Young Researches of SerbiaVoluntary Service of Serbia

WORKCAMPS 2014

About YRS – VSS

Young Researches of Serbia (YRS) is a non-profit, non-political NGO officially established in 1976 as a network of organizations, societies, clubs and sections with research programmes, gathered around the coordinative office on the national level in Belgrade. Through its history the number of members changed, but there were over 50 different organizations taking part. In the 90’s YRS leaves the organizational form of vertical relationships following the current direction of civil sector development. Today YRS represents the organization on the national level and it unites three thematically different but interconnected sectors – Environmental Protection and Conservation Sector, Youth Sector and Voluntary Service of Serbia.Young Researches of Serbia involves mostly young people aged 15-30, putting speciaf focus on the preparation and follow up of youth with physical or intellectual disabilities, or difficult social backgrounds.

THINK BIG - do little: start an avalanche! is our motto.Our vision is to be the driving force for all those whose aim is to make our planet a more peaceful, just and healthy place.Driven by science and education, our mission is to contribute:

- to environmental protection and nature conservation,- to development of voluntarism and its values,- to scientific creativity and active participation of the youth.

Our main aims are environmental protection, environmental education, youth exchange and work with young people, as well as the promotion of sustainable development, scientific creativity and volunteerism. We have organized hundreds of research projects and educative programmes for young people in various areas of natural and social sciences.

MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

YRS is a member of: CCIVS – Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations (currently holds the position of the Vicepresident), Coordinative Committee of International Voluntary Service, YEE - Youth and Environment Europe, ANPED – Northern Alliance for Sustainability, CEEWEB - Central and East European Working Group for the Enhancement of Biodiversity, and an official partner of SCI in Serbia. YRS is one of the founding members of the SEEYN – South East European Youth Network and Youth CAN - Youth Culture in Action Network.

Address: Bulevar umetnosti 27 , 11070 Beograd 190531 - SERBIAPhone/Fax numbers: +381 11 311 66 63, +381 11 311 13 14, +381 11 311 66 53E–mail address: vss@mis.org.rs (for all general volunteer exchanges related issues)outgoing@mis.org.rs (outgoing placements), incoming@mis.org.rs (incoming placements)

Website: www.mis.org.rs Working days: Monday – FridayWorking hours: 09.00 – 16.00General issues: Jelena Ristic Beronja (Skype contact – jelena.yrs)Outgoing Placement Officer: Bojan Beronja (Skype contact – vss.outgoing);Incoming Placement Officers: Bojan Beronja (Skype contact –vss.incoming);Languages spoken: English, Italian

Contact points in Serbia:Since 2010 we have entered into partnerships with voluntary organisations or local youth offices all over Serbia in order to give more support for volunteers who want to go to workcamps abroad, but also to have local partners that act as regional centres, following up the volunteers on their way back to the country, organising regional promotional campaigns of international voluntary service and local youth activism and to organise regional workcamps. We invite you to recognize their involvement:Youth Offices of Obrenovac, Savski venac, Novi Pazar, Raska, Vranje, Cacak, Kragujevac, Smederevo, Subotica, Research Society “Vladimir Mandic - Manda”, Environmental movement of Vojvodina and Novi Sad, Proaktiv.

CAMPAIGNS

Environmental Sustainability in Voluntary Service Campaign: The Campaign aims at increasing the impact and joining the local actions and volunteering projects of more than 50 organizations and networks all over the world who contribute to the transformation of our communities, in the local level, and, through networking, in the international level, for the construction of a fairer world, more

sustainable, more healthy and with better resources that impulse integral development of people, the communities and peoples, and their happiness and solidarity. All our workcamps aim to act on the principles of environmental sustainability set by the Campaign.

Accessing Campaign: with more than 2.000 workcamps around the world, Alliance’s member organisations offer over 20.000 volunteering opportunities. All workcamps are open to anyone and often provide a first volunteering experience abroad. Workcamps are

gender balanced, with even more female participants, a unique situation regarding construction work or environmental activities. Without implementing a heavily centralized programme, Alliance’s network, whose YRS is a member, offers a chance to young people or adults facing exclusion to experiment a first mobility action.The Alliance’s Accessing principle is to offer a complete educational process that includes preparation, tools, projects, follow up... This principle would find a first concrete and common implementation with opening one or two places in as many international workcamps as possible, to participants with fewer opportunities, who, for any reason, face social, cultural, economical, physical barriers to their participation. We are open to host volunteers with fewer opportunities, intellectual or physical disabilities or from various economic, social or other disadvantaged situations. We will discuss each case individually.

