etc.).

Study part: Get familiar with the history of the region and visit some local craftsmen. It is also

possible to learn about the local remarkable church. Learn how to play golf, there will be a two-hour

lesson of golf provided for the volunteers in the nearby golf terrain.

Leisure time: Excursion to Pilsen (European Cultural Capital 2015). From 13th to 15th June Pilsen

will host the International Folkloric Festival with many Czech and foreign dance and music groups.

Trips to the surrounding countryside and visit of cultural and historical sights, swimming in nearby

lakes, campfire. The village will try to arrange some activities with the local population as well. You

will also have a chance to organize a film evening in the attic of the local church.

Accommodation/Food: You will sleep in a local centre for children on mattresses. Please bring a

sleeping bag, mattresses will be provided. It is possible to use the internet for free and wash your

clothes. Please be prepared for less comfort – the room for sleeping is quite small and you will take a

shower in the cabins of a local football pitch about 10 mins of walk from the accommodation. Some of

the meals will be served in the local school canteen, some will be prepared by the group. Vegetarian

diet is possible.

Location: Dysina (about 1500 inhabitants) is located at about 10 km from Pilsen.

SDA 105 Foster the City

14.7 - 27.7 RENO/CONS Vols 8 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+ ML

Project: The project is held in Pilsen, European Capital of Culture 2015. Public benefit organisation

“Pilsen 2015” is responsible for implementing the European Capital of Culture project, which mainly

consists of programme activities and cultural sustainability activities in Pilsen and Pilsen region. The

organisation both supports existing projects and creates some of its own. One of these is “Foster the

City” project which deals with the state of the public space and its affordable enhancement. Local

people have an opportunity to demonstrate their ideas – to show what is wrong, what they miss, what

they would like to participate in.

Work: Your task will be improving derelict places of Pilsen. This year we will mainly focus on the site

of former public river bath. You hardly find any traces of the wharfs and bathhouses there nowadays

but people still pass through the place on their walks along the river. The only larger remnant is an

original bath restaurant which now serves as an accommodation for people who passed through a drug

addiction treatment. They might help us at work too.

You will clean the place from shrubs and litters, restore preserved constructions, build new

constructions from wood and other materials. The point is to make the place attractive for the by-

passers. And you will celebrate the effort – by throwing a concert or a neighbours party.

Study part: You will have an opportunity to go for an excursion to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and for

a trip to a spectacular town in Pilsen region. You will be also invited to organize an evening or

afternoon event for the public at the work site.

Leisure time: See some interesting Pilsen sights – medieval city centre, historical underground,

Techmania Science Centre and do other activities such as visiting festivals, cinemas, sports facilities,

restaurants, typical local pubs, cafés, tearooms and clubs, galleries, museums and ZOO woods and

lakes around the city, scenic countryside.

Accommodation/Food: You will stay in a scout clubhouse. Please bring your own sleeping bag and a

camping mat. The clubhouse is equipped as follows: hot and cold water, 3 toilets, 1 shower room, a

kitchen with gas stove, some dishes and other cooking utensils. The clubhouse is located by the river

Radbuza near the work site. Walking distance to the city centre is 2.1 km and to the nearest tram stop

650 m. Warm (vegetarian friendly) lunches will be provided at the work-site or other place in the city.

Breakfast and dinner will be prepared by yourselves.

Location: City of Pilsen (www.pilsen.eu) is the capital of West Bohemia. With 167 000 inhabitants

and 15 000 university students it is a significant cultural, business and industrial centre, internationally

famous mostly due to the products of Pilsner Urquell and Škoda factory.

Note: Your work will be mostly hard manual labour. But don't worry - it will be worth it! We look for

people who believe in improving the city by their own hands, who find fun and pleasure in doing so

and who can also spice it up: if you cook, sing or can amuse others, it will be useful for the evenings…

We certainly do not want any moaners! :)

SDA 106 Moravian countryside

20.7 - 4.8. ENVI/RENO Vols 11 + 2 Team leaders Age 18-26

Project: The workcamp will take place in Tvarozna Lhota, a small village in the White Carpathian

Mountains. Here “INEX-SDA White Carpathian Mountains” supports rural development and the

education towards a sustainable way of life. It offers educational free-time activities to young people

and operates an ecological open-air centre called “Cottage Travicna” with an ethnographical

exposition on life in the mountains. The organization also supports the production and consumption of

regional goods, such as herbal teas, goat cheese, lamb meat and many more.

Work: Most of the work will take place at the ecological areal „Cottage Travicna“.During the first

week the volunteers will help with manual work aiming at maintenance of the area. The work can

include for example reparation of fences for animals and gardens, reparation of play structures for

children, maintenance of the surrounding area (repairing tourist trails, care for an arboretum of local

woods and a herbal garden, care for little orchard of traditional fruits). These tasks will vary according

to the current needs. During the second week, volunteers will help to prepare the event „Ethnosalas“(a

celebration for local children). During the celebration, volunteers will assist in implementing different

activities for children. If the weather conditions allow, volunteers 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.

