ICJA Workcamps in Deutschland

CONS/MANU/ENVI

VOLS: 12

Age: 18-26

Languages: English, German

Project:Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V.” is a non-profit children's and youth meeting place and one of the oldest self-managed NGOs in Germany. Located in the forest on the outskirts of the city of Darmstadt, we maintain the tradition of a learning and recreational place close to nature and life with down-to-earth, resource-saving accommodation. For over forty years, groups of children, youth and adults, families, clubs or political initiatives have come together here and found plenty of space to learn, run around, play, relax, meet, develop or simply be outside and together. On Sundays in spring and summer, we open the ForstLove Café with a colorful musical program. Excursionists, city walkers and fresh air fans can relax here in the green idyll on the large grounds. Our offer is especially aimed at families and people with low incomes, as the appreciation of heterogeneity and diversity is very important to us. You can find Jugendhof in Internet: jugendhof.org.

Work: Together, we would like to build barrier-free dry toilets and outdoor showers for children and youth groups on our campsite. You will be sawing, drilling, screwing and hammering under expert guidance with professional tools and machines. At the same time, we redesign the outdoor area around the tree house, plant native shrubs, extend the deadwood hedge and do typical gardening work on the site. Volunteers are also invited to take part in the Sunday café. Do you have a passion for baking cakes or enjoy being behind the counter? Then we look forward to your contribution to experiencing this day together. During your stay, there will also be other groups at the youth centre with whom you can sit around the campfire in the evening and chat.

We are currently trying to organise an inclusive project together with young people with disabilities. This means that one or even a small group of young people with physical disabilities will accompany the group during the day. Unfortunately, the final number has not yet been finalised as we are still looking for a cooperation partner.

Leisure time: The Jugendhof is located at the edge of the Bessunger Forest, which can be easily explored from here. On hot summer days the shady forest offers a good opportunity to cool down and wide open meadows invite you to a relaxed picnic. You can enjoy meetings in a wooden yurt, which was build from an international workcamp as well. If you walk for an hour through the forest and meadows, you can reach a beautiful swimming lake with a small sandy beach. Darmstadt is also very interesting culturally, as it was one of the centres of European Art Nouveau at the beginning of the 20th century. Since 2021, the “Mathildenhöhe artists colony” of the city of Darmstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We would like to recommend a visit to the impressive and unique area, including the museum and the Orthodox chapel.

Accommodation: Volunteers live in our centrally located self-catering house "Sharewood Lodge". In addition to a spacious kitchen and two bathrooms, there are three bedrooms in the house, each with five beds. In general, the facilities allow a day-long outdoor life.

Region:The Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V. is located at the edge of the forest between the city of Darmstadt and the village of Roßdorf. The suburban area marks the transition from the Rhine-Main region to the low mountain range Odenwald and is located 30 kilometers south of Frankfurt am Main and 50 kilometers north of the picturesque city of Heidelberg.

Remarks: After registration, we require a self-declaration in terms of legal protection for children and vulnerable persons. You will need working clothes, rainwear and, if necessary, swimming gear as well as sturdy closed shoes. Since it can get very cold in the forest at night, even in summer, please bring warm clothes and don't forget your sunscreen. Bed linen will be provided by the house. Please bring your own towels.

Terminal: Bus station: Bessunger Forst/Jugendhof reachable from Darmstadt Main Station or Ostbahnhof. Nearest Airport: Frankfurt / Main

ART/STUDY/CULT

Vols: 14

Age: 18-26

Languages: English, German

Project: Commemorating as a way towards peace! The Evangelical parish of Datteln is the origin of a Christian Peace Movement, which builds up a European network for international encounters and voluntary service as a contribution to peace. The Parish of Datteln aims to remember a historical event, which took place after World War I during the French occupation of the Ruhr area. It happened on Good Friday in 1923 in Lutherhaus (former parish center): the French lieutenant Etienne Bach and the German official Karl Wille found the strength for reconciliation. Following their example, representatives of many nations, which could see each other only as enemies for generations, found a good way to communicate. The root of the movement “Youth Action for Peace, YAP“ lies in this international encounter that took place more than 90 years ago. Lots of volunteers have learned that reconciliation is possible, even if contradictions seem to be unbridgeable.

