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Germany Germany: Roll Up Your Sleeves (near Koblenz in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley) (DE-SCI 10.99)

Dates

07/04/2024   -   19/04/2024

Feedback from 14 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Manual Work
2
Place(s)
left

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
12
Still room for
2
Languages
English
Nearest airport
 
Nearest bus/train station
 

Work

together we will preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley:
we will work in gardens and vineyards, on old hiking trails and forests, on dry stone walls and in orchards. The exact work program is still being developed and will show several aspects for the preservation of the cultural landscape, with a focus on landscape conservation, garden culture and nature conservation!

Accomodation and food

You will stay in the beautiful youth hostel in Kaub at the river Rhein. All meals - optionally vegetarian or vegan - will be prepared for you.

Location and leisure

Upper Middle Rhine Valley, different spots

Project hosted by

The international work camp takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley in the surroundings of the legendary Loreley and is organized by the Zweckverband Welterbe Oberes Mittelrheintal. Preservation and conservation of the unique cultural landscape are the focus of the work camp. Together with winegrowers, biotope caretakers as well as landscape conservationists, biotope and landscape maintenance work such as mowing and brush removal will be carried out in the steep Rhine slopes and side valleys.
During leisure time, the unique cultural landscape with winegrowing, castles and palaces

Additional comments

INCOMING FEE of 50 € for volunteers applying via partner organisations and contacts of SCI: https://sci-d.de/incomingfee

Requirements

It is essential to bring high work shoes with profile or hiking boots (work on slopes) and sturdy work clothes!

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Germany Germany: Solar-Power (Lellwangen near Lake Constance) (DE-SCI 10.90)

Dates

15/04/2024   -   25/04/2024

Feedback from 14 volunteers

Tags

Construction
Environmental
Renovation

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
17
Still room for
9 Male + 9 Female
Languages
English
Nearest airport
 
Nearest bus/train station
 

Work

In this workcamp we are constructing a self-sufficient solar power energy system with
energy storage facilities. This system is a possible way of creating resilient energy supply in a
decentralized manner keeping private energy supply in a more personal responsibility
compared to a centralized energy network run by big company. Additionally, natural
gardening tasks will contribute to a varied working experience with many fields of learning.

Accomodation and food

In your own tent (please bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag). Depending on your
needs, indoor sleeping options are also possible. Outdoor kitchen, toilets, shower. The
volunteers will take turns in cooking for the whole group. So be prepared to cook for the

Location and leisure

Our camp is located near the northwest part of Lake Constance, 40 km of the city of
Constance. The workcamp is just outside the village of Lellwangen, Deggenhausertal. From
there, we can enjoy a great view to the lake and the Alps.

Project hosted by

The aim of our association Zukunftsweise e.V. is to build a non-profit learning centre in
which alternative ways of life and economy are researched and practiced and a constructive
coexistence is to be learned and lived. The focus now, is on construction & the effect of
energy-self-sufficient micro-solar networks, which are necessary for a sustainable energy
industry at the moment. This method represents an innovative approach - as an alternative
to fossil or nuclear electricity from the public grid. Each unit has its own energy storage &
inverter.

Additional comments

INCOMING FEE of 50€ for volunteers applying via partner organisations and contacts of SCI https://sci-d.de/incomingfee

Requirements

please bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag, working clothes and shoes, if you like, your musical instrument

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Germany Germany: Peatland protection Kell (IBG 02)

Dates

21/04/2024   -   04/05/2024

Feedback from 224 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
2
Place(s)
left

Already accepted volunteers from

Finland Germany Serbia Belgium Poland Denmark Colombia

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
10
Still room for
2
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Luxembourg (LUX)
Nearest bus/train station
train station: Trier Bahnhof; international bus stops: Trier, Saarbrucken and Luxembourg
Map

Work

Active for climate protection and biodiversity – save the peatlands in the Hunsrück area!

You will actively contribute to protecting a special peatland called “Weyrichsbruch”. This area was drained more than 150 years ago for forestry use. Peatlands are a valuable and natural Co2 storage as well as an ecological habitat with a high and very specialized biodiversity. For these reasons, in the 1980s it was decided to revitalize a small part of the Weyrichsbruch. Now the regional authorities for nature protection want to revitalise a much bigger part and this is where you can help! Under the supervision of two experienced Park Rangers you will improve the water balance in this peatland in order to renature the bog, and help it to cope better with the consequences of climate change. Some of your tasks will be to undo the drainage of the area by blocking or filling ditches, or by building small wooden barriers. While working, you will be able to discover many rare species which have already returned. The park Rangers will be happy to explain to you the ecological background and the consequences of climate change and they will guide you to discover this special habitat and its species.
The Weyrichsbruch is bordering a well-known hiking trail. On that trail, it is possible to take a look inside the bog from a wooden plank path. In addition, various information boards have been placed around the area to convey the ecological background of the Weyrichsbruch and thus contribute to environmental education.
Attention: The work might be physically hard, the wheelbarrow becomes your daily companion and you will get wet and muddy for sure! Please bring hiking boots, rubber boots and suitable working clothes.

Accomodation and food

You will stay in the Educational Centre in Kell am See, which is an important place for youth work in the whole area around the city of Trier. This public and non-profit centre offers the opportunity for youth groups, associations and schools to spend some days or weeks here running a seminar or other projects.
You will stay in five wooden tepees for max. five persons each. Staying here, among pure nature and with the campfire in the middle of the tepees’ circle is a wonderful experience. You will sleep on mattresses inside the tepees. Close to the tepees, you will have access to your own kitchen including a dish-washer, to a living room and sanitary facilities, all inside the Educational Centre. In your free time you can use the different outdoor facilities of the centre like the campfire and the basketball, football and volleyball fields. Close to the centre, there is also a lake and hiking trails. Please be aware that the tepees have electricity but no heating, so it might be cold at night. The facilities in the centre (kitchen, living room and sanitary facilities) can be heated though.
Your group of volunteers will be responsible for grocery shopping and cooking together. The food will be bought with the camp budget and everybody will take turns for cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more sustainable dishes.