CAMPLIST*Cam

p code

Name Type DatesNo. of

volsNote

VSS 01 OVCAR BANJA, Cacak ENVI 12/07 –

26/07 9VSS 02 SUMMER IN TOPONICA II, Donja

Toponica ART/ENVI 19/07 – 03/08 18 18 - 50

VSS 03 KUPINOVO, Pecinci ARCH JULY 12

VSS 04 SUNFLOWER II, Omoljica ENVI 22/07 –

04/08 14 18+

VSS 05 MORIEK, Bor ENVI/RENO/

CONS01/08 – 15/08 20 18 - 40

VSS 06 MALI STAPAR, Kula MANU/FAM 02/08 –

16/08 1018+ and families

with childer aged 7-10

VSS 07 INTERCULTURAL SUMMER,

Stara Pazova SOCI 04/08 / 15/08 10 18+

VSS 08 DRACA, Kragujevac CULT/FEST 05/08 –

20/08 18 18 - 35

VSS 09 ARANDJELOVAC, Arandjelovac ENVI/MANU 05/08 –

19/08 15 18 – 26

VSS 10 OBRENOVAC, Obrenovac ENVI /CULT AUG 15 18 – 30

VSS 11 GRADINA, Cacak ARCH 16/08 –

30/08 9

VSS 12 LIKE ROBIN HOOD, Becej CONS/MANU 11/08 –

20/08 7 18 - 30

VSS 13 ZASAVICA, Sremska Mitrovica ENVI AUG 12

VSS 14 OBEDSKA BARA, Pecinci ENVI AUG 12

VSS 15 SUMMER IN KARAVUKOVO,

KaravukovoENVI/ART/

CULT06/09 – 20/09 10 18 - 26

VSS 16 WINE FEST, Sremski Karlovci FEST end of Sept 10 12 days

VSS 17 ECO-CAMP RZAV, Arilje ENVI 20/07-

03/08 12 18+

VSS 18 ECO CAMP LUDAS LAKE,

Hajdukovo ENVI 22/06 - 06/07 13 18+

General conditions:

We accept volunteers who are 18 and older, without upper age limit, except in some camps.The language of the camps is English.As there is not enough support from the government for the organisation for the workcamps in Serbia, the participation fee is used as an addition to the workcamp budget. Minimal fee is 15 € and maximal is 30 €, the extra being used for additional excursions and material for work.Some camps (e.g. art workshops) have special requirements.

VSS01 OVCAR BANJA, CacakENVIDates: 12/07 - 26/07Number of volunteers: 9 Age limit: 18+

Project: This is the second year that our contact point, Youth Office Cacak, is involved in sending volunteers for workcamps abroad. This year, in order to boost further participation of young people from Cacak, they organise this workcamp to address a problem in the local community, but also to trigger active participation of many young people of Cacak to

understand better what workcamps are, get involved with foreign volunteers, learn about each other, do something useful for their town.Work: clearing mountain paths from vegetation, maintaining hiking paths, clearing garbage and invasive species along the paths and the lake shore, making and setting containers for waste disposal. Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be hosted in a local mountaineers hut; sleeping in shared rooms with beds provided. We will have someone preparing our meals most of the times but you will help in the kitchen and it is possible that sometimes you will be in charge of cooking, so to understand each other’s culture through food as well!Location and leisure: Ovcar Banja is located in the heart of the Ovcarsko-Kablarska gorge, a natural area of exceptional importance and as a Category I natural resource, through which the Zapadna Morava river flows. It is surrounded by the forest-covered Ovcar and Kablar mountains. Ovcar Banja is 18 km from Cacak and 160 km from Belgrade. The landscape is outstandingly diverse and beautiful. The Ovcarsko-Kablarska gorge is a significant cultural and historical area with its mediaeval monasteries, its diverse flora and fauna and is an outstanding monument of geological heritage. Language: EnglishSpecial requirements: As volunteers would be working from boats as well, it is preferable that volunteers know how to swim, even if the camp organizers provided safety equipment. Terminal: Belgrade

VSS02 SUMMER IN TOPONICA 3, Donja ToponicaKIDS/ART/ENVIDates: 19/07 - 03/08Number of volunteers: 15 Age limit: 18 – 50