Work: In the last workcamps with the help of the local artist Ms. Ulrike Speckmann, volunteers created colorful messages of peace, which were shown in public places. For example, they designed „benches of encounter“, a “table of peace and reconciliation” also a big mural in the local kindergarden. And again, the artist is happy to help you to get in a creative process of painting and designing. For information about the artist, please visit http://ulrike-speckmann.de/.This year there will be offered a graphic art project in the first week. It will be based on the short story "Nachts schlafen die Ratten doch" (English title "Rats Sleep at Night") by Wolfgang Borchert, written in 1947 right after Second World War. It is considered as "Rubble literature" and shows how a future perspective can emerge for the traumatised boy in the midst of a destroyed environment when two strangers meet. and talk together. Volunteers are to translate the short story into picture ideas, which can then be graphically designed using the linocut technique. The result will be a graphic novel in book form, which we can be printed in a small edition.  In the second week, the volunteers are invited to renovate and beautify the outside area of a social centre. Either in a kindergarten or an institution for adults with mental disabilities  Members of the parish will be happy if volunteers are ready to contact the different social groups of the town, especially the children and the older generation.

Study part: How to tackle the topic “peace” artistically; local history as a starting point of an international movement.

Leisure time: Excursions to local places of interest, like crossing 4 channels and other sites.

Region: The town of Datteln has approx. 35 000 inhabitants and is situated on the edge of the mining region in the north of the Ruhr area. Four waterways for shipping traffic are crossing in Datteln. The river Lippe and Münster region are nearby. Next bigger towns are Recklinghausen, Dortmund and a very nice and famous student town Münster.

Accommodation: The participants will be accommodated in the modern community center of Datteln „Etienne-Bach-Haus“. Please bring with you a sleeping bag. Camp beds and pillows will be provided.

Remarks:Volunteers with interest in creative arts and social work are very welcome. After confirmation of placement in this camp, you will have to sign a self-commitment statement in terms of legal protection for children and vulnerable persons. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Terminal:Castrop-Rauxel, (near Dortmund train station) Next airport: Duesseldorf International (80 km).

MANU/CULT/SPORT
Vols: 15
Age: 18-26
Languages spoken: English, German

Project: The municipality of Eilenburg has been offering successful workcamps for more than 13 years now. The workcamp host was always the youth club House 6 CLOUD which is located in former barracks. In the same building, you can find some more social, sportive and cultural projects, for example a skate park. For former information, please visit https://www.haus6.org/

Work:Like in the workcamps of the previous years, volunteers are welcome to support some renovation and maintenance of social institutions of the town: Right next to our site is the school garden of a school for children with learning disabilities. Volunteers are invited to help building new wooden benches and tables. In addition, hedges and trees need to be cut and a fence needs to be replaced. The aim is to create a living, green fence. Volunteers will learn how to handle and work with a scythe in a workshop. At the same time, the volunteers will support the renovation work on the open air square and in the concert hall in the cellar of the youth centre. The work will consist of painting walls and renewing a bar counter. In general, it is manual work, sometimes physically demanding. Please bring suitable clothing for gardening and painting.

Study part: Volunteers will learn about different types of youth culture in Germany. The workcamp is a good opportunity to improve your German language skills as you will be able to be in touch with German native speakers.

Leisure time: The leisure time programme is organised together with local Eilenburg youth groups and clubs. The focus is on meeting and exchanging ideas with local young people. There will also be sports activities such as football, volleyball, swimming and others. These are the highlights: At the weekend there will be a volleyball tournament in which the workcamp group can take part with its own team. A day trip to the nearby metropolis of Leipzig is planned with some surprises. You can learn about the rich history of the town of Eilenburg through guided tours in the town museum and in the historic mountain cellars, which are located on the hill in the centre of the town.

Region: Eilenburg is a small town with approx.16,000 inhabitants, on the edge of the Dübener Heide and about 25 km from the trade fair city of Leipzig. Due to its rich history of over a thousand years, Eilenburg may call itself one of the cradles and birthplaces of Saxony. The uninterrupted rule of the Wettin dynasty, beginning with the Count of Ilburg in the 11th century, continued until 1918 and Eilenburg is still part of the federal state of Saxony today.

In the Middle Ages and during industrialisation, Eilenburg was a wealthy town. In Martin Luther's time the main business was brewing, and in the 19th century it was a national centre of the textile industry. But Eilenburg has also been devastated several times in its history. In April 1945 at the end of the Second World War, Eilenburg was almost completely destroyed.