Location and leisure

The workcamp will take place in Kell am See, a village 30 km from Trier, not far from the border with Luxemburg. The landscape in this area is very beautiful! It is dominated by huge forests, steep hills, small brooks and ponds, rocks and marshes. Only small hamlets interrupt the nature, which makes it a perfect region for plenty of different species but also for hiking. You will really feel different here!
The area is well known for cycling, walking and other kinds of outdoor activities. There is a local holiday resort nearby the Education Centre, which offers more than 200 holiday bungalows next to a lake and locals love to come here for cycling (there is a 45 km cycling path on a former railway roadbed) or to spend a nice day outside. The region also offers plenty of historic sites (castles, museums….). In addition, you will have the opportunity to come in contact with local associations, e.g. the local voluntary fire brigade. Since there aren’t many public transportation means available around Kell am See, the number of excursions will be limited. However, you will have the chance to visit the city of Trier with its famous Roman sites, the cathedral and birth place of Karl-Marx

Project hosted by

This workcamp is based on the cooperation between IBG and the regional “Foundation for Nature and environment”. We have been working together since 2016, organising one or two international Workcamps per year in the field of nature protection

Directions to meeting point

You will be picked up from the bus stop in Kell am See. Please inform your campleader about your arrival time on Apr 21st . You can check for connections from anywhere to Kell am See on: www.bahn.com .

Additional comments

This is a special project for nature lovers and people interested in nature protection work. You will get wet and dirty. Please be prepared that April in the Hunsrück area can either be warm and sunny or quite fresh and rainy.

Requirements

Please be aware that ticks can be an issue when you spend a lot of time outdoors in natural areas in Germany - like in this camp. In our General Infosheet you will find suggestions on how you can protect yourself against them. You are also welcome to check whether a vaccination against the tick-borne disease TBE makes sense and is possible in your home country.

Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Action Life on Land
Germany Germany: Working in the castle forest directly at the beautiful Baltic Sea beach (ijgd 14023)

Dates

25/05/2024   -   08/06/2024

Feedback from 351 volunteers

Tags

Environmental

Already accepted volunteers from

Vietnam France Colombia

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 26
Max number of volunteers
10
Still room for
3 Male + 4 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Hamburg (HAM)
Nearest bus/train station
Hamburg-Hauptbahnhof – Kiel Hbf – Eckernförde Bhf. We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus, carshare or bicycle that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Map

Work

You can experience forestry work and relaxation in idyllic surroundings at this workcamp. You will live with 11 other young people from all over the world on the beautiful Noer youth campsite, which is located directly at the Baltic Sea. You will work at the Noer Castle, which is 1 km away, and will make the huge forest around the castle safe for traffic again by removing branches and undergrowth. You will also spend one day a week carrying out other small gardening and manual tasks.

Accomodation and food

You will stay in a very simple and sparse utility house on the Noer youth campsite directly on the beautiful Baltic Sea beach.
In the utility house, where the huge campsite kitchen for self-catering is located, you sleep in the small dining room and the former small kitchen on field/air beds and use the large kitchen for cooking, eating and for meetings. You cook together. Money for shopping will be provided. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.There are also two showers and two toilets in the house.
The campsite has a football pitch, a volleyball court and a table tennis table. You can also lie on the beach or swim in the Baltic Sea, which is still very cold at the time.
https://freizeit-am-meer.de/reiseziele/noer/zeltplatz

Location and leisure

The Noer youth campsite is located directly on the beautiful, unspoilt Baltic Sea beach and has a football pitch, a volleyball court and a table tennis table. You can also lie on the beach or swim in the Baltic Sea, which is still very cold at this time of year.
On the grounds of Noer Castle you can also play disc golf or use the barbecue hut.
Trips to Hamburg and Kiel are worthwhile at the weekend.

Project hosted by

The Society for Youth Facilities (Gesellschaft für Jugendeinrichtungen e.V.) has been running youth guesthouses on the North Sea and Baltic Sea since 1959. Under the brand "Leisure and Education by the Sea" (Freizeit und Bildung am Meer) the non-profit association pursues its educational mission in a very special way - because with the individually tailored programmes, young people and anyone else interested learn about the nature, culture and history of Schleswig-Holstein. The Noer youth campsite is located directly on the Baltic Sea beach and is mainly used by youth groups and for school trips. The Schloss Noer youth guesthouse is mainly used by choirs and orchestras, but also by families and youth groups.

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
Follow us on
Instagram ijgd_workcamps
Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Directions to meeting point

Meeting point and time: at the accommodation; on Saturday 25/05/2024 by 7:30pm at the latest Attention: The described connections runs only at 1:22 and 4:43 pm from Hamburg. There are also other (more difficult) connections, but not described here.
From Hamburg airport take S-Bahn S1 (direction Wedel or Hamburg-Blankenese) to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg main train station, about 24 min travel time). The S1 is running every 10min.
At Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg main train station) take the train RE 7 in direction Kiel Hbf. and get off at the last station Kiel Hbf. after 74mins.
At Kiel Hbf change to train NBE in direction “Eckernförde” or “Rieseby Schleibrücke Süd” and get off at the station Gettorf after 16-21 mins.
From Bahnhof Gettorf take the bus 747 in the direction “Surendorf” and leave the bus after 15mins at station Schloss Noer.
At the Schloss Noer bus stop, cross the road towards the houses and take the street "Zum Hegenwohld". Follow this road for approx. 400 metres and then turn slightly right into the street "Haffkamp". Follow this road to the end (approx. 700m) on the ground of the youth campsite. Your accommodation is on the right-hand side.
More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com

Requirements

Please note: Teenage volunteers (u18) have to pay an additional teenage fee of 150€ to ijgd when they register for this camp

Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Action Life on Land
Germany Germany: Solar-Power (Lellwangen near Lake Constance) (DE-SCI 10.91)

Dates

27/05/2024   -   06/06/2024

Feedback from 14 volunteers

Tags

Construction
Environmental
Renovation

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
17
Still room for
8 Male + 8 Female
Languages
English
Nearest airport
 
Nearest bus/train station
 

Work

In this workcamp we are constructing a self-sufficient solar power energy system with
energy storage facilities. This system is a possible way of creating resilient energy supply in a
decentralized manner keeping private energy supply in a more personal responsibility
compared to a centralized energy network run by big company. Additionally, natural
gardening tasks will contribute to a varied working experience with many fields of learning.