Project: The local partner organisation “Grupa Kobra” has put a lot of effort in the past years in developing and improving life conditions of its small community. They are involved in youth activities and environmental conservation since 2007. Although young, they received twice an award for their activities from the Ministry for Youth. This is the third workcamp they organise, with the aim to familiarize the local young people with their peers from other countries as they do not have opportunities to travel. Since 2009 the local group renovated and adapted for their activities the ruined

Youth centre and turned it into a Cultural centre.Gatherings and activities together with the local youth are essential to this workcamp, the hosts would use the opportunity to present their local community, tradition and customs and, together with the participants of the camp, to encourage rural development, youth mobility and intercultural understanding.Work: Having an international group in the village will attract people to interact, make friends, so it is more likely that the impact to the local community in terms of environmental awareness will be greater and that the interaction through work and many cultural and social events. This workcamp will celebrate volunteering and for that reason

volunteers will create a statue about volunteering beside preparing workshops for locals about environmental protection. The volunteers will work also with the youngest, teaching them English and learning about local customs, games and dances from them in return. A final event will mark the finish of the workcamp, and it will depend of volunteers’ creativity. Accommodation and food: in the local Cultural Centre on mattresses or in tents next to the Cultural Centre (the choice is free, no sleeping bags nor own tents needed). Food will be prepared by the locals with the help of the volunteers, so to learn more about the local cuisine and introduce international elements.Location and leisure: Donja Toponica (15 km from Nis) is a village of merely 350 inhabitants, situated very close to Nis, one of the biggest cities of Serbia and the host of this year’s 1700 anniversary celebration of the Milan’s edict. Excursions to a mountain village, an unexploited natural spa and Nis will be organised. Mountains of south-eastern Serbia boast nearly untouched nature, rich wildlife, old forts and cities on their tops, and many of them are hiding in its interior spacious halls of magnificent caves. www.discoversoutheastserbia.com Language: EnglishSpecial requirements: The volunteers should have necessary skills for teaching English to children and/or through presenting the traditional and modern dances from their countries and/or have other artistic skills like painting. They should be nature and village lovers.Terminal: Nis, Belgrade, Sofia (BG)Extra fee: 25€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS03 KUPINOVO, PecinciARCHDates: two weeks in JulyNumber of volunteers: 12Age limit: 18+

Project: The Srem Region has been permanently inhabited since the early Stone Age with many clear signs of life just below the ground surface. Thanks to those signs we are able to see activities, ways of life even the way of thinking of the inhabitants of past time. The overall excavations of all historical layers show that this part of the region has an extraordinary rich cultural background. The locality “Ethno house” in Kupinovo village should provide evidence on communities living here since the Iron Age. Many of the localities are endangered due to agriculture or construction, especially in industrial zones, but not this one. The first

excavations started last May and the results were very positive. Work: Volunteers will join the team of archaeologists in the continuance of the field excavations in the compound of “Ethno house” in Kupinovo. Knowing the results from the last year we can expect some marvellous results marking the cultural and historical

heritage of this area. It is planned to have an exhibition at the end of the camp, showing the results of the work.Accommodation and food: in two renovated houses in the Ethno Park, sleeping on mats. Food will be prepared by the volunteers.Location and leisure: Kupinovo is 50 km south-west of Belgrade in the Srem Region. It is well known by the famous special protected area “Obedska bara”, the oldest protected area in Europe. There are some very important cultural and historical monuments in this area which will be shown to volunteers during leisure time.Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeSpecial requirements: This is a perfect camp for students of archaeology or anyone especially interested in archaeology.

VSS04 SUNFLOWER II, OmoljicaDates: 22/07 – 04/08ENVINumber of volunteers: 14Age limit: 18+

Project: Association ‘Sunflower’ was formed recently by 20 young locals, in the beginning