The only remaining evidence of the early historical period is the "Sorbenturm", a remaining part of the Ilburg. It was probably built in the 12th century on the highest part of the 220m x 150m castle plateau. A circular path outside the castle wall connects the Sorben Tower with the Amtshaus, the former district court. This path was renovated with the help of volunteers in previous work camps.

Accommodation:The volunteers will stay at the local youth center called „House VI“. The group can cook for itself in a modern kitchen.

Remarks: You should bring sleeping bags and camping mats (some camp mats can be provided from the local project). It is necessary to bring work clothes, raingear and sturdy shoes.

Terminal: Eilenburg via Leipzig. Nearest airports: Leipzig-Halle, Berlin.

FEST/ART/KIDS/CULT

Vols: 7

Age: 18-26

Languages: English, German

Project: The „Himmelsfels“ (Heavens rock) in Spangenberg is the territory that occupies 8 hectares. In Himmelsfels there are so-called embassies, i.e caravans that have been modified artistically to be tiny houses for German and international guests of the Himmelsfels. Every year in Himmelsfels there are events dedicated to art, culture, Christian gospel music and youth Encounter. This summer season, there will be three international youth camps comprising about 80 – 150 young people from various countries.The volunteers will help to enrich the current youth camps by becoming part of our international staff, by supporting the activities for the youth and the infrastructure of the camps. The program will take place on the “Himmelsfels” itself.The “Himmelsfels” foundation is a Christian organization, which aims: to develop spaces for intercultural and ecumenical exploration, as well as to motivate people for a life characterized by equality and common values. The project targets especially young people who support and are eager to join the community of Christian spirituality. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.himmelsfels.de/

Work: Workcamp participants are invited to work in different fields: manual, artistically, pedagogical. During the youth camps, you will communicate with kids from diverse backgrounds and join their activities as well. You will support the camp in logistic areas and support the construction and decoration of an artistic project called “the archive of dreams” connected with the World Prayer Day Project. It would be helpful to prepare to offer your own workshop whether artistically, musically or athletically in advance and bring many new inspiring ideas. In addition, all volunteers will have the chance to introduce their countries. You should collect ideas at home and bring necessary materials for a creative presentation including pictures, food, games, or other typical things from your countries. Further information will be prepared after the placement in the workcamp. Besides the announced activities, the volunteers will also need to take responsibility by leading groups of young campers in daily works like catering and cleaning.   

Study part: The study part of this workcamp will be dominated mostly by the question about life between past and future, tradition and modernity, small-town-life and global correlations. Working on the “Himmelsfels“ always encourages encounters between people from different cultures and diverse background.

Leisure part: Spangenberg is a small village in the valleys in the south of Kassel. Excursions can be made to local sites of interest and to Kassel. Kassel is known by an international art festival called Documenta.

Remarks: A letter of motivation is needed! Basic knowledge of the German language is helpful to communicate with the kids. Volunteers with interest in performing arts are very welcome and it would be great if you are interested in a Christian spirituality. After registration, we require a self-declaration in terms of legal protection for children and vulnerable persons. Please bring a sleeping bag. As some summer nights can get cold in Germany, please bring some warm clothes and raingear!

Accommodation: Spangenberg is a small German village that lies in the Schwalm-Eder district some 35 km southeast of Kassel. There will be basic and simple accommodation. You will be sleeping in caravans with some other people in one room. Please bring a sleeping bag. As some summer nights can get cold in Germany, please bring some warm clothes and raingear.

Terminal: Melsungen train station (Melsungen Bahnhof).

EDU/CULT/STUDY

Vols: 8/75

Age: 16-26

Languages: English

Project: Since 1983, the International Youth Meeting Dachau is a place for young people from all over the world to discuss issues concerning the past, the present and the future. They will take a look at the history of the former Dachau concentration camp, National Socialism and present forms of exclusion, racism and discrimination. The principles of exchanging ideas, experiencing different cultural backgrounds, as well as Holocaust education are the core ideas of the International Youth Meeting. It is primarily organized by a team of international volunteers. Survivors of the National Socialist regime and their descendants will talk about the experiences and personal consequences of persecution.