Study part: A guided excursion to the biosphere reserve „NPR Certoryje“, a guided tour along the

nature-trail „Oskeruse“ (traditional regional fruit), a trip to the Bata Canal and sustainable tourism are

planned. Learn more about local products, organic farming, the history and natural potential of the

region. An international cooking evening with the local youth and workshops on pottery and batik

with traditional colours are planned. The program includes a trip to Bratislava (Slovakia).

Leisure time: Trips to various sights of the regional cities of Straznice, Uherske Hradiste and Skalice;

daily afternoon-program, including 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.

Accommodation/Food: Volunteers will be accommodated in a building in the very centre of the

village. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Two small bathrooms are

available. Please be prepared for basic living conditions as the house is very small. The volunteers will

prepare their meals together – a small kitchen is available in the living area. Bring your national

recipes.

Location: 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.

SDA 107 Volunteering in Region of living waters

3.8. - 16.8. RENO/ENVI Vols 13 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp is located in the Carlsbad region, Western Bohemia, also called “region of

living waters” thanks to its many water springs and spa towns. It is organized by the Association of

municipalities Slavkovsky les dealing with sustainable rural development, protection of the landscape,

preservation of regional cultural sights, organic farming and ecotourism. It will take place in several

communities of the region depending on which municipalities of the Association will get involved.

Part of the activities will take place in Becov, a beautiful historical town with a famous castle.

Work: The work will be manual: You will help to preserve the local natural and cultural heritage

including the historical botanic garden in Becov. Your work includes to plant trees and other plants,

cut grass, clean, help with the maintenance of the touristic infrastructure and natural trails. You will do

some adjustments of sacred buildings. You could also help on an organic farm. The tasks can change

according to current needs of the communities involved and the weather conditions. Take suitable

working clothes, good working boots and rain-gear.

Study part: Guided tours to regional historical and cultural sights such as castles and monasteries,

excursions with a lecturer to the protected countryside surrounding Becov, discovering local folkloric

festivals and traditions and non-formal meetings with the locals.

Leisure time: You can visit famous spa towns in the region (e.g. Carlsbad/Karlovy Vary or Marianske

lazne), do some sports and go hiking in the surrounding countryside. It is possible to have a campfire,

go swimming and on bike trips, try horse riding and visit some local cultural events. Bring also some

of your favourite local recipes and games.

Accommodation/Food: Premises of the local football club in a small village of Otrocin in a big room

on the floor. Mattresses will be provided but please bring your own sleeping bag! There is a common

room for eating (but not a kitchen!), a shower and two toilets. Please be ready for basic conditions.

The food will be partly prepared by yourselves (breakfasts, snacks) and partly provided by the local

partners (lunches and dinners).

Location: different communities of the microregion Slavkovsky les, Western Bohemia and a town of

Becov nad Teplou (the site of the botanical garden).

Note: Bring warm clothes in case of bad weather and a swimsuit.

SDA 109 Revive the park in Pilsen

18.9. - 30.9. ENVI Vols 8 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp will be held in Pilsen, European Capital of Culture 2015. Public benefit

organisation “Pilsen 2015” is responsible for implementing the European Capital of Culture project,

which mainly consists of programme activities and cultural sustainability activities in Pilsen and

Pilsen region. The organisation both supports existing projects and creates some of its own. One of

these is “The West-Bohemian Islands of Land Art” which is aimed at the unique St. George’s Park.

The idea of the park in the future is to develop it with minimal interventions into landscape and with

respect of the fauna and flora and of the archaeological sites in place. In 2015, the park will host

residence program for young artists from all over Europe. The workcamp is organized also in

cooperation with the NGO Desop (Voluntary ecological association for the protection of birds in

Pilsen).

Work: The aim of the workcamp is to prepare the area of the park for the planned artistic residential

program. For this reason, volunteers will remove some of the bushes and other vegetation, burn

branches, collect rubbish and maintain pedestrian paths. The work will be done outdoors, in a vast

park area. It will not be very physically demanding. You will do just basic maintenance work. Please

bring solid shoes, long trousers and long sleeves for work in the bushes, a hat to be protected against

the sun and also some warm clothes in case of bad weather (raincoat and boots).

Study part: Get to know the past, present and future of this amazing part of Pilsen where two rivers

meet. You will have a guided tour of the St George’s church situated in the park and of the whole park

itself, then you can visit the nearby Rescue station of animals and you can take part in a thematic

program of practical nature protection including a demonstration of the capture and ringing of birds.

On 19th – 20th September, there will be a volunteer’s festival in Pilsen called “Angel Fest”. You can

also prepare a small neighbour’s party in the park for and with the inhabitants of the nearby houses

during the second weekend of the workcamp.

Leisure time: In your free time, you can go for walks in the surroundings of the park (e.g. the hill of

Chlum which is an archaeological site with a nice view of the landscape), you can go for a canoe ride

on the Berounka river from the city centre to the outskirts and of course you can visit many other

historical and cultural attractions of the city of Pilsen.

Accommodation/Food: You will stay in a scout clubhouse attached to the St George’s church in the

park where you will work. The clubhouse is equipped as follows: a kitchen with gas stove, two

common rooms and a spacious attic for sleeping (including mattresses). Please bring your own warm

sleeping bag! There is a local heater (for wood) downstairs, a toilet and a well with non-drinkable

water. Drinkable water will be brought by the local partner in barrels. There is no shower inside but

there will be an outdoor shower arranged. Please be prepared for basic conditions! Walking distance to

the city centre is over 3.4 km and the nearest bus stop is 10 min of walk away. You will prepare your

own meals in the kitchen of the clubhouse.