of 2013, when they organized the first workcamp in Omoljica with the aim of raising values of interculturality in the village with different cultural and festival programs and focusing especially on contact between the local community and foreign volunteers.An organisation was born that, beside the yearly workcamp, raise awareness on volunteering, interculturality, sports and activism in the village through cultural, educational and ecological programs for the local youth.Work: Volunteers will help cleaning the nature park Ponjavica, between Omoljica and Banatski Brestovac, on the left bank of the Danube River and so be included in the protection and revitalisation plan of the area, that, beside a big leisure and tourism potential, has been neglected lately. So, beside cleaning, setting benches and bins and arranging creatively the picnic zones (creativity is welcome!), volunteers will be allowed to the restricted area of the park as well! Volunteers will work together with the locals.Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in a spacious youth centre, with a fully equipped kitchen, showers and toilets and a big yard, where lots of free time and workshops will be organized – bring your creativity, games, musical instruments, or anything you would like to share about your culture! Volunteers will prepare meals with ingrediants provided – an excellent way to understand how your friends from different countries prepare their everyday food!Location and leisure: Omoljica, the land of enless sunflowers, is a big village in North Serbia, about 30km from Belgrade. Visits to a near spa, cruising on the river and walks in the beautiful nature around; excursion to Belgrade.Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeExtra fee: 20€ for extra trips and some materials that organizer can’t provide, such as gloves, refreshment for breaks during work.

VSS05 MORIEK, BorENVI/RENO/CONSDates: 01/08 – 15/08 Number of volunteers: 20 Age limit: 18 - 40

Partner: Young Researchers of Bor gather youth interested in scientific and research work in the natural and social sciences, ecology and protection of the environment. The workcamp is a joint initiative of several local partner organizations working together on introducing the spirit of volunteerism and developing and improving rural and eco-tourism. The tradition of past dozen international workcamps continues proudly even this year. Bor is an industrial city, one of the biggest polluters in Serbia. This is why the local partner aims to present a clear picture of ecological consciences of Bor and the

surrounding area and raise ecological consciousness to a higher level of local population as well as the participants of the camp.Work: Local and international volunteers will work on several locations of outstanding nature. Crni Vrh mountain: arranging 3km long bicycle and walking path, and arranging

ski-trails; Lazar’s Canyon: organize and clean the entrance into canyon and mark the path of the canyon, cleaning the riverbed of Zlot’s river; Stol mountain: construction of the Belvedere (Viewpoint), organizing and building a little playground, cleaning the lake and mountain resting areas.Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in a mountain hut (Stol, Crni Vrh mountain part), and in canyon in tents (it’s not necessary to bring sleeping bags). Food will be prepared by the volunteeers, with ingrediants provided.Location and leisure: The camp will be placed in three different locations: Stol (mountain), Lazar’s Canyon and Crni Vrh (mountain). Stol is a mountain in eastern Serbia, near the town of Bor. Its highest peak has an elevation of 1,156 meters. Lazar’s canyon is the deepest, the longest and the most preserved canyon near to Crni Vrh mountain, newly opened ski resort.Terminal: BelgradeSpecial requirements: Volunteers should be nature lovers prepared for long walks and hard work.Participation fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS06 MALI STAPAR, KulaDates: 02/08 - 16/08MANU/KIDS/FAMNumber of volunteers: 10Age limit: 18+

Partner: Local NGO EKOLOGIKA and the community of Mali Stapar organises this camp for the second time. The first workcamp started with a multi annual activities on renovating the old village school and turning it into a centre for environmental education for kids and youth throughout the year. This year it will be especially emphasised the value of volunteering, interculturality and solidarity through sport activities of the local community. Also, working with children will help them practice their language skills.Work: Mali Stapar hosts for years triathlon race, part of the state championship, this year volunteers will

help setting the trail for athletes, control and refreshment points. In the other part of the camp volunteers will work with kids, aged 7-10, preparing different educational, sports and creative workshops for them. Volunteers will be supported by the locals who are trained or professionals in the field of children education. Volunteers should prepare one children game from their own country and present it to the group.Accommodation and food: In newly renovated building with all facilities. Volunteers will prepare food in shifts. Bring sleeping bags.Location and leisure: Mali Stapar is a village close Sombor with 200 inhabitants working in agriculture. The excursions, lectures and visits to nearby towns are planned.Language: EnglishTerminal: Belgrade, BudapestSpecial requirement: Motivation letter explaining experience in work with kids, planned activities for workshops.Remarks: This camp can host few families with kids aged 7-10.

VSS07 INTERCULTURAL SUMMER, Stara PazovaSOCIDates: 04/08 – 15/08 Number of volunteers: 10 Age limit: 18+

Project: Vojvodina Environmental Movement is one of our partners involved in sending and hosting volunteers for more then 5 years now. workcamp is being organized In Sremska Pazova for several years now and volunteers have contributed in solution of many local community’s problems, but especially they are trying to trigger local young people to get more active and involved in social life of their town and international mobility programmes. Even though the progress is visible, still there is little initiative

from the locals after the workcamp finishes.