Background: In March 1933 one of the first Nazi concentration camps was established in the town of Dachau, near Munich. The Dachau concentration camp soon became a model for other concentration camps and also a place where SS-Men were trained. Until 1945, over 206.000 people from different countries were imprisoned in Dachau. About 41.500 prisoners died from terror and the consequences of inhuman practices, diseases, exhaustion and hunger. In 1965 because of the initiative of some survivors of the concentration camp the place became a memorial site. And in 1983 the first IYM Dachau organized by young people of the region took place.

Program: Remember – connect – understand - shape the future is our guiding slogan. We will learn about the history of the concentration camp Dachau and other aspects of National Socialism in Germany. We will always ask: What did we learn? How do we remember today? Where do we still find racism, antisemitism, and discrimination? The program consists of different workshops, talks of eyewitnesses or their descendants, guided tours through the Memorial Site, tours in Dachau and Munich and day trips. There is also time for personal conversation, sports, and parties. We will offer volunteers to give a contribution to the programme: You can Send us your ideas for our show at the public Garden party in the middle of IYM Dachau (dancing, singing, theatre,…) Feel free to contact project management in advance.

Leisure time: There will be free time for fun and games, entertainment, getting to know the people, going to cafés, etc. However, please notice that there is not enough free time for self-organized day trips during the IYM Dachau.

Accommodation: Accommodation is at the Max Mannheimer House in rooms for four people. The participation fee includes: full board and lodging, together with the costs incurred by the program. The hostel will supply bed linen, sleeping bags are not allowed.

Region: Dachau is very close to Munich.

Remarks: A letter of motivation is needed! Please bring clothes which suit the weather, musical instruments, games, songbooks or whatever you want for the leisure time...

You should have a working knowledge of English to communicate without any difficulties. You should be interested in various subjects and in taking part in workshops.

Additional costs: Additional fee of 250, - EUR is including boarding, lodging and the program. We recommend to pay via banc transfer to the account below. Please do not forget to mention your name as reference.

Early bird discount: If you apply before April 14^th, the fee is only 200,- EUR.

Terminal: Dachau.

ART/ RENO/ MANU

Vols: 12

Age: 18-26

Language: English, German 

Project: The Kunstort Lehnin (Art Place Lehnin) is nestled between a forest and a lake near the village of Lehnin. It's a picturesque location that provides inspiration and workshops for visual art and culture. Within its premises, you'll find an art gallery, a summer academy, a seminar venue for visual arts, music, and theatre, as well as yoga seminars and professional training. More information is available at kunstortlehnin.de. The institute is beautifully situated on the edge of Klostersee Lake, surrounded by a park-like garden featuring a small jetty and an integrated art sculpture park. The site also boasts a café with a lake-view terrace. The Kunstort was established in 1991 by the artist Eckhart Haisch, making it a special place for volunteers who have a keen interest in contemporary art to offer their support.

Work: On the first day, volunteers will receive an orientation about the project, the institute, and the local area. Alongside members of the art association, volunteers will contribute to redesigning and beautifying the outdoor spaces. Key tasks include reconstructing the lakeshore fortification and pathways, performing plaster and paint work on buildings, and engaging in gardening. Additionally, volunteers will clean sculptures in the nearby forest of grass and moss. The project offers a wide range of tasks, generally involving physical labor and the use of tools for construction, renovation, gardening, and woodworking. During the same period, an artist symposium is planned, and it is conceivable that the volunteers could support the artists. This would need to be arranged on a case-by-case basis with the artist.During your stay, you'll encounter other guests and groups on the premises, providing opportunities for interaction. At a certain point, you will collaborate on tasks with some of the association members, followed by a small get-together in the evening, which also welcomes guests of the institute. Volunteers from the workcamp are encouraged to contribute to this event as well.

Study Part/Leisure Time: Volunteers will explore the cultural concept and efforts of Kunstort Lehnin and how it fosters integration among Lehnin residents from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. There's a piano available for those who play, or you can bring your own instrument and find others to make music with. Volunteers interested in art can participate in an art workshop. Swimming in the lake is encouraged, provided it's done responsibly. Excursions to the cities of Potsdam, Werder, or Brandenburg are possible. A highlight includes a ride on our Canaletto boat on the lake connected to Klostersee, where you can admire its rich flora and fauna. The workcamp offers a great opportunity to interact with German native speakers, making it an excellent chance to improve your German language skills. Volunteers are welcome to use the Kunstort’s rowboats and will be offered a guided tour through the monastery premises.

