Workcamp Details

Description: The project is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The project takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization and we welcome volunteers that are fond of trying out a basic lifestyle in the forest and do not mind longer walks. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area and maintain the campsite. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Type of Work: You will work in a nature reserve about 3 km from the campsite where you will walk on foot. The main work will consist of mowing, raking and collecting grass on protected meadows. This work might be physically demanding. As the meadows can be very wet, make sure to bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), rain gear and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Work gloves will be provided for you. You will also work directly in the campsite on maintenance tasks and in the nearby forest by doing various manual jobs. At the end of the project, you will help to dismantle the campsite and to transport all the material to Prague where it will be stored during winter.

Study Theme: Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps by the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora. Every evening, there will be a group meditation and stick talking in a special sacred tee-pee.

Accommodation: In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are dry and outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.

Requirements: Bring a warm sleeping bag, a mat and warm clothes. There is a strict no alcohol and drugs policy at the campsite. Please note that the last three days are dedicated to dismantling the campsite and transporting all the material to Prague. Therefore leaving the project earlier is not an option.

Approximate Location: The project takes place in the Bohemian Forest near Stara Knizeci Hut. The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. There is limited phone coverage. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov where you can find ATMs, pharmacies, doctors etc.

Notes: We expect volunteers to enjoy camping and being outdoors. This camp is perfect for volunteers who want to enjoy living and working in basic conditions in close touch with nature. If you are ready for this, an amazing experience is waiting for you! The project might be also suitable for people with social, economic and some health disadvantages. Please, let us know ahead if you need any assistance. To reach the project you will take forest paths, therefore you need to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in luggage. Because you will be outside all the time, beware of all kinds of allergies (grass, pollen, insects, hay etc.).