Location: St George’s park in Pilsen

Note: We are searching for volunteers with a good relation to nature.

2. Conservation of cultural heritage

SDA 111 Old brewery Chric

19.8. - 01.9. RENO Vols 10 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The project takes place in a 16th century brewery situated in the small village of Chric. Beer

had been produced there until the beginning of the WWII. The complex has fallen into ruin since that

time. It is an inspiring and vivid area, though, which is being renovated by the local NGO Propolis

with the help of workcamps. The brewery has been turned into an educational centre focused on

history and local handicrafts as well as a social and cultural centre. There is also a Museum of Daily

Life hosting interactive exhibition on traditional rural life. Propolis is going to establish a social

enterprise producing beer and employing people with mental and physical disabilities – this venture

will be officially launched at the end of this year’s workcamp in the occasion of the traditional local

festival “Kric Fest”.

Work: The work is mainly manual: you will do different renovation works in the brewery (carrying

material, digging, building a stone wall, etc.) and cultivate the garden. The work will be physically

very demanding. You will also help to prepare the local music and theatre festival “Kric fest” and the

opening ceremony for the newly renovated brewery. You will create a performance which you will

present together at the festival (the concept is up to your fantasy and ability). We are looking for

motivated volunteers who are not afraid of physically demanding work and who are interested in

theatre, music, dance and creative art. Bring warm and waterproof clothes and working clothes that

can get dirty or damaged. You will need very good working shoes!! You will work at the weekends,

but get at least two days off.

Study part: Get some knowledge about the history of the place, the history and the future of the

brewery and the way beer used to be produced here. Learn about traditional rural life from the local

Museum of daily life run by Propolis. There is also a possibility to visit the Museum of beer in Pilsen.

We can arrange a visit of a traditional local farmer, too. The program of the workcamp will include an

intercultural evening where everybody will introduce their country and you will have a chance to see a

documentary film about the history of Czech country.

Leisure time: Trips to the surroundings: ruins of the castles Krasov, Krakovec, the nature preserve

Krivoklatsko, the castle Krivoklat and the muzeum Marianska Tynice. It will be possible to use local

car for trips. The village has a football ground; 5-10 km from the village there is a swimming pool and

a river. As a part of the workcamp a football or volleyball match with local youth can be organized.

You can also take part in local village festivities.

Accommodation/Food: In the living area of the brewery in three separate rooms. Bring a sleeping bag

and a sleeping mat. You will have at your disposal a bathroom with a shower with hot water and a

washing machine. There is also a common room. The conditions are still very basic because of the

reconstruction (dry toilets outside). The local partner prepares the food with occasional help of the

volunteers. Take some crucial ingredients or local products to prepare your traditional food for an

intercultural evening.

Location: The village of Chric (about 200 inhabitants) in the Western part of Bohemia. It is very

isolated and the connection by public transport is poor. In the village you can find a shop, a post office

and a church. The locality is not very populated and has beautiful nature.

Note: A motivation letter sent with the application form is strictly required (max. 1 page A4, please

state your motivation to participate in the workcamp, your experience with manual work, what you

can contribute to the festival and if you have some ideas for the performance).

SDA 201 Castle Grabstejn

14.7. - 27.7. RENO Vols 10 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: Grabstejn is a former medieval castle which was later rebuilt as a renaissance chateau. It was

severely damaged under the communist regime but has gone through reconstruction since. Now it is an

example of care for historical heritage presenting the life of high society through centuries to the wide

public. The castle visitors are offered classical guided tours but also different cultural and educational

activities. The castle is located in Northern Bohemia and it is surrounded by a beautiful mountainous

countryside which is perfect for hiking.

Work: 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 in the forest

surrounding the castle, some basic renovation of paths, walls and balustrades, cleaning inside the

castle, etc. The work is manual and physically very demanding. Volunteers will need working clothes

that can get dirty or damaged and good solid shoes.

Study part: Learn more about the castle and meet local castle staff.

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.

It’s possible to go swimming in a nearby lake (don’t forget your swimsuit) or play some games and

music (please take some musical instruments with you if you can play on them). 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.

Accommodation/Food: You will sleep directly at the castle in one big room on foam mattresses or

beds. Therefore you will need to bring a 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, so please

bring some interesting recipes with you.

Location: Castle Grabstejn in the small 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.

Note: This camp is especially suitable for hard-working volunteers who also like nature, hiking and

want to discover closely the castle.

SDA 202 Castle Kynzvart

19.7. - 2.8. ENVI/RENO Vols 11 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp takes place at the site of the famous castle Kynzvart which belonged to the

councillor Metternich in the 19th century. The neo-classical castle has a charming park and an

amazing history going back to the 13th century. It is situated in the westernmost corner of the Czech

Republic, near the spa towns Karlovy Vary - Marianske Lazne - Frantiskovy Lazne.

Work: The volunteers will work in the castle park and in the surrounding forest park. They will mainly

perform maintenance and gardening tasks such as cleaning paths, weeding, removing fallen branches

and leaves, making wood etc.