Region: Kloster Lehnin is a vast municipality (>200km²) comprising 14 villages centered around the main village of Lehnin, located 65 kilometers southwest of Berlin. The closest cities are Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam. On the opposite shore of Klostersee Lake lies Brandenburg's oldest Cistercian monastery, established in 1180 by Margrave Otto I. Today, it houses a guesthouse, a clinic, a retirement home, and a museum. The village of Lehnin has always been linked to the monastery and is set in a picturesque landscape with numerous lakes and woodlands. During the European Middle Ages, the monastery was a significant religious, cultural, and commercial hub, with many ancient buildings still standing. The church is notable for its architecture and hosts many concerts in the summer.

Accommodation: Volunteers will prepare and eat their meals in the outdoor summer kitchen of Kunstort Lehnin, which is sheltered yet open to nature on one side. Sleeping arrangements are in the seminar rooms, equipped with 6 – 7 mattresses each (bed linen provided). You are also welcome to bring your own tent and set it up by the lake shore. Showers and toilets are available for personal hygiene. Note: Summers can be hot, requiring sun protection, but they can also be cool, especially when it rains, so warm clothing is advised.

Remarks: Please bring workwear and raincoats, a bathing suit, music, your talents, and something unique from your country. As there will be opportunities to spend time at and in the lake, knowing how to swim is essential. If you're bringing your own tent, don't forget a sleeping bag and an insulation mat.

Terminal: Groß Kreutz Bahnhof (as one option, there are some more options to reach Lehnin).

AGRI / ENVI/ STUDY

Vols: 08

Age: 18-26

Language: English, German & Spanish

Project: Michels Kleinsthof is working for the utopia of a sustainable, resilient, and grandchild-friendly agriculture to come true. More than 50 different crops are grown on one hectare using the “Market Gardening” principle. We are part of the movement “Community based agriculture” (in Germany it is called “Solidarity Farming- Solidarische Landwirtschaft” ). This means members are involved in the work on a weekly basis in order to bring sustainable food production to the people. School classes are allowed to experience agriculture first hand and enjoy looking after chicken, sheep and bees. There is a great variety of tasks in our diverse garden! Diversity makes us independent of the agricultural industries. And it is also useful for our fellow creatures of all kinds.  We deliver a big part of our products to our 80 members of Solidarity Farming and another part we sell at the market in the picturesque nearby town of Staufen. However, Michel's micro-farm sees itself not only as a food producer, but also as a place of learning and a nature conservation project! Agriculture is the number one cause of species extinction worldwide and is responsible for 25% of the greenhouse gases that are harmful to the climate. On one of the most fertile soils in Germany, in a beautiful spot between the Vosges and the Black Forest, the micro-farm sets a counter-example to the monocultures of the rest of the Rhine Valley.

Work: You help is needed in the construction of a building for multifunctional using, made as clay lightweight construction from clay and wood. First structures has been build up by the workcamp in 2023 and now you have the chance to finish the facility. Another manual labour will be to renovate other facilities on the farm.In August, every garden is in the fullness of its harvest season! Tomatoes sweetened by the sun, courgettes and cucumbers growing at a fast speed and need hard-working hands and hungry mouths. But the weeds don't stop growing either. That's why there will be the opportunity to help out in the daily business of Market gardening like harvesting, weeding, planting seeds and caring of small plants in the nursery all the time! In other words, there would not only be the opportunity to experience the multifaceted gardening at first hand, but also to master manual and physical work in a team. So if you have extra energy, you are more than welcome!

Study part: In our work, we follow the principle of “Market Garden”: Here is what it looks like: on the smallest possible area, as many crops as possible are cultivated without the use of groundwater-damaging fertiliser, only with the help of compost. The most important idea here is the idea of recycling, in order to work with as little labour, pesticides and land as possible. Learning gardening skills, the cycle concept and environmental aspects in agriculture are therefore important learning elements during the work camp. Permaculture and biodynamic principles can be experienced here. The care and feeding of chicken and sheep can also be learned in practice. Another important part is building with natural materials. We plan to implement old craft techniques that were used to build houses and infrastructure without modern technology, yet were very energy-efficient.