Work: organising leisure time and educational/information activities for and with local youth (your creativity, initiative and experience is highly welcome). This means that volunteers will plan and implement various workshops/games for and with young people of Stara Pazova. The work will partly be organised in the nursery garden and partially in the town centre.Accommodation and food: in the building of Stara Pazova nursery garden and the future youth center Brest (beds and bathrooms provided). Volunteers will prepare food by themselves with material provided. Nursery garden is located in the suburbs of the town and it is surrounded by nature.Location and leisure: Geographical position of Stara Pazova is extremely convenient: it is situated between the two largest cities in Serbia –Belgrade (30 km), and Novi Sad (40 km). Stara Pazova has an impressive cultural versatility and prides itself on its cultural diversity and multi-ethnic structure. There will be opportunity to visit nearby towns (Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci) and national football house.Terminal: BelgradeSpecial requirements: Volunteers should have at least basic experience in working with young people (profesional youth workers will be available during the camp). All kinds of games, special work shop materials that could be used in organising leisure time activities are welcomed. Motivation letter is requeired – please explain your skills and experience relevant to this project.Participation fee: 15€ for an excursion and materials for work.

VSS08 DRACA, KragujevacRENODates: 05/08 - 20/08Number of volunteers: 15Age limit: 18 – 30Project: Youth office Kragujevac is YRS-VSS contact point for sending/hosting volunteers

since 2013. The village Draca is one of the largest villages in the area of Kragujevac and has nearly 900 inhabitants. The workcamp is organized by a group of young people that are focused on encouraging youth activism and

volunteering in the community. Draca is in the heart of a beautiful and very charming woody landscape, home of “shljivovitza”, with very hardworking and hospitable locals, many of them facing poverty, usually not fully realising the exceptional natural and cultural beauty of the place they call home. This is why international volunteers give another perspective to their life, as their contribution is not only in the work, but in recognising the cultural and natural richness of the place while sharing it with the locals.Work: Volunteers will work on the renovation of the Ethno house located in the centre of the village, built in traditional Serbian style, which was previously used as an ethnographic museum, but due to the negligence of the authorities, the house is in poor condition. The idea is to paint the walls, windows and doors, to repair the fence and to put in order the backyard. In addition, volunteers will help in organizing the local event called "The days of Draca" for the first time in the backyard of the house, which will be presented as Serbian tradition and culture influenced by international volunteers. Volunteers should be prepared for physical work and will have help and support of hospitable locals. Accommodation and food: Participants will sleep in the village school. Sleeping bags required. All the necessary material for the preparation of food will be provided and the participants will prepare meals in teams.Location and leisure: The village Draca is located in the region of Sumadija, in Central Serbia, 7 km from Kragujevac, once a capital of Serbia in 19th century. Excursions to Kragujevac and nearby signtseeing will be organised. Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeExtra fee: 20 € for an excursion and materials for work, as well as transport from the city to the village.

VSS09 CULTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY, ArandjelovacENVI/MANUDates: 05/08 – 19/08Number of volunteers: 15 Age limit: 18 – 26 Project: The organizer of the camp is NGO “Ecological association of camping fans” from Kragujevac with the local partner “High Technology School of Professional Studies Arandjelovac”. The project aims at raising awareness among the locals of importance of environmental education and changing our habits towards a sustainable lifestyle. Work: Volunteers will mainly focus on the cleaning and arranging the green areas in the city such as the main of the park and school yard. Participants will also help clean the garbage and dumps in the local area, remove invasive herbal species and plant the perennials. Through various activities such as the landscaping, cleaning, educational workshops and games volunteers will draw attention of local young people on the importance of responsible behaviour towards the environment in which they live and plan

some activities for after the workcamp together with them. Volunteers will also prepare creative workshops (creative use/re-use of waste) and present them at public workshops in a large park.Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in a school. Sleeping bags needed. Food will be prepared by the volunteers, with material provided.Location and leisure: Arandjelovac is located in the central part of Serbia. It is a municipality with a big number of cultural and historical monuments that show many ups and downs of the old Serbian state. During free time, volunteers will explore the town and local customs. Language: EnglishTerminal: Belgrade

