ESC Free Farm
Description: This ESC project is organised in cooperation with the NGO Free Farm in Ceske Kopisty, which is part of the Camphill Community movement. It is a family-like community that welcomes people with and without disabilities and creates a pleasant environment for everyone to live and work together. Vegetables, herbs, and fruits are grown and processed organically. Free Farm aims to raise awareness of biodynamic farming and the role of a farmer nowadays. The goal of the project is to connect people from different countries and experience the operation of a Czech organic farm, develop a tolerant open society and acquire a responsible approach to the world. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG2 Zero Hunger and UN SDG10 Reduced Inequalities.
Type of Work: Your work will mainly consist of manual farm work of all kinds. These include weeding, planting, hoeing, harvesting, watering, cleaning and storing vegetables, etc. In addition to vegetables, there are medical herbs grown, which you can also help to collect and process. You might also do gardening work and help out with the maintenance of the farm and its premises. You will mostly work outside in the farm area or on the fields which are located within walking distance (500m) from the farm. Bring suitable work clothes and shoes, a hat, and a raincoat to protect yourself from the sun and rain. Working on a farm can be physically demanding, please be prepared for that, nevertheless, it can be done with a collective effort and a positive attitude.
Study Theme: You will learn about the Camphill movement, Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy theory, living in a community, and biodynamic agriculture. Together you will talk about Czech, European and each other’s cultures and various related topics. There is also the possibility to organise workshops focused on eurythmy and intuitive pedagogy. The volunteers are encouraged to organise an international evening for community members on their own initiative and present their national cuisine and culture. Bring your favourite recipes and some specific ingredients if needed.
Accommodation: Accommodation is provided directly at the farm. You will sleep in the attic on mattresses in a renovated historic farmhouse. Bring your own sleeping bag! There are two showers with hot water, two toilets, a common room, and a kitchen available. There is WIFI and a washing machine. You will prepare breakfast and dinner together as a group. Lunch will be prepared by the members of the community, you will eat all together with the community. The local project partner will provide ingredients, including local organic vegetables. Meals will be mostly vegetarian.
Requirements: Smoking and consumption of alcohol within the community area are restricted, and it is necessary to respect the privacy and night rest of the residents. Be aware that not all members of the community can speak English. Please, bring a sleeping bag, enthusiasm and a good mood!
Approximate Location: Ceske Kopisty – a small village near the historical town of Litomerice. The farm uses 11 hectares of fields; there is a garden and a yard with a couple of animals (a cow, a horse, chickens, ducks, and pigs). The area is quite vast – there are 3 residential houses, a candle workshop, and a common hall. There are 8 adults, 4 children and 7 people with special needs living there. You might meet around 10 other external co-workers. Everywhere in the village is good phone reception. There is an ATM 3 km away in Terezin, and a pharmacy 5 km away in Litomerice.
Notes: The project is mainly suitable for people who are interested in farming and community life and don’t mind working from early hours. This project is supported by the EU program European Solidarity Corps. Some of the conditions differ from the usual camps; detailed info will be provided after your acceptance. In case you have to pay a fee to INEX-SDA in order to apply, it will be refunded after you attend the project. For more info about ESC visit https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en