Accommodation and food: Most of the organic seasonal food comes directly from the field to your plate. Everything else that is needed will be purchased. The diet will be predominantly vegetarian. Cooking will take place together in the outdoor kitchen and there will also be the possibility to cook a "classic" dish from your country of origin. Next to the kitchen, there is also a fireplace for sitting together in the evening, so your musical instruments are most welcome! We will also use the clay oven for pizza at least once.As far as sleeping is concerned, we will either set up a communal tent directly on the field or will provide some beds in construction trailers. A small hutch will serve as our shower, a composting toilet is already part of the sanitary facilities in the field.Please be ready to live in very basic conditions; you will live outdoors most of the time and near to nature. The work can be physically demanding.

Region: Michels Kleinsthof is located between the Black Forest and the Vosges in the border triangle in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. A nearby quarry pond can be easily reached after work with bicycles provided by the farm and the young, alternative and beautiful student city of Freiburg is also less than 10 minutes away by train. The farm itself is located in a small village called Tunsel, but the entire region is bursting with nature and cultural tourism opportunities. If you are travelling by plane, we would very much appreciate it if you could extend your stay in Central Europe even further, so as not to use climate-damaging mobility just for our project.

Remarks: Please bring a sleeping bag, swimwear and preferably sturdy shoes for working in the garden. Please note that you will get dirty in the garden, so clothes that can get dirty and are old are recommended. Remember that the sunshine and heat peaks in August and you should bring suitable headgear and sufficient sun protection. Long-sleeved, thin clothing will also work for this.

The living conditions will be very simple, so please be prepared. Note that it is not recommended to attend if you are allergic to weed.

Terminal: Bad Krozingen, near Freiburg.

SOCI/STUDY/REFUGEE

Vol: 12

Age: 18-26

Languages: English, German

Project: Since many years now we offer this successful workcamp together with the protestant community center "Petrusgemeinde". The international volunteers are invited to the Asylum Centre for two weeks to take part in the daily life of the refugees. In the study part of the camp, we want to inform about the situation of refugees in Germany and Europe, as well as the current developments in the area of Asylum-policies. We want you to get in contact with the residents of the Asylum Centre so that we can learn about their stories, difficulties and perspectives.The Asylum Centres for asylum seekers in Hessen are located at the edge of the city Giessen. There are currently around 2 000 asylum-seekers hosted in former army barracks. The refugees are in Germany because of various reasons, e.g. political, ethnic and religious persecution or poverty. Usually, they stay at the facility for few months until a decision has been made about their application. Sometimes they are sent to other centers or to other “safe countries” where they entered the European Union, or to their countries of origin. Most of the people living in the Asylum Centres in Giessen are from Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, Ukraine and Balkan countries: Young men, women, children and older people. The asylum seekers live in simple conditions and are not allowed to work or leave the district in which they live. Their permission to stay in Germany often is limited and so is their contact with the locals living in the city.

Work: Together with the refugees we want to organize common activities, where the women and children are taken into consideration: Playing games, making sports, being creative, in short to have some fun together…. Besides organizing games for the kids and special activities for women and men, there is the option to create some scenes in a puppet theatre.In addition, our goal is to get in contact with the young people in Giessen to raise greater awareness for the refugees and to break the isolation of the refugees. We will prepare contact with students of the local university that are willing to take care of the medical issues of the refugees and to pursue the legal issues of the asylum law.We especially invite volunteers to participate, who can speak Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic or Farsi.

Environment: Giessen, a city populated mostly by students located in the mid-west of Germany. It is easy to reach via Frankfurt airport and Frankfurt Hahn.

Leisure Time: There are plenty of possibilities for leisure time activities: playing football or canoeing as well as possibilities to visit some other cities. (e.g. Marburg, Frankfurt or Heidelberg)

Accommodation: The workcamp will be hosted by a local protestant church which is already involved in working with the refugees. The premises of the church are plentiful and volunteers will have a lot of space for sleeping, cooking, dining, relaxing, and for indoor and outdoor activities.

Remarks: Please bring sleeping bag, a pillow if needed, towels, camping mat, work clothes, bathing suit, music, your talents and something specific from your country. After registration, we require a self-declaration concerning the children and youth protection. Please send a motivation letter together with your application. The local host requires that all participants are vaccinated against measles, to protect the people in the shelter.

Terminal: Giessen.

AGRI/CONS/ENVI/STUD/MANU

12 International Vols + approx. 3 German Vols

Age: 18-26

Languages: English, German

Project: The "Universitas in Farmhouse" is a center of education for nature, culture, youth work and sustainability. The aim of this project is to demonstrate different ecological cultivation methods. It is a long-standing partner of successful workcamps and a wonderful place to feel at home.