VSS 10 OBRENOVAC, Obrenovac ENVI /CULTDates: 4-18.08.2014Number of volunteers: 15 + 5 localAge limit: 18 - 30Partner: Obrenovac is one of the 17 municipalities of Belgrade. It is named by the royal family Obrenovic, whose summerhouse and library are still there. It is surrounded by three rivers, with a recreational area and a spa. Obrenovac is proud of its rich cultural life. This camp is organised by the Youth Council of Obrenovac and a group of activists called YOUTH 11500, together with the local municipality. The idea is to gather together different cultures through work, present the town and style of living through different activities.Work: Volunteers will be involved in different environmental and cultural outdoor activities: landscaping and cleaning of parks, walking paths, participating in local cultural events, depending on their interest.Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in the building of the Cultural centre with all necessary facilities. Please bring sleeping bags. Ne spremaju sami klopuLocation and leisure: Obrenovac is situated only 30 km from the capital, Belgrade. There are several excursions planned.Language: EnglishSpecial requirements: It is welcome but not necessary that every volunteer bring their cameras. The photos of Obrenovac will be used for the promotion of the workcamp and the local host.Special remarks: http://mladi11500.wordpress.com/category/volunteers-diary/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPYF8vt4LIETerminal: Beograd

VSS11 GRADINA, CacakARCH/MANUDates: 16/08 - 30/08Number of volunteers: 9Age limit: 18 – 30

Project: Youth office Cacak is a YRS-VSS contact point for sending/hosting volunteers since 2013. Young people from Serbia, especially if they are not from the capital, are lacking confidence, self organisation and information for participating in

community and mobility programmes, workcamps abroad included. Youth office Cacak started sending volunteers to workcamps abroad, but with a limited success. This workcamp is an excellent tool for triggering the intercultural uderstanding between the group and the locals and, while getting to know the realities of their peers abroad, local young people get empowered to participate in workcamps and, generally, volunteer and educational international and local activities. Work: This workcamp involves various tasks of preparation of the archeological sight, like clearing the area from vegetation, digging and other supporting activities in preparing for the archaeological excavations. Please be aware that the work can be sometimes hard and that you will work outside. Volunteers will also clean the walls after excavation. Accommodation and food: We will be hosted in the village Grab on the Jelica mountain. Accommodation is some 40 minutes of walking distance from working place so you should be prepared for walking. Camp organizers will try to organize transportation for some days. Volunteers will sleep in traditional huts equipped with beds but you should not expect luxury. Volunteers will have prepared meals, common for the area, but you will help in the kitchen and it is possible that sometimes you will be in charge of cooking. Location and leisure: Gradina is multilayer archaeological site located on Jelica mountain 8 km south-west of Cacak, with findings dating from the early Iron Age and the Middle Ages. Unnamed Byzantine city on Jelica becomes more and more important point in the research community. Archaeological site covers an area of 22 hectares. Five temples, along with a number of secular buildings, houses, warehouses and shops were found at site. Archaeological site is surrounded by unspoiled nature.Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeSpecial requirements: Volunteers need to be prepared for physical and demanding work.

VSS12 LIKE ROBIN HOOD, BecejCONS/MANU/SPORTDates: 11/08 – 20/08Number of volunteers: 7Age limit: 18-30Project: Vojvodina Environmental Movement is one of our partners involved in sending and hosting volunteers for more then 5 years now. One of the workcamps they present this year is in Becej, a small, typical and multinational town in Vojvodina, situated on the right bank of the river Tisa. It is more than 900 years old and home of numerous cultural–historical monuments. What is special in Becej is the number of trees and parks which are made spontaneously from breeding ground's growing by time into the city recreation

zone. Also, Becej is well known as a city of sports. There are numerous sports clubs including - Archery club “Becej”, the local host of this workcamp. Work: Becej has a rich workcamp history, having hosted numerous camps. This time the volunteers will help in organizing the official archery competition.Before the archery competition volunteers will construct and clean the path for the competition and mark the path to connect the archery targets. Volunteers will help in cleaning and painting of the house which will be used as headquarters during the competition. They will help in fixing the part of the roof of the building that is next to the headquarters to stop water leaking. Volunteers will help during the day of the competition (giving information, catering service, cleaning after the competition, etc.) and should be prepared for hard work, especially during the day of the competition. Also, volunteers will be able to compete in the revue part of the archery competition. Before that volunteers will be trained to use bow and arrows.Accommodation and food: Volunteers will sleep in a building. Bring sleeping bags. Mattress and pillows will be provided by the host. Toilets are in the building and showers are in the sports centre nearby. Volunteers will have to prepare food for themselves, with material provided.Location: Becej is 120km from Belgrade, 50km from Novi Sad. There will be opportunity to visit famous sites in Becej (including river Tisa), and a one day trip to another town in the region. Language: EnglishSpecial requirements: Official archery competiton is very important event for the Archery club “Becej” so we are looking for highly motivated, responsible and hardworking volunteers. Terminal: BelgradeParticipation fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS13 ZASAVICA, Sremska MitrovicaENVIDates: two weeks in August Number of volunteers: 12Age limit: 18+