Study part: Get to know the history of the place while taking part in a guided tour of the Castle

Kynzvart. We plan an intercultural evening, so take some pictures and music that represents you and

some interesting recipes with you.

Leisure time: Different kinds of sports, swimming in the nearby ponds, trips to the nearby spa towns

and the surrounding countryside. Take some games for the evenings after work.

Accommodation/Food: In the castle area in a house. Take your sleeping bag and sleeping mat. A

bathroom and a small kitchen are available. The volunteers will prepare their meals on their own.

Location: Lazne Kynzvart (area of castle Kynzvart), about 11 km from the well-known spa town

Marianske Lazne.

SDA 203 Jewish Holesov

21.7. - 4.8. RENO/CULT Vols 8 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The project takes place in Holesov, a small Moravian town, known for its large pre-war

Jewish community. The community was wiped-out during World War II and has only very few

members today. The workcamp supports the work of the Culture centre of Holesov which maintains

the local Jewish cemetery and other Jewish monuments in the town and organizes the festival of

Jewish culture called “Jewish Culture Week” which will take place during the workcamp.

Work: The volunteers will work on the local Jewish cemetery and in the synagogue (about 90% of the

working time) where they will help to maintain outdoor areas. The work can include cleaning of

pavements, liquidating of invasive plant, painting, grinding off, etc. Furthermore, they will help with

the technical preparations of the festival “Jewish Culture Week” which is taking place in Holesov

during the workcamp (10% of the working time). Bring suitable working clothes with you. The work

might be physically demanding, weekends are usually working days (because of the festival) but you

will get days off during the week.

Study part: You can learn more about Jewish culture and visit concerts, performances and films during

the festival. Visit to local monuments.

Leisure time: Trips to the surroundings, free entrance to cultural activities organized by the local

cultural centre, free access to the local swimming-pool.

Accommodation/Food: In the former gamekeeper’s lodge belonging to the park of a local castle.

Please bring a sleeping bag. The participants prepare their own meals.

Location: Holesov, a middle-sized town with around 12.000 people in the south-east of the Czech

Republic

Note: Volunteers interested in Jewish culture are especially welcome!

SDA 204 International Voluntary Academy Hartenberg

2.8. - 16.8. RENO/CULT Vols 12 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp is organized in cooperation with the local NGO Hartenberg which supports the

development of volunteering in Western Bohemia and takes care of the remains of castle Hartenberg.

The castle was purposely set on fire several times in the past and is now in a very bad state. With the

help of volunteers it is being gradually reconstructed. Today, parts of the castle (mainly the big

courtyard) are being used for cultural, ecological and educational activities. In 2010, the International

Voluntary Academy of Hartenberg was established as the idea of volunteers. Its main task is to spread

volunteering activities in the region as well as organize international projects together with the NGO

Hartenberg.

Work: The work will be varied and adjusted to the abilities and preferences of volunteers but also

according to current needs of the partner organization. Firstly, volunteers will be helping with the

preparations of a traditional event, the outdoor Holly mass (15th August), which takes place in the

courtyard of the castle. The work will include cleaning and other technical and manual tasks.

Secondly, volunteers will be working according to a concept of the “voluntary academy” – this work

can range from creative and artistic activities to manual work at the castle and in the garden. Creative

part can include making info panels, preparing materials and presentations, writing articles for the

website or artistic activities (drawing, ceramics, etc.). The manual part will be most of the time

physically demanding and can include reconstruction and renovation works (with stones, bricks and

other materials) and gardening works (cutting and collecting grass, arrangement of the ground, etc.).

Study part: Discover the history and current intercultural atmosphere of the Hartenberg castle. It will

be possible to organize intercultural evenings so please bring some materials that represent your

culture (music and musical instruments, films, pictures, recipes, small objects, etc.). You can also be

part of a workshop on sustainable practices.

Leisure time: You can go hiking in the mountainous countryside, visit some of the famous spa-towns

in the region, go canoeing, do some sport activities and play music. During the weekends there will be

time to go on whole-day trips, too.

Accommodation/Food: The accommodation will be very basic; please don’t expect any comfort! You

will sleep in a cottage near the castle in two common rooms. Take a sleeping bag and a sheet to cover

the mattress with you. The toilet and showers will be provided in a container that is located in the

courtyard. The participants will cook some meals for themselves in a small kitchen and some meals

will be prepared by a cook. Bring your local recipes.

Location: The castle ruin is situated near the village Hrebeny in western Bohemia and other villages in

the region.

Note: We are looking for flexible and sociable volunteers with an interest in cultural heritage and

nature. The workcamp can suit both people with artistic skills and also people who like manual work.

The focus of the work will depend a lot on your own abilities and interest. Please take good walking

boots, warm cloths and raingear with you.

3. Supporting social projects

SDA 301 Organic Farming at Camphill Community I

18.5. - 31.5. AGRI/RENO Vols 10 + 2 Team leaders Age 18+

Project: The workcamp takes place in the village of Ceske Kopisty where the local NGO Camphill

Ceske Kopisty runs a family-like community centre both for people with (mental) disabilities and for

those without any kind of disability who work and live together. The Camphill community in Ceske

Kopisty is inspired by the Camphill movement and the ideas of anthroposophy. Besides therapeutic

activities for the clients (including pottery and textile workshops), the community runs an organic

farm focused on vegetable production and based on the rules of bio-dynamic farming. Camphill has

recently set up a social entreprise which helps to sustain the community centre by selling agricultural

products.