Work: Volunteers are invited to continue the special project GARDEN OF ENVIRONMENT – FIELDS for PLAYING AND LEARNING at our gardening land. It will offer different stations where visitors can learn and experience about nature and sustainability … very creative, surprising and funny! – There will be physical work, using tools and working with materials like wood, rocks, soil. You will work outdoors most of the time. Volunteers who like to exercise can make firewood.

Every year, volunteers are invited to get to know the local Perma Culture garden and do some gardening there. While looking after the plants, there is the possibility to harvest fruits. Of course, there is also an opportunity to get to know the idea of a Permaculture with its plants and environment. Therefore, we are looking for 12 motivated young people who are interested in handicrafts, advanced training and gardening/landscaping.

Study part: How to create a productive garden which grows plants and feeds animals in a way that only a minimum input of energy and resources are required to achieve maximum sustainability to the environment? Interesting ecological and cultural projects/information from your country is very welcome.

Leisure time: The afternoons, evenings and weekends are free for personal use: sports, fieldtrips in the region and to Freiberg, swimming. In the last weekend, volunteers will join the summer party of the University in the Farmhouse: Youth Music Festival WILD ART with many musicians. If you are in the mood, bring an instrument with you – drums and guitars can be provided.

Region:The project will take place in a famous river hill and cultural landscape in the middle of Saxony at the foot of the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), 35 km from Dresden, 15 km from Freiberg.

Accommodation:The participants are accommodated in the big seminar room. Food will be prepared together in the big kitchen of the seminar house.

Remarks: Please bring a sleeping bag with you and an isolation sheet. Gossberg is situated in a remote area; you can enjoy nature and countryside.

Terminal:Freiberg, near Dresden. Nearest airports: Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig

RENO/ ENVI/ STUDY

Vols: 12

Age: 18-26

Language: English, German

Project: Bedheim castle was first mentioned in the year 1169 and was destroyed and reconstructed several times in its long history. During the last 20 years, the castle became a sociocultural center for this remote region. Currently it offers meeting places for social and cultural initiatives. With historical rooms, the garden café, various types of gardens and being surrounded by beautiful nature, it is a perfect place to meet with friends, to enjoy a good piece of cake or even to celebrate a wedding. Since 1992, this association has been organizing workcamps. Volunteers enjoy spending their time to meet and work together with the inhabitants. An organic garden, a painter's studio, a goldsmith's workshop and an architect's office are the basis for the existence of the residents. There is even a small castle museum, where you can admire the bones of prehistoric dinosaurs, once living in this region. Last but not least: nice cats and dogs are waiting to be petted by the volunteers!The aim of this project is to create an atmosphere where people with or without disabilities may come, live and work together without any prejudice against handicap, nationality, or religion.

Work: Volunteers are invited to help with the care and maintenance of this social centre and its various areas. There is work outside and inside: The meadow orchard must be cleared of bushes and, depending on the weather, apples can be collected and processed into apple juice. The work in the organic vegetable garden also depends on the weather, usually the volunteers help with the harvest of fruit and vegetables. In the castle itself, there is painting and cleaning work to be done to maintain the building. Encounters with kids and people of the region are foreseen. Overall, there is a wide variety of tasks - something for everyone!

Study: We may learn more about natural beauty of the environment. We can make excursions to places of cultural and historical interest (e.g. Weimar, the city of Goethe and the concentration camp Buchenwald). We can have discussions and lectures about German history, society, culture and politics (the German East-West border was only 9 km away from Bedheim). There will be the possibility to encounter with young people of the region and getting to know more about the countries of the participants.

Accommodation: Bedheim castle offers a simple group accommodation in a seminar house. Beds will be provided. Meals will be prepared by the group (less meat but a lot of very good vegetables and fruits from the nursery). Warm water is provided from a solar collector.

Region: Bedheim castle is located in the west of Thuringia, close to the Bavarian border. Next bigger town is Coburg (28 km away). Bedheim is surrounded by the extraordinary beautiful Franconian landscape.

Remarks: Some basic knowledge of German or English is recommended. Please bring rain and working clothes as well as swim suits, a sleeping bag, slippers, towels and warm pullovers with you. You can also bring a map, pictures or special food items from your country.

Terminal: Bedheim is 8 km from the train station of Hildburghausen and 15 km from the train station of Bad Rodach.