Project: The Special Nature Reserve Zasavica is located west of Belgrade, along the Sava River, and covers 671 ha. This is one of the reserves with a very strong management system and in the last eight years it organized very successful international voluntary workcamps. Surrounded by the fragments of marshes, hygrophilous forests and meadows, the river ecosystem dominates the area. It is characterized by the presence of rare and endemic species of animals, being endangered not only in Serbia but also in Europe, such as the fish Umbra krameri and others. However, scientists discovered that a number of invasive alien species spread on account of native species. This condition made us realize the need for clearing the Reserve from the introduced species.Work: The volunteers will clean the Reserve Zasavica from invasive alien species (Asclepias syriacus and other form of overgrowing vegetation) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. These conservatory works are part of the program of protection and revitalisation of the area.Accommodation and food: In a house inside the Reserve, with several bedrooms. Food will be prepared by the volunteers, with material provided.Location and leisure: Zasavica (www.zasavica.org.rs) is located one hour by bus from Belgrade. This area offers educational and recreational possibilities, including bird watching (with a short course), sport fishing, camping and hiking.Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeExtra fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS14 OBEDSKA BARA, PecinciENVIDates: two weeks in AugustNumber of volunteers: 12

Age limit: 18+Project: The Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara is the second oldest protected area in the world (the oldest in Europe) and a wetland of international importance (listed as a Ramsar site and IBA and IPA area). Obedska Bara, famous ornithological site, is an oxbow lake surrounded with marsh and forest habitats. Wetlands are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems and this one has been gravely degraded, the most important problem being the overgrowing and disappearance of wet meadows. Work: Volunteers will be included in the project “Return of the Ibis” of wet meadows revitalization by removing tree branches and clearing other vegetation. This will be the 16th camp we have organized here since 1997; so far because of our activities several bird species have returned and the working site has the richest bird fauna in the

reserve. Some work on a medieval fortress as well as on preparation of regatta on Sava River will be done.Accommodation and food: in two renovated houses in Ethno Park, sleeping on mats. Food will be prepared by the volunteers, with material provided.Location and leisure: Obedska Bara (www.obedskabara.rs) is located 50km from Belgrade and 75 km from Novi Sad. Lectures on wetlands and Obedska Bara's recent environmental problems will be given. On the last day of the camp volunteers will participate in celebration of village festival on 12th of August (St Angelina Day). Volunteers can also swim in the lake and the river Sava, watch the birds and explore the beautiful nature of the area.Language: EnglishTerminal: BelgradeExtra fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS15 SUMMER IN KARAVUKOVO, OdzaciENVI/ART/CULTDates: 06/09 – 20/09

Number of volunteers: 10Age limit: 18+

Project: A young NGO “Creative youth center Karavukovo” works on protecting the environment and promoting youth activism in this little town of Vojvodina region. This would be the first workcamp in Karavukovo and volonteers would be included in regular actvities of the organisation during summer in order to trigger youth participation and offer alternative and interesting ways for spending free time during summer.Work: arranging, cleaning and decorating public spaces including paining public murals; raising awareness through campaigns on the importance of environment friendly behaviour among the locals; organising the local event “With hook against drugs”, sport fishing for children; other local events, influenced by the international group of volunteers, like teaching children English or organising intercultural games and activities.Accommodation and food: in a builiding of sport fishing association, on matterases. If you want, you can sleep in your

own tent in the yard. Bring sleeping bags. There is an equipped kitchen and toilets. Volunteers will prepare means by themselves, with material provided.Location and leisure: Karavukovo is a village of 4360 inhabitants 65km from Novi Sad and 160km from Belgrade. Excursions to nearby interesting sights will be organised, where volunteers would experience the traditional way of living characteristic for Vojvodina.Special requirements: Volunteers should have some experience in engaging in public activities, be creative and contribute with the ideas for local events. Extra fee: 20€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS16 WINE FEST, Sremski KarlovciFEST

Dates: 12 days in late SeptemberNumber of volunteers: 10Age limit: 18+

Project: Vojvodina Environmental Movement is one of our partners involved in sending and hosting volunteers for more then 5 years now. Sremski Karlovci is situated on the Fruska Gora mountain, just by the river Danube, in the region of Vojvodina. It is a small, picturesque town with rich past and represents the centre of the Serbian culture and spirituality. At mid September it is hosting a traditional wine festival that gathers around some of the best wine makers of the region. In one part of its history, this town was under territory of Roman empire, and it is said that one of its emperors brought the grapes from Sicily to this region.