Accomodation and food

In your own tent (please bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag). Depending on your
needs, indoor sleeping options are also possible. Outdoor kitchen, toilets, shower. The
volunteers will take turns in cooking for the whole group. So be prepared to cook for the

Location and leisure

Our camp is located near the northwest part of Lake Constance, 40 km of the city of
Constance. The workcamp is just outside the village of Lellwangen, Deggenhausertal. From
there, we can enjoy a great view to the lake and the Alps.

Project hosted by

The aim of our association Zukunftsweise e.V. is to build a non-profit learning centre in
which alternative ways of life and economy are researched and practiced and a constructive
coexistence is to be learned and lived. The focus now, is on construction & the effect of
energy-self-sufficient micro-solar networks, which are necessary for a sustainable energy
industry at the moment. This method represents an innovative approach - as an alternative
to fossil or nuclear electricity from the public grid. Each unit has its own energy storage &
inverter.

Additional comments

INCOMING FEE of 50€ for volunteers applying via partner organisations and contacts of SCI https://sci-d.de/incomingfee

Requirements

please bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag, working clothes and shoes, if you like, your musical instrument

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace and Justice Strong Institutions Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Germany Germany: OH-W01 Lohra Castle (OH-W01)

Dates

09/06/2024   -   22/06/2024

Feedback from 58 volunteers

Tags

Renovation
Environmental
Construction

Already accepted volunteers from

Colombia Spain + more

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 28
Max number of volunteers
14
Still room for
7 Male + 7 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Berlin (BER)
Nearest bus/train station
Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle
Map

Work

The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles. Therefore, the activities at Lohra Castle combine aspects of cultural heritage preservation and aspects of natural heritage preservation. The castle is surrounded by a vast green area and the volunteers will help in the maintenance of it. Near the youth accommodation houses that are part of the Lohra Castle complex there is a camping site which can be used by youth groups, for this reason the area should be made accessible from overgrown grass. The tasks will be mowing and collecting the grass. Additionally, the participants of the project will support the work on renovations on the Castle grounds.

The hilly massive around Lohra Castle is listed as National Nature Reserve. Open Houses supports the Reserve since several years with volunteering activities. In a forest near the Castle the participants will remove trees and bushes which are not corresponding with the protection aims in order to clean the paths and make them enjoyable again. They will also will collect the wood remaining after maintenance works, load it on a truck, unload it at the castle and split and stack it for wintertime or for the fireplace. Besides that, the volunteers will continue the maintenance of the green area at the castle. In addition, in the later part of the summer, they will support the recollection, assortment, splitting and storage of wood to prepare the castle for the harsh winter months.

The volunteers work six hours per day five days a week. The afternoons and evenings can be used for nearby cultural attractions, games, group activities, campfires and other similar things. On the weekends the volunteers have the opportunity to visit nearby places.

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION
In most of Open Houses' camps the volunteers will live at the same places they also work on, what means that they live more or less on a building site. In most of the Heritage Volunteers Projects the accommodation is located in a certain distance to the working site. The accommodation is usually very simple; there are shared rooms with simple beds or mattresses at most of the places. Shower, toilet and kitchen are at the place, but sometimes not in the same building. The equipment is simple but fair. After work, when everybody wants to take a shower, there can be a limit of hot water.

FOOD
The meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that every participant will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if the participants could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.

FINANCES
All costs linked to the project are covered, including food, accommodation, insurance and transportation during the stay at the project. Travel costs to and from the camp place are not covered. Participants should organise their journey to and from the project place by themselves and on their own expenses. Furthermore, participants should bring their own pocket money.

Location and leisure

Lohra Castle is situated in the heart of Germany in Northern Thuringia. The castle, which is surrounded by a scenic hilly landscape, is located on the edge of a natural reserve area. Being one of the largest castles in Thuringia, the history of castle Lohra begins in the Middle Ages. It
s architectural styles which have been preserved in the structures of the ensemble attest to a prolonged period of occupation and historical evolution up until today.

The castle is more than thousand years old, and it is a relic of German medieval past that is still standing at the heart of a region through which the story of the German nation has been written. Today, it includes twenty buildings from different time periods, showcasing this historical evolution to the enchantment of visitors and heritage enthusiasts: medieval fortifications, remnants of a tower from the 11th century, a Romanesque double-floored chapel, a manor house from the Renaissance period as well as stables and granaries from the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The ensemble is situated in the centre of a beautiful forest.

For years Lohra Castle was vacant. In the 1990s a civil society association which became today’s Open Houses, began to rescue the castle and to revitalise it through cultural activities. The process of rehabilitation of cultural heritage not only brought new life and use to an otherwise forgotten monument, but it also provided with a new space where young people could reconnect with tangible heritage while valorising the relevance of preserving a historical monument. Since then, a large number of international workcamps, heritage volunteering projects, heritage training courses, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities with international participants have been taking place every year in the castle.

