Sustainable renovations and gardening in a heritage landscape
Description: Get to know Finnish countryside and village life! In this camp volunteers join the local cooperative on their work to restore the historical vicarage area in Teisko village and create a location for both community life, cultural center and travel destination for those looking to embrace sustainable lifestyles and nature. The old vicarage area with lakeside location in the island is considered a heritage landscape in Finland.
Type of Work: Volunteers participate in the renovation works of the historical buildings, such as the lakeside sauna and the outhouse, which was designed by an architect. Most of the work is done by hand tools and environmentally friendly materials. Volunteers will also participate in the garden work and may help with the upkeep of the nature trail that goes around the island. A work supervisor with the necessary competencies will oversee the work of volunteers. Volunteers should bring clothes and shoes that are suitable for physical outdoors work and that can get dirty and worn. Rubber boots and raincoats are recommended as at times Finnish summer weather can be cool and rainy.
Study Theme: The workcamp has two main themes: traditional building practices and sustainable renovation of old buildings in a way that respects the history of the location, and in addition, permaculture gardening. The cooperative hosting the camp has experience in both themes and can organise study sessions for the volunteers alongside the work done during the camp.
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay at the old vicarage building in shared rooms in smaller groups. The accommodation is upstairs and the stairway is not suitable for people with mobility restrictions. Beds, bed linen and pillows will be provided to the volunteers. Showers and toilets are shared. The participants will make their own meals. In the free time volunteers have the opportunity to play garden games, swim, visit nearby nature parks and tennis/badminton fields or try rowing as a team with the traditional church boat.
Requirements: The camp will be confirmed 3 weeks before the starting date, please book your travel tickets only after the camp is confirmed or check that you have refundable tickets.
Approximate Location: Teisko village located in the countryside around 30km north of Tampere. Pirkanmaa region.
Notes: We trust that the impact of our travels is a shared concern and if you can, please prefer more eco-friendly options than taking a plane. Some SCI workcamps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover e.g. international insurance costs of the volunteer and a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects. If you apply through a partner organization you will pay the fee directly to the hosting branch according to their instructions. Check here whether you're applying through the SCI branch or partner: https://sci.ngo/about-us/our-movement/where-we-are
Camp Photographs