Work: The organic farm of Camphill is very dependent on manual work and it would be impossible to

maintain the agricultural project without the voluntary work. The volunteers will perform two different

kinds of manual work. Firstly, they will be helping on the organic farm - planting, watering, weeding,

harvesting, cleaning, storing. Secondly, some minor construction and renovation works will be done

(e.g. building and demolishing of walls, cleaning bricks, reparations). Bring good working clothes and

shoes.

Study part: Lectures and discussions about the Camphill movement, anthroposophy and organic farm-

ing. It is possible to visit the nearby Terezin Memorial at the location of the former concentration

camp for Jews – the Terezin Ghetto. Workshops on different handicraft techniques (making carpets,

wooden jewellery or special natural soaps) can be organized for you.

Leisure time: You can make trips to the surrounding towns (a historical town of Litomerice, Usti nad

Labem with a brewery and a zoological garden and Zernoseky with a wine cellar) and visit some

summer cultural events. Then you can go hiking in the nearby beautiful hills, swimming in the river

just behind the centre, have boat trips, do some sports (football, volleyball, table tennis) and go on a

cycling tour along the river...

Accommodation/Food: In a big hall on mattresses. Bring a sleeping bag! One shower with hot water

and a toilet will be available. There is also a kitchen – products for cooking will be provided by the

local partner. Volunteers will prepare their breakfasts and dinners on their own, for the lunches they

will assist the community cook with the preparation of the meal.

Location: Ceske Kopisty – a small village near the historical town of Litomerice.

Note: As you will stay in a community for people with mental health issues, smoking and the

consumption of alcohol and drugs are forbidden within the community area. Please respect night-time

peace and the privacy of the clients’ accommodation.

SDA 303 Organic Farming at Camphill Community II









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SDA 304 Therapeutic Center Ledovec (Iceberg)

19.7. - 1.8. RENO/FEST Vols 5 + 1 Team Leader Age 18+

Project: Ledovec is a non-governmental organization offering support to people with psychiatric

diseases or mental health handicaps. For their clients it works as a “rural training home” and assists

them to keep or improve the quality of their everyday lives. As a part of the centre there is a big

garden and a farm with goats, sheep and chicken. The centre organizes a number of interesting

activities for the public as well. Since 2002 the centre has organized a voluntary project where

volunteers from the Czech Republic and from abroad work together with the centre’s therapists to

improve the area of an old parish house in the village Ledce where the centre is situated.

Work: The workcamp takes place in the Therapeutic centre when it is closed for the majority of the

clients. Volunteers help with the running of the centre at that time (taking care of the animals, the

garden and the house). They perform general cleaning of the house and assist at current reconstruction

work (reconstruction of the barn, walls, an outside area of the centre, painting). Take working clothes

and working boots. Part of the work is to help with the preparation and organisation of the “Traditional

Fair Celebration” – a cultural one-day event for the public (Sunday 27th July), where different

handicrafts are presented and various kinds of traditional fair entertainment will be seen. Volunteers

will have a chance to actively participate in the program of the celebration by preparing a small circus

performance.

Study part: Volunteers will receive an introductory lecture on the centre’s activities and principles of

the psychosocial support offered to the clients. During the project, the centre’s therapeutic workshops

will be open for you (weaving, bread making, candle workshop).

Leisure time: The centre will organize trips with their own minibus, often to cultural events in Pilsen –

Cultural Capital 2015 or other places of interest. For everyday time off after work the centre provides

joggling equipment, 5 bikes, 4 canoes and maps for trips to the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation/Food: In the main building in beds or on mattresses; bring a sleeping bag. Hot water,

one shower and three toilets are available. You will receive homemade food three times a day in the

centre (vegetarian dishes available). The volunteers will be involved in preparing the meals.

Location: The village Ledce, about 8 kilometres to the north-west from Pilsen (Plzen). In the village

you find Ledovec in the old parish house in the very centre of the village close to the church.

Note: The group will consist of 10 international volunteers – 5 from a partner organization of the

centre and 5 international volunteers that will be placed by INEX-SDA. There will be only one shower

for the group. The group will be responsible for itself and organize itself under the “supervision” of

the centre’s manager.

SDA 305 One Flew Over the Swallow's Nest

20.7. - 2.8. RENO/ENVI Vols 7+ 2 Team Leaders Age 18+ ML

Project: The project takes place in the little village of Vlastovicky (part of Opava) where the local

NGO HOLOS runs a therapeutic and educational centre. The aim and activities of HOLOS are

oriented towards the holistic approach to the human health. Its clients are mostly the inhabitants of

Opava and the surroundings – children, the youth and even the adults in hard life situations. The

association offers a wide range of activities: therapeutic, educational, self-cognitive and self-

experiential. Besides, HOLOS runs a school of dance (Latin-American, standard, sport and jazz

dances), organizes art workshops (art therapy) and a club of martial arts (traditional Japanese martial

arts of Iaidó and Jódó using arms).

