Local non-profit music festival “Hors Tribu” (Môtiers NE)
Description: The purpose of the association is to organise a yearly tiny music festival. In 2024, it will be the 29th edition! Organisers work on a voluntary basis and try to do it all by themselves. It is an alternative way to stay free from sponsors and economic rules that are usually in place for big festivals. In the end the festival looks like a nice handmade event where people can enjoy a wide variety of music styles and meet each other in a friendly atmosphere. As a volunteer you’ll be involved in creating a unique non-profit, human-sized and eco-friendly event.
Type of Work: You will have an opportunity to work on 3 different tasks: building structures for the festival, work on the decoration and support in the kitchen to prepare the meals for all volunteers or do the dishes. Some of the work might be repetitive but the result will make you feel satisfied and you will always work with different people (the organisers and local volunteers) and will have the possibility to exchange. Each job is supervised by a skilled volunteer from the organisation. Your tasks will mainly be outdoor jobs, except for the kitchen tasks. During the festival, you will have free time so you can appreciate the result of your work. Of course, any help during the festival is also appreciated. The week after the festival you will clean the material, and take it back to the storage.
Study Theme: As we are a very small organisation working without sponsors, we often talk about "small is beautiful", "de-growth" and “do it yourself”. We often compare the difference between political and social life in our different countries of origin. These discussions normally take place during meals or transports, at any time given (so there is no formal study part at the beginning of the workcamp).
Accommodation: You will sleep in a dormitory (in a sports hall) nearby the festival. All volunteers (SCI & local volunteers sleep at this place). The place is fitted with mattresses, group shower (that has cold/lukewarm water) and separated toilets. You need to bring your own warm sleeping bag (and pillow if wished). Be aware that it might get chilly sometimes in the evening. The accommodation is a 10-minute walk from the festival site. We cook and eat every meal together. There is no Wi-Fi on the field, but usually we share our internet connection from our phones.
Language: The workcamp language is English and the local language is French. So it could be a good opportunity if you plan to learn French or improve your skills!
Requirements: Be aware that the amount of work varies over the days and can on some days exceed 6h (it might not always be clear, when exactly the working day ends – even though it normally ends around 7pm). So please expect long days, but there will be a longer lunch break. The workcamp hosting partner expects autonomous volunteers; you are therefore encouraged to try things out and to be creative.
Notes: The minimum number of volunteers has been reached and the workcamp will definitely take place.
On an evening of the 2nd week, you’ll go to the nearby city of Neuchâtel to enjoy the lake and a street-music festival. Please be aware that there might be less free time activities than in other workcamps and that the location of the workcamp is a small town that doesn't offer much in the way of social or cultural activities – so be prepared to spend most of your time on the workcamp site with the other volunteers and bring along any games you like. You will always be around lots of engaged people and almost every day you will get to know a new face!
INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
Camp Photographs