Work: Volunteers will help in preparing the festival. Main part of it will be preparing the show on the topic of Roman Empire, for the visitor of the festival.Accommodation and food: in a fully equipped hostel. Lunch will be served at the nearby restaurant, while breakfast and dinner will be prepared by the volunteers.Location and leisure: Sremski Karlovci is situated at 11 km from Novi Sad. A guided site seeing tour of the town will be organised, as well as the trip to Novi Sad and a hiking tours to Fruska Gora!Terminal: BelgradeSpecial remarks: Because the workshops will happen during the day, one part of the programme will be organised for the children, so volunteers should be able to plan and implement workshops for them too.Extra fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional excursions and material for work.

VSS17 ECO-CAMP RZAV, Arilje

ENVIDates: 20/07- 03/08Number of volunteers: 12Age limit: 18+

Project: The local partner and host is the association "Ecological Association Rzav-God Save Rzav"., who organises workcamps for the past several years. Arilje is a small town situated on the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. It’s famous by huge plantations of raspberries and less by cultural – historical heritage, which is breathtaking.Work: There are two parts of the camp. The first part of the work will be outside, in nature. We will clean a few locations on the river Rzav (clean of vegetation, footpaths, installation of benches and trash cans, scavenging, etc. ..). The second part of the work will be of assistance in organizing two ecological festivals

which will be held in Arilje during this period: Arlemm and raspberries' days in Arilje. We will help in the organization of stands, sharing promotional materials, organization of concerts. Accommodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in a big old house in the center of Arilje, with kitchen and toilet. Food will be prepared by the local cook, except breakfast that will be prepared by the volunteers. Sleeping bag and carry mat are necessary.Location and leisure: Arilje is town in Western Serbia, 200 km away from Belgrade. We could go swimming or rowing in the rivers and have sporting events (e.g. a football match with mixed teams of volunteers and local people). During the free time, participants will have the opportunity to get in touch with everyday life of the town.Language: EnglishSpecial requirements: Volunteers should be nature and culture lovers prepared for long walks and hard work.Terminal: BelgradeExtra fee: 15€. It is used as an addition to the workcamp budget, for additional activities and material for work.

VSS 18 ECO CAMP LUDAS LAKE, HajdukovoENVIDates: 22/06 - 06/07Number of volunteers: 13Age limit: 18+

Project: The Special Nature Reserve Lake Ludas is an eolic lake surrounded with marsh, prairie, ponds and forest habitats and is famous as an ornithological reserve. It is one of the oldest protected areas in the world and listed as wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site from 1977). Beside its preserved natural values (bird, fish and plant species of wetlands, the beauty of the landscape, the lake with the tall reed beds), there is also a rich cultural heritage (archaeological findings, rural and sacral architecture, traditional culture especially

good rural cuisine). The workcamp is organised for more then 10 years. Volunteer activities will be implemented within the framework of multi annual revitalization project of removing wet meadows reed, shrubs and other vegetation in the Special Nature Reserve "Ludas Lake". Work: Volunteers will be included in the project of wet meadows revitalization by removing reed, tree branches and clearing other vegetation. Also they can work on converting some arable molders of the land near the lake into quilts by collecting seeds from the quilts vegetation; renovation of an old cottage, typical for this area, such as painting walls or cleaning. All the work will be carried out in co-operation with the managers of the protected area, ecologists and ornithologists. Volunteers interested in the countryside and nature conservation are welcome.Accommodation and food: in the Research Station “Ludas” point. Food will be provided in local restaurant “Mosquito Tavern” (“Szunyog-csarda”). Sleeping bags are required.Location and leisure: Ludas Lake is located 12 km from Subotica in the northern part of Serbia. Excursions to important cultural and historical points will be organized, together with visits to museums.Languages: EnglishSpecial requirements: Volunteers should be nature and culture lovers prepared for long walks and hard but very rewarding work.Terminal: Belgrade, Budapest