Work: Volunteers will work in the centre HOLOS which is under reconstruction. It will be mainly

manual – they will perform minor construction and renovation works in the former barn (in the future,

there will be rooms for therapy, accommodation and a kitchen). Secondly, they will work in the

garden (digging, preparation of flower beds, planting of flowers, maintenance) and in the yard

(renovation of the pavement). It will be also possible to try and restore some historic furniture. Besides

the work in the centre HOLOS, part of the group will help with some works in the village of

Vlastovicky. This can include maintenance of the public green areas, planting of flowers, painting of

children’s playground, agriculture works on a farm or other tasks needed by the municipality at the

time.

Study part: Volunteers can learn about the holistic approach to human health and try different

meditation and relaxation techniques. There will be creative workshops prepared for volunteers –

dancing, arts and martial art. During the workcamp some international evenings are planned for the

local community – bring some interesting pictures, music or musical instruments and also traditional

recipes from your home to be able to introduce your culture to the other volunteers and local people.

Leisure time: You can spend free time by playing games, singing at the camp fire (musical instruments

are welcome), swimming, relaxation in the Indian sauna (sweatlodge) in the garden of the HOLOS

centre and making some trips in the surroundings. The nearby city of Opava offers a wide range of

activities (sights, museums, galleries, cinema, etc.). You can also visit some other regional sights

(Museum of Silesia – Holasovice, castles, the Slezska Harta Dam, Jeseniky Mountains, etc.). You can

also try horse riding on a nearby farm.

Accommodation/Food: In the centre HOLOS in several rooms on mattresses or in the garden in your

own tent (if you wish). There are two bathrooms with the shower and hot water. Bring your own

sleeping bag and a mattress (or your own tent if you want to sleep outside). You will eat home-made

food in the centre HOLOS (suitable also for vegetarians). The food will be prepared by the local

partner and you will assist. It will be possible to cook national specialities, bring some traditional

recipes from your country.

Location: The village of Vlastovicky is located about 4 km to the nort-west of Opava, near the border

on Poland. The seat of HOLOS is situated in a farmhouse which formerly served as a school. It is a

very little village but the centre of Opava is accessible within 20 minutes by bus.

Note: The group will be composed of 10 volunteers – 7 foreign and 3 local. In the HOLOS centre, it is

forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol. The workcamp is suitable for volunteers who are hard-working,

like arts and dogs (there are English cocker spaniels living in the centre in the close contact with the

residents). We require a short motivation letter!

SDA 307 Organic Farming at Camphill Community III

27.7. - 9.8. AGRI/RENO Vols: 10 + 2 team leaders Age: 18+








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Study part: Lectures and discussions about the Camphill movement, anthroposophy and organic

farming. It is possible to visit the nearby Terezin Memorial at the location of the former concentration
















SDA 310 Organic Farming at Camphill Community IV









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4. Ecological projects

SDA 401 Eco Centre Horni Marsov

137. - 27.7. ENVI Vols: 14 + 2 team leaders Age: 18 +

Project: The workcamp will take place in the small town Horni Marsov in the Krkonose mountains.

The local partner is the Centre for environmental education called SEVER. SEVER is focused on

practical nature protection and environmental education. They promote responsible behavior towards

nature and the Earth and among the people themselves. They cooperate with primary and high schools

and organize education camps for students and seminars for their teachers. They also organize educa-

tional and cultural events for the public. In 2013 the reconstruction of baroque parish in Horni Marsov

was finished. Nowadays it hosts the eco centre called DOTEK (TOUCH – meaning Tradition, Out-

doors and Culture House) which is mostly built using natural materials and where most of the educa-

tional programs are taking place.

Work: The work will be physically demanding. Volunteers will work mainly in the eco centre

TOUCH or in the surroundings and will do the following activities: e.g. preparation of woods for heat-

ing of the eco centre during winter, collecting woods from the forest, storing woods near the place of

eco centre, gardening, hay harvesting and cutting the grass. They will also help with maintenance and

renovation of the eco centre – cleaning and demolition work, painting the walls, etc. The area of the

mountains has quite a cold climate, even in summer and it often rains so it is necessary to have good

waterproof shoes, raincoat and warm clothes.

Study part: Volunteers will have the chance to meet the local inhabitants. During the workcamp, there

will be also a camp for children (age 7 till 10) taking place. Volunteers will help with cooking and

preparation meals for children. It is possible to have some program together as well. We especially

welcome participants who play some musical instrument or who have any other artistic skills. An in-

ternational dinner with local community is also planned. It will be nice if you can bring some special

ingredients from your country and cook traditional meals for them.

Leisure time: There are many possibilities how to enjoy your free time while discovering the nature

and other sights. You can try to go down an educational path and discover the plants and animals.

Besides, Krkonose are very popular for mountain hiking. The highest peak of the Czech Republic,

Snezka (1602 m), is situated nearby. It is possible to have an excursion into an old underground mine

or to a fortress.

Accomodation/Food: In the eco centre TOUCH. You will sleep in beds in two big rooms (each one for

seven people). In case you want, you can bring your own tent and sleeping bed – it is possible to sleep

outside in the garden. You will have meals with the rest of the people working in the eco centre. The

local cook will prepare the meals from local supplies and every day, two different pairs of volunteers

will be asked to help in the kitchen.