Project hosted by

Open Houses are more than just empty buildings. They're places steeped in history, both obvious and hidden. These are places that have been around for centuries, shaped by those who lived there long ago and those who left recently. They're spaces where dreams and ideas thrive, where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages can come together to share and connect.
The history of Open Houses Network began in the mid-1980s when a group of young people in East Germany decided to restore village churches as volunteers to prevent them from falling into disrepair. Their efforts breathed new life into these spaces, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings that went beyond mere restoration work.
Today, while there's less need for places free from political pressure, it's still hard to find spots where people can meet without commercial agendas or bureaucratic hurdles. The balance between public engagement and private life is tricky to navigate, requiring constant effort to cut through red tape and financial constraints.
The idea of shared public spaces is fading, with fewer places available for collective work. The Open Houses Network aims to change that. We're not just doers; we're visionaries who want to create and protect spaces where people can come together, collaborate, and make a difference. Our projects and events are invitations for everyone to get involved, to make space for commitment, change, and connection.

Directions to meeting point

Information sheet will be sent four weeks before the beginning of the workcamp. However travel arrangements can be done with the already provided information about the nearest airport and bus stop.

Germany Germany: Peenemuende II (NIG02)

Dates

17/06/2024   -   28/06/2024

Feedback from 27 volunteers

Tags

Environmental

Already accepted volunteers from

Colombia

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 26
Max number of volunteers
8
Still room for
7
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Berlin (BER)
Nearest bus/train station
Peenemünde
Map

Work

This workcamp is for nature lovers since the work will be mainly outdoors. The volunteers will work in a nature park on the island “Usedom” located in the Baltic Sea. There is a lot of work around the natural reserve. Since it’s not possible to use common agriculture techniques, volunteers have to do everything manually. Moreover, every meadow around must be cut and the grass has to be put aside. The aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through your contribution.

Accomodation and food

The volunteers will stay in a youth hostel. Full board is included (also vegetarian). There will be someone cooking for the participants. Dinner will be warm; lunch and breakfast will be sandwiches.

Location and leisure

Peenemünde is located in the northern part of the island Usedom which is located in the very north-eastern part of Germany. Usedom is the island with the most hours of sunshine in Germany and a popular travel destination. While Peenemünde was occupied by the German army during the time of the Nazi-Regime, the nature could grow and bloom freely and many salt and orchid meadows sprouted.
But Peenemünde is mainly known for its significant role in the times of the Nazi regime. Whereas Peenemünde first was a place where the Nazis' army was positioned for developing different military tactics, it later became a labour camp in 1943. The prisoners had to help assemble the V-2 rockets and other military objects.

Leisure time: Excursions can be planned together, short trips to nearby towns, swimming. There will be bikes provided to get to the working location.

Project hosted by

This project is organized by NiG e.V., a german non-profit and non-government organization. In this project we work together with the historic technical museum of Peenemünde. The Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum is working on the history of the creation and use of weapons during World War II. The exhibitions document who worked in Peenemünde, how people lived and why the enormously elaborate weapon projects were carried out.

Directions to meeting point

Will be send to the volunteers with the travel information.

Requirements

Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, working clothes and motivation.

Germany Germany: Lohmen (NIG03)

Dates

17/06/2024   -   30/06/2024

Feedback from 27 volunteers

Tags

Renovation
Environmental

Already accepted volunteers from

Vietnam

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 27
Max number of volunteers
8
Still room for
7
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
(SXF)
Nearest bus/train station
Güstrow
Map

Work

Engage in community work in Lohmen: Volunteers will spearhead the creation of an international herb garden project and assist with various village initiatives. The focus will be on establishing the herb garden, which will serve as a cultural exchange point, showcasing herbs from around the world. Additionally, volunteers will contribute to the maintenance of public parks and the village orchard, enriching the local environment for all residents

Accomodation and food

This camp is for nature lovers. The volunteers will stay in the building of a former kindergarten in a beautiful nature space. Expect a very basic accomodation. You will find one room for sleeping, one main room, kitchen and bathroom. Food (also vegetarian/vegan) is included, but meals have to be prepared by the volunteers. The group has to organize itself, so we are looking for responsible and independent volunteers. There is no washing machine and no wifi.

Location and leisure

Lohmen is a village in the middle of the region "Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania". It is located within a few nature parks with many lakes and forests. It has about 850 inhabitants but also many possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking, doing excursions in the nature or doing campfire and barbeque. Lohmen has to offer many historical sites that educate about the local history. Even though the village Lohmen itself has been founded approximately in the 12th century, the area around Lohmen has been inhabited for at least 5000 years.

Excursions can be planned within the group, swimming, short trips to nearby towns.

Project hosted by

This project is organized by NiG e.V., a german non-profit and non-government organization. It will be organized together with the local community, namely with the cultural association Kulturverein Lohmen "Herz Mecklenburg" e.V.

Directions to meeting point

Will be sent to the volunteers together with the detailed travel information.

Additional comments

BE CAREFUL! There are two different villages called "Lohmen" in Germany. The workcamp will be in that Lohmen between Guestrow and Goldberg in the region Mecklenburg Western Pomerania.

Requirements

Please bring a sleeping bag, working clothes (gloves), a mattress pad and motivation.

Germany Germany: OH-W02 Lohra Castle (OH-W02)

Dates

23/06/2024   -   06/07/2024

Feedback from 58 volunteers

Tags

Renovation
Construction
Environmental

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 29
Max number of volunteers
14
Still room for
7 Male + 7 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Berlin (BER)
Nearest bus/train station
Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle
Map

Work

The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles. Therefore, the activities at Lohra Castle combine aspects of cultural heritage preservation and aspects of natural heritage preservation. The castle is surrounded by a vast green area and the volunteers will help in the maintenance of it. Near the youth accommodation houses that are part of the Lohra Castle complex there is a camping site which can be used by youth groups, for this reason the area should be made accessible from overgrown grass. The tasks will be mowing and collecting the grass. Additionally, the participants of the project will support the work on renovations on the Castle grounds.
The hilly massive around Lohra Castle is listed as National Nature Reserve. Open Houses supports the Reserve since several years with volunteering activities. In a forest near the Castle the participants will remove trees and bushes which are not corresponding with the protection aims in order to clean the paths and make them enjoyable again. They will also will collect the wood remaining after maintenance works, load it on a truck, unload it at the castle and split and stack it for wintertime or for the fireplace. Besides that, the volunteers will continue the maintenance of the green area at the castle. In addition, in the later part of the summer, they will support the recollection, assortment, splitting and storage of wood to prepare the castle for the harsh winter months.
The volunteers work six hours per day five days a week. The afternoons and evenings can be used for nearby cultural attractions, games, group activities, campfires and other similar things. On the weekends the volunteers have the opportunity to visit nearby places.

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION
In most of Open Houses' camps the volunteers will live at the same places they also work on, what means that they live more or less on a building site. In most of the Heritage Volunteers Projects the accommodation is located in a certain distance to the working site. The accommodation is usually very simple; there are shared rooms with simple beds or mattresses at most of the places. Shower, toilet and kitchen are at the place, but sometimes not in the same building. The equipment is simple but fair. After work, when everybody wants to take a shower, there can be a limit of hot water.

FOOD
The meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that every participant will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if the participants could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.

FINANCES
All costs linked to the project are covered, including food, accommodation, insurance and transportation during the stay at the project. Travel costs to and from the camp place are not covered. Participants should organise their journey to and from the project place by themselves and on their own expenses. Furthermore, participants should bring their own pocket money.

Location and leisure

Lohra Castle is situated in the heart of Germany in Northern Thuringia. The castle, which is surrounded by a scenic hilly landscape, is located on the edge of a natural reserve area. Being one of the largest castles in Thuringia, the history of castle Lohra begins in the Middle Ages. It
s architectural styles which have been preserved in the structures of the ensemble attest to a prolonged period of occupation and historical evolution up until today.

The castle is more than thousand years old, and it is a relic of German medieval past that is still standing at the heart of a region through which the story of the German nation has been written. Today, it includes twenty buildings from different time periods, showcasing this historical evolution to the enchantment of visitors and heritage enthusiasts: medieval fortifications, remnants of a tower from the 11th century, a Romanesque double-floored chapel, a manor house from the Renaissance period as well as stables and granaries from the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The ensemble is situated in the centre of a beautiful forest.

For years Lohra Castle was vacant. In the 1990s a civil society association which became today’s Open Houses, began to rescue the castle and to revitalise it through cultural activities. The process of rehabilitation of cultural heritage not only brought new life and use to an otherwise forgotten monument, but it also provided with a new space where young people could reconnect with tangible heritage while valorising the relevance of preserving a historical monument. Since then, a large number of international workcamps, heritage volunteering projects, heritage training courses, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities with international participants have been taking place every year in the castle.

Project hosted by

Open Houses are more than just empty buildings. They're places steeped in history, both obvious and hidden. These are places that have been around for centuries, shaped by those who lived there long ago and those who left recently. They're spaces where dreams and ideas thrive, where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages can come together to share and connect.
The history of Open Houses Network began in the mid-1980s when a group of young people in East Germany decided to restore village churches as volunteers to prevent them from falling into disrepair. Their efforts breathed new life into these spaces, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings that went beyond mere restoration work.
Today, while there's less need for places free from political pressure, it's still hard to find spots where people can meet without commercial agendas or bureaucratic hurdles. The balance between public engagement and private life is tricky to navigate, requiring constant effort to cut through red tape and financial constraints.
The idea of shared public spaces is fading, with fewer places available for collective work. The Open Houses Network aims to change that. We're not just doers; we're visionaries who want to create and protect spaces where people can come together, collaborate, and make a difference. Our projects and events are invitations for everyone to get involved, to make space for commitment, change, and connection.

Directions to meeting point

Information sheet will be sent four weeks before the beginning of the workcamp. However travel arrangements can be done with the already provided information about the nearest airport and bus stop.

Germany Germany: Let´s beautify the city! With construction and art. (ijgd 24313)

Dates

26/06/2024   -   17/07/2024

Feedback from 351 volunteers

Tags

Construction
Art
Environmental
2
Place(s)
left

Already accepted volunteers from

Bulgaria Mexico Algeria Taiwan Spain Colombia

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 26
Max number of volunteers
10
Still room for
2
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Stuttgart (STR)
Nearest bus/train station
Train: Nürtingen Bus: Neckarhausen Rathaus We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus, or carshare that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Map

Work

You support the youth department of the city of Nürtingen with several projects in different parts of the city. Creativity and manual skills are required. A few more projects are still being planned, so stay tuned!

Construction of a graffiti wall:
For 10 years, there has been a much-used, 23-meter-long wooden wall on which graffiti can be sprayed legally. This is now weathered. You dismantle the old one and erect a new one.

Refurbishment of a construction trailer:
There is a construction trailer at an elementary school in a suburb. This is used for childcare. You sand down the old paint and apply a new one.

Designing a corridor:
In the building of a social institution, you design a hallway under the guidance of an artist.

Designing a lizard mound:
On the grounds of your accommodation, you create a hill that serves as a habitat for lizards and other animals.

Accomodation and food

The Swabian Alb Association is nice enough to let you use its building on a hill in the Neckarhausen district. From the spacious grounds with an open-air stage, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the Swabian Alb.On the first floor you can use the large, light-flooded dining room. Behind it is a professional kitchen with a catering dishwasher. In the basement is the room where around ten people in your group can sleep on 10 cm thick insulating mats. If you wish, you can also lay out your mats in the garden in tents, in the shed or under the canopy. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.We will set up an outdoor shower for you in a shower tent. Of course with hot water.