Location: Horni Marsov (about 1000 inhabitants) in the Krkonose Mountains (Giant Mountains),

Eastern Bohemia. It is a mountainous area with a cold climate and beautiful nature.

Note: The workcamp is suitable for volunteers who like nature and mountains and are not afraid of

manual work. Musical instrument are welcome.

SDA 402 New Forest

17.8. - 30.8. ENVI Vols: 14 + 2 team leaders Age: 18 - 26

Project: The project is organized in cooperation with the local NGO Cmelak - Friends of Nature

Society whose activities are focused on the support of a sustainable way of life, practical nature

protection and environmental education. The goal of their projects is to restore the natural woods on

specific pieces of land and to save endangered tree species. They also maintain wetlands. The

workcamp takes place on one of those pieces of land and in the wetlands in a mountainous area at the

foot of the Jizerske Mountains which are situated in the North of Bohemia, close to the Polish border.

Work: This year, volunteers will work in two different localities – in the forestlands and in the

wetlands. Firstly, you will be helping to restore the woodland and allow the growth of a mixed forest

which should resemble to the natural state of a forest. The main part of your work will take place in

the tree nurseries and will include preparation and weeding of beds, planting of seedlings, building of

small fences, setting up of individual protection elements. Secondly, you will help with the

maintenance of the wetlands (cutting of grass, cutting of reed followed by raking; removing of reed

and other plants from water pools; cutting out of wood). The work will be manual and physically

demanding. Be prepared to work outdoors, in wet areas, under all types of weather (rain, wind…).

Waterproof clothes (with long sleeves and long trousers), a raincoat and rubber boots are necessary.

Study part: During several evenings on the weekdays, lectures, presentations and workshops on

ecological topics including an excursion to protected forest lands will take place. The local NGO will

suggest the topics of those activities in advance to the team-leaders and volunteers (i.e. forest-

management in the past and today, the idea behind the “New forest” project etc.). You will also

prepare activities with/for the local community such as international breakfast on a Sunday morning.

The project includes a trip to the city Ceska Lipa as well.

Leisure time: You can go hiking in the beautiful surrounding landscape, visit castles and climb the

Jested - the highest peak in the region. The city of Liberec, where you will be accommodated during

part of the project, offers many possibilities to enjoy culture or do different kinds of sport. Trips to

nearby towns and other interesting sites are possible.

Accommodation/Food: Volunteers will stay in two different places depending on where they will

work. During the work in the forest, you will be in a dormitory at the outskirts of Liberec. For the

work in the wetlands you will move to a smaller town (probably Jablonne v Podjestedi) where you

will be in a hostel. Both accommodations will have a bathroom with showers, a kitchen and a dining

room. Bring a sleeping bag as you will sleep on beds without linen! You will prepare your meals on

your own. You are invited to prepare traditional meals from your country. Bring some special

ingredients that might be hard to get abroad.

Location: Liberec and other areas of the Jizerske Mountains in the north of Bohemia. You will use

mini-buses to get to the place of work in the surrounding forests.

SDA 403 Preserve the unique landscape of Palava

2.8. - 16.8. ENVI Vols: 12 + 2 team leaders Age: 18 - 26

Project: The workcamp takes place in the Nature Protection Area of Palava in Southern Moravia close

to the Austrian border. The project is dedicated to the preservation of the unique landscape of Palava

and will run in close cooperation with the local „Centre of Ecological Education“.

Work: Volunteers will work at different places of the Nature Protection Area Palava, mostly in those

parts, which are particularly protected as nature reserves and which have the character of steppe. The

aim is to maintain and clean the area thus contributing to practical nature protection. The work will be

manual: raking and removing invasive plants, maintenance of some public areas (such as weeding and

collection of garbage). Furthermore, volunteers will help several days with the maintenance of a local

historical Jewish cemetery (one of the most-interesting and oldest in the country), this work will

consist mainly of raking and liquidation of plants and collecting of stones.

Study part: Several excursions and lectures on environmental protection and a presentation about the

former Jewish community in Mikulov are planned. Besides, you can take part in handicraft

workshops.

Leisure time: The region is ideal for hiking and you can visit numerous sites of interest in the

surroundings. It is possible to have a guided tour through the historical centre of Mikulov and visit

castles and caves nearby. You can prepare an intercultural evening for the locals, giving them an

insight into your cultures and talk about ecological issues, which are discussed at your homes. Bring

some games, pictures, recipes and songs which are typical for your cultures to be used during the

intercultural evening. Part of the project will be a one-day trip to Bratislava (Slovakia) and a trip to the

UNESCO site of Lednice-Valtice Area.

Accommodation/Food: In the accommodation facilities of the local primary school in Mikulov. There

will be a kitchen for volunteers to prepare meals. The meals will be prepared by the volunteers

themselves, so it would be great to bring your local recipes. During the working days on the Jewish

cemetery, the group will have lunches provided by the partner organization.

Location: Mikulov, Southern Moravia. The region is known as one of the most beautiful protected

areas in the Czech Republic.