Location and leisure

Nürtingen has about 41,000 inhabitants and is located on the river Neckar near the Swabian Alb. You will be provided with well-maintained bicycles. Ride through the beautiful landscape, to nearby lakes, along the Neckar or explore the biosphere area at the foot of the Alb. You can reach the outdoor pool in eleven minutes, the city center in eight.

There is a direct train connection to the nearby student city of Tübingen with its numerous half-timbered houses. The train takes half an hour to the state capital Stuttgart. Many possibilities await you there: Museums, galleries, shopping, big zoo, planetarium, theater, clubs, vaudeville, etc.

The city of Nürtingen invites you to various activities. Among them is an excursion with minibuses. You will visit a castle on the Swabian Alb and make a cave crossing.
You will also meet young people from Nürtingen. The members of the youth council are eager to meet you. One evening you are invited to a barbecue in the youth center Roßdorf.

Project hosted by

Social Media Project Partner : https://www.instagram.com/nuertingen.de/?hl=de
https://de-de.facebook.com/Nuertingen.de/

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
Follow us on
Instagram ijgd_workcamps
Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Directions to meeting point

Meeting point and time: In the accomodation. We ask for an arrival until 6pm.
From the Stuttgart airport you can take the local train (S-Bahn) S 2, heading in the direction of Filderstadt and get off at Filderstadt. From here you change into the bus X4 or 74 heading in the direction of Nürtingen Bahnhof and get off at Nürtingen Bahnhof. Change here to bus 189 (headed to Altdorf) or 188 (headed to Schlaitdorf) and get off at Neckarhausen Rathaus, Nürtingen. From here you will be able to walk.

Additional comments

Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp.
You will receive more information after your confirming registration with the specigic infosheet for your project.

Requirements

You need to be able to ride a bicycle.

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Cities and Communities Life on Land
Germany Germany: Nature Lovers Island in the Berlin environs (VJF24 2.9)

Dates

01/07/2024   -   12/07/2024

Feedback from 118 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Manual Work
Construction

Already accepted volunteers from

Mexico Spain

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 26
Max number of volunteers
9
Still room for
7
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Berlin (BER)
Nearest bus/train station
S-Bernau
Map

Work

You will contribute to sustaining the ecosystem of Liepnitz island and the forests around the island. You get to help the local foresters with various environmental works in the woods. Next to that, you will also help with renovation and construction works on the island and in the forests around the island. Possible tasks include removing bushes and invasive small tree species, helping sustain the ecosystem of the moors, collecting rubbish and wood, repairing tasks and so on. Your work days will be 6 hours long and the weekends are free.

Accomodation and food

The accommodation is located on the Liepnitz Island, surrounded by the forests and a picturesque lake called Liepnitzsee. Your accommodation and the infrastructure on the island will be very basic. There are three large tents with camp beds to sleep in, and you make use of ecofriendly compost toilets. There is no electricity, heating or warm water on the island, so be prepared for refreshing cold showers! The foresters of the project have built a nice and comfortable block house where the group can meet, cook and eat together. A small kitchen with fridge is available and food can be cooked on a gas hob cooker. Everyday, there will be a kitchen team of two volunteers to prepare food for the group. We encourage you to bring some recipes and special ingredients from your home country to share with the other volunteers!

Location and leisure

The Liepnitz Island is situated in the picturesque lake Liepnitzsee in the north of Berlin. Outside the island you are surrounded by beautiful landscapes with many forests and several lakes. Swimming is allowed, so don't forget to bring your swimwear with you! There are lots of opportunities for outdoor sport activities like soccer, table-tennis and volleyball, or have a walk through nature. There will also be other vacation campers on the island during your stay, with which you engage respectfully. To spend your freetime on the main land around the island, or to visit Berlin, you cross the lake by ferry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..

Directions to meeting point

You have to travel by Bahn or train from Berlin to S-Bernau. There you will meet our project partner. The foresters will take you by car to the camp site. You can also travel to a different S-Bahn. Wherever you arrive in Berlin, the trip takes 50-60 min to get to the island.

Additional comments

You have to be able to swim, as a safety guarantee.
Please be prepared for 2 weeks without internet. Cell phones can be charged on the main land during the working hours, but you can bring a powerbank if you need to charge it more often.
German language skills will be appreciated because the foresters you will work with are
speaking only little English.
As it is a nature camp during summer, be prepared for mosquitos.

Requirements

Volunteers must know how to swim and be prepared for a "digital detox" (no wi-fi).

Germany Germany: OH-W03 Lohra Castle (OH-W03)

Dates

07/07/2024   -   20/07/2024

Feedback from 58 volunteers

Tags

Renovation
Construction
Environmental

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 28
Max number of volunteers
14
Still room for
7 Male + 7 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Berlin (BER)
Nearest bus/train station
Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle
Map

Work

The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles. Therefore, the activities at Lohra Castle combine aspects of cultural heritage preservation and aspects of natural heritage preservation. The castle is surrounded by a vast green area and the volunteers will help in the maintenance of it. Near the youth accommodation houses that are part of the Lohra Castle complex there is a camping site which can be used by youth groups, for this reason the area should be made accessible from overgrown grass. The tasks will be mowing and collecting the grass. Additionally, the participants of the project will support the work on renovations on the Castle grounds.
The hilly massive around Lohra Castle is listed as National Nature Reserve. Open Houses supports the Reserve since several years with volunteering activities. In a forest near the Castle the participants will remove trees and bushes which are not corresponding with the protection aims in order to clean the paths and make them enjoyable again. They will also will collect the wood remaining after maintenance works, load it on a truck, unload it at the castle and split and stack it for wintertime or for the fireplace. Besides that, the volunteers will continue the maintenance of the green area at the castle. In addition, in the later part of the summer, they will support the recollection, assortment, splitting and storage of wood to prepare the castle for the harsh winter months.
The volunteers work six hours per day five days a week. The afternoons and evenings can be used for nearby cultural attractions, games, group activities, campfires and other similar things. On the weekends the volunteers have the opportunity to visit nearby places.

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION
In most of Open Houses' camps the volunteers will live at the same places they also work on, what means that they live more or less on a building site. In most of the Heritage Volunteers Projects the accommodation is located in a certain distance to the working site. The accommodation is usually very simple; there are shared rooms with simple beds or mattresses at most of the places. Shower, toilet and kitchen are at the place, but sometimes not in the same building. The equipment is simple but fair. After work, when everybody wants to take a shower, there can be a limit of hot water.

FOOD
The meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that every participant will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So it would be very nice if the participants could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world.

FINANCES
All costs linked to the project are covered, including food, accommodation, insurance and transportation during the stay at the project. Travel costs to and from the camp place are not covered. Participants should organise their journey to and from the project place by themselves and on their own expenses. Furthermore, participants should bring their own pocket money.

Location and leisure

Lohra Castle is situated in the heart of Germany in Northern Thuringia. The castle, which is surrounded by a scenic hilly landscape, is located on the edge of a natural reserve area. Being one of the largest castles in Thuringia, the history of castle Lohra begins in the Middle Ages. It
s architectural styles which have been preserved in the structures of the ensemble attest to a prolonged period of occupation and historical evolution up until today.

The castle is more than thousand years old, and it is a relic of German medieval past that is still standing at the heart of a region through which the story of the German nation has been written. Today, it includes twenty buildings from different time periods, showcasing this historical evolution to the enchantment of visitors and heritage enthusiasts: medieval fortifications, remnants of a tower from the 11th century, a Romanesque double-floored chapel, a manor house from the Renaissance period as well as stables and granaries from the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The ensemble is situated in the centre of a beautiful forest.

For years Lohra Castle was vacant. In the 1990s a civil society association which became today’s Open Houses, began to rescue the castle and to revitalise it through cultural activities. The process of rehabilitation of cultural heritage not only brought new life and use to an otherwise forgotten monument, but it also provided with a new space where young people could reconnect with tangible heritage while valorising the relevance of preserving a historical monument. Since then, a large number of international workcamps, heritage volunteering projects, heritage training courses, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities with international participants have been taking place every year in the castle.

Project hosted by

Open Houses are more than just empty buildings. They're places steeped in history, both obvious and hidden. These are places that have been around for centuries, shaped by those who lived there long ago and those who left recently. They're spaces where dreams and ideas thrive, where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages can come together to share and connect.
The history of Open Houses Network began in the mid-1980s when a group of young people in East Germany decided to restore village churches as volunteers to prevent them from falling into disrepair. Their efforts breathed new life into these spaces, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings that went beyond mere restoration work.
Today, while there's less need for places free from political pressure, it's still hard to find spots where people can meet without commercial agendas or bureaucratic hurdles. The balance between public engagement and private life is tricky to navigate, requiring constant effort to cut through red tape and financial constraints.
The idea of shared public spaces is fading, with fewer places available for collective work. The Open Houses Network aims to change that. We're not just doers; we're visionaries who want to create and protect spaces where people can come together, collaborate, and make a difference. Our projects and events are invitations for everyone to get involved, to make space for commitment, change, and connection.

Directions to meeting point

Information sheet will be sent four weeks before the beginning of the workcamp. However travel arrangements can be done with the already provided information about the nearest airport and bus stop.

Germany Germany: Muecke - Hesse's green centre (IBG 09)

Dates

09/07/2024   -   23/07/2024

Feedback from 224 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Renovation
3
Place(s)
left

Already accepted volunteers from

Taiwan Turkey Mexico France Germany Spain Colombia

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
18 - 99
Max number of volunteers
13
Still room for
3 Male + 0 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Frankfurt (FRA)
Nearest bus/train station
Mücke (Hess) (train station)
Map

Work

A diverse portfolio of different tasks are waiting for you in Mücke:
Maintenance work in the forest, such as trail maintenance, forest thinning, invasive species management as well as biotope maintenance in species and nature conservation. That might involve wetland restoration and habitat conservation.
You will not only work in the surrounding forests and wetland biotopes, but also in the villages, where you will help with renovation of playgrounds, a village square and the historic railway station in Mücke.

Accomodation and food

You will stay on a local farm. There are three individual accommodations (a tiny house and an artists and a family residence), each for 3 to 5 people and individual bathrooms plus a group room with enough space for retreat and community. The special thing about the accommodation is that you can try out a communal neighborhood concept here with enough space for retreat and community. All accommodation is fully equipped and comfortably furnished. Wi-Fi is available. The group room can be heated with a fireplace and has an idyllic view of the garden.
Further important information: Young, creative and open-minded people with children and three dogs live on the farm!

Location and leisure

Mücke is a town in the center of the German federal state of Hesse. You will find history, culture, and natural beauty here. It is a town full of tradition; there is well-preserved architecture that reflect its rich past, cobblestone streets and historical houses that offer you a glimpse into the town's heritage. Mücke has local markets showcasing regional produce and cuisine as well as hiking trails and lakes for all nature enthusiasts. The town is called the gate to the “Vogelsberg”, a low mountain range in Hesse. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply embracing the local way of life, Mücke invites you to taste authentic German life.

Project hosted by

For the first time the municipality of Mücke is inviting international volunteers to support them in a range of different tasks. Mücke consists of 12 different small villages ranging in size from 163 to 2600 inhabitants.

The camp will support the community in two different areas. In the environmental field you will undertake different tasks to maintain the local forest as well biotopes that are crucial habitats for endangered species and are considered nature conservation areas. In the field of local infrastructure and cultural heritage you will support the community in designing / renovating a playground, a village square and help with the renovation of the historic Mücke railway station.