SDA 404 Back to nature

25.8. - 12.9. ENVI Vols: 12 + 2 team leaders Age: 18+

Project: The workcamp is organized in co-operation with the Czech national section of EUROSOLAR.

This organisation is dealing with the promotion of renewable energies and direct ecological education

in the nature. It takes place in an abandoned but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of Cesky les (The

Bohemain Forest), near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is totally isolated

from civilization (the nearest Czech village is about 11 km away). This project is recommended to

volunteers that are fond of trying out a basic life within nature and do not mind longer walks.

Work: The volunteers will perform different tasks of practical nature protection or other related tasks.

You will either work in a nature reserve about 4 km from the camping place or in other nearby nature.

The main work can consist of cutting grass on protected meadows, raking grass, collecting biomass

and building of a protective fence. You will also work directly on the site where you will be lodged.

The maintenance works on the camping place can include preparing wood, cleaning the surrounding

area, liquidating invasive plants, packaging of a camp and similar manual work. As the meadows can

be very wet, bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots) and rain-gear.

Study part: Evening discussions about ecological topics. A visit of nature reservations in the

neighbourhood is planned. As you are living in close contact with the nature you will improve your

camping skills as well.

Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding nature. Trips to Czech towns in the neighbourhood and as the

project is situated directly at the boarder to Germany, a trip to Germany can be included as well. In the

free afternoons, you can play games, have indian sauna, try out artistic work with wood and archery.

Accommodation/Food: In tee-pees (Indian tents with a fire place in the middle) on wooden pads. You

will cook for yourself from provided resources at freestanding cooking places inside and outside the

tee-pees. The food is ONLY vegetarian. The consumption of alcohol is not allowed at the campside.

The nights in the forest are very cold even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, a sleeping mat

and an extra blanket or a cover for a hey-mattress. You will wash yourself in a small stream with

quite cold water which flows through the camp.

Location: Stoupa, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Czech forest. The nearest town is

Tachov.

Note: The camp is suitable for volunteers who are not afraid of living and working in harder

conditions in close contact with nature. If you are ready for this, it can be an amazing experience. Be

aware of the fact that consumption of meat and alcohol in the camp is forbidden.

SDA 405 Nature and Natural Architecture in Jeseniky

22.7. - 6.8. ENVI/RENO/FEST Vols: 15 + 3 team leaders Age: 18+

Project: The project is organized by the NGO Hnutí Brontosaurus Jeseníky which is active in a remote

and unprivileged region of Jesenicko. Their main goal is to motivate young people from the whole

country and local inhabitants to take up active role in the community and thus create a stronger bond

of the people to the region. Brontosaurus is focused on the environment and sustainability; they

maintain abandoned sights with respect to traditional methods and materials. One of the main projects

is the transformation of the vast former military area MUNA (in the forest) recently stopped being

used by the army where Brontosaurus in co-operation with other NGOs has been creating a space for

environmental education, experiential programs, cultural events, etc.

Work: Volunteers will work in the former military area of MUNA, a forest area full of tiny alleyways,

old buildings and newly installed exhibition of landscape art. There will be different tasks ranging

from renovation, construction and cleaning. Firstly, you will help to renovate an educational path and

to rebuild one of the historical military storage houses using natural architecture techniques (materials

such as straw, clay and wood). The house should serve for the organization of different public events

for the youth and public. Secondly, you will help with different “less attractive but important”

maintenance and cleaning tasks such as cleaning of the campsite, reparations of tools, moving and

storing of material, etc. The area is mountainous and the forest can be very cold and wet so please

bring good water-proof shoes and warm clothes, also clothes that can get dirty.

Study part: Learn more about the history since WWII and the current situation in the region and the

MUNA: Brontosaurus plans to organize a seminar about MUNA and an excursion around the region

including a visit of a former village which was abolished by the authorities in the 1960s and is now in

the process of revitalization by Brontosaurus. There will be also a workshop on natural architecture so

you can learn new techniques. You will also help with preparations of an international campfire which

will be an occasion to meet local people and other NGOs. Please bring some national recipes.

Leisure time: Field sportive and experiential games prepared by Brontosaurus and sports in the

MUNA, swimming pool in Jesenik, etc. Besides, the region offers many interesting natural and

cultural sights (the town of Jesenik, museums, natural beauties of the Jeseniky Mountains, etc.). For

some of the activities, local people will be also invited to join.

Accommodation/Food: In a wooden building in the middle of the MUNA area. The conditions are

very basic – the building is partly open so volunteers will stay in a military tent put under the roof

(there is a heater). There will be mattresses but you need your own warm sleeping bag. There will be

dry toilets in the proximity; showers will be situated in a building at the outskirts of the MUNA or will

be outdoors. Volunteers will cook for themselves. Running water is not available, it will be brought

every day in barrels.

Location: MUNA Mikulovice, near Jesenik. The MUNA is vast; you will be able to use bicycles to

move around. The surrounding countryside is mountainous and has beautiful nature.

Looking forward to your volunteers!

INEX-SDA team

Documents

INEX-SDA - Legambiente · 2014-05-15 · INEX-SDA SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN 2014 1. Sustainable development of rural areas SDA 101 Moravian countryside Spring 25.4 - 7.5 ENVI/RENO