Directions to meeting point

You have to arrive in Mücke (Hess) train station to meet your camp leaders. Please check for connections from anywhere to "Mücke (Hess)" www.bahn.com/en

Requirements

Please note that dogs also live on the farm where you are staying. The camp may therefore be unsuitable for people with dog allergies or fear of dogs.
Please be aware that ticks can be an issue when you spend a lot of time outdoors in natural areas in Germany - like in this camp. In our General Infosheet you will find suggestions on how you can protect yourself against them. You are also welcome to check whether a vaccination against the tick-borne disease TBE makes sense and is possible in your home country

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Cities and Communities Climate Action
Germany Germany: Famous for its Natural and Historical Beauty- Help to Protect the Forest (ijgd 24336)

Dates

13/07/2024   -   03/08/2024

Feedback from 351 volunteers

Tags

Environmental

Already accepted volunteers from

Spain Hungary Armenia Algeria Mexico Turkey France

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 26
Max number of volunteers
15
Still room for
4 Male + 0 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Frankfurt (FRA)
Nearest bus/train station
nearest train station: Traben-Trarbach (via Bullay) We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus, or carshare that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Map

Work

As a nature-loving young person, are you interested in a work camp in the forest with like-minded people? Then our project will give you the opportunity to experience and shape nature in a variety of ways and you will gain an insight into the work of foresters. You will actively help with the care of young tree crops, i.e. you will cut trees so that other trees have light and space to grow and you will renovate a forest hut. You will also nail fences to protect forest crops and help with various jobs in the community.

Accomodation and food

You cook together. Money for the food shopping is provided to you. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any allergies when registering. You will be staying in the community hall in the town centre.

Location and leisure

You will be staying in the middle of the art nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach, where you will have the opportunity to experience various leisure activities. Both indoor and outdoor pools are right next to where you will be staying. You can reach Trier, the oldest town in Germany, by train (around 60km away), as well as Luxembourg City (around 90km away) and Koblenz (around 60km away). You can also get involved in the goings on of the association, which has a strong presence in the local area
Highlights: super central accommodation, wine underground tour, canoe tour, excursions to historic cities such as Luxembourg City and Trier

camp location: Traben-Trarbach, Rhineland-Palatinate; Trier 60 km

Project hosted by

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
Follow us on
Instagram ijgd_workcamps
Facebook @ijgd.workcamps
Social Media Project Partner: https://www.instagram.com/landesforsten.rlp/?hl=de , https://www.traben-trarbach.de/de/

Directions to meeting point

You will meet directly at the accomodation at the latest 18 h
Directions to Meeting Point : From the terminal Traben-Trarbach you can walk in 10 minutes to the community hall.

Additional comments

Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp.

Requirements

work is physically demanding. Only for volunteers who really loves to do exhausting work in the nature.

Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Action Life on Land
Germany Germany: Nature protection in the Harz Mountains (ijgd 14015)

Dates

13/07/2024   -   27/07/2024

Feedback from 351 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Manual Work
2
Place(s)
left

Already accepted volunteers from

Turkey Germany Uzbekistan Spain France

Fee

USD 400
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 26
Max number of volunteers
10
Still room for
2
Languages
German
Vegetarian food
Yes
Nearest airport
Hannover (HAJ)
Nearest bus/train station
Hamburg or Hannover, Next Train station: Goslar. We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus or caresharing, that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Map

Work

ijgd celebrates 75 years of international workcamps and together with the State Forest of Lower Saxony we are celebrating 75 years of cooperation. Of course we will also celebrate with you! For more than 30 years, our work camp groups have been supporting the Lautenthal forestry district in maintenance measures and ecological tasks in the forest areas in the Upper Harz. As large, contiguous forest areas, they are important for climate protection. You will help with nature conservation and environmental protection work and, through your efforts, contribute to preserving habitats for (rare) plants and animals and to restoring the balance in nature. The care of young deciduous trees, the nature-oriented design of waters, the repair of benches, shelters and hiking signs, but also the construction of hunting facilities, are among the tasks of your group.
You will work in changing small groups and get an insight into the ecological, economic and social tasks of a forestry office.

Accomodation and food

Wanderheim Wildemann, youth hostel with shared rooms, kitchen, outdoor nature trail and campfire area.
You cook together. Money for the food shopping is provided to you. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any allergies when registering. Since there is only a small store in Wildemann itself, you have the possibility to have groceries delivered. The forester will gladly take your shopping list. Deliveries are made twice a week.

Location and leisure

the Harz Mountains with its mountains, dripstone caves, mining museums and forests is a popular excursion and recreation area. The forester organizes a hike for the group to the Brocken, the legendary highest mountain in the region. Wildemann itself is a small mountain town with just under 1000 inhabitants. The town has an outdoor swimming pool, a glowgolf course and minigolf. Wildemann is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails and you can visit the former mine, the "19-Lachter-Stollen". On weekends, a trip to Goslar is worthwhile. The historic old town and the visitor mine in Rammelsberg are Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Project hosted by

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
Follow us on
Instagram ijgd_workcamps
Facebook @ijgd.workcamps
external project partner: Forestry Office Seesen

Directions to meeting point

At 18:00 h or 20:00 h at the train station in Goslar. A member of the forestry will drive you to the accommodation in Wildemann. Directions to Meeting Point
From Hanover airport you should take the S5 S-Bahn train until you reach Hanover Hauptbahnhof (main train station). From Hanover Hauptbahnhof you should take the erx RE10 regional express train in the direction of Bad Harzburg until you reach Goslar.

Additional comments

Please note: International participants which are under 18 have to pay an andditional teenage fee of 150€
You will receive more detailed information after confirming your registration with the specific info sheet for your camp.

Requirements

Working time 7.5 hrs four days a week. Fridays will be free. You need fitness for physically demanding work. German language skills are also required.
You need fitness for physically demanding work.
Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who applied under 18 in this camp.

Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Action