What is workcamp?
Worcamps is a two to four weeks project, where live and work people of different nationalities, races and ideologies on volunteering bases. This is form of youth activity which promotes sense of group identity and increases tolerance and mutual respect and understanding between different nations.
At workcamps participants unite their energies and together work out on different assignments and contribute toward world peacemaking.
All workcamps are categorized by the following definitions:
- Archaeology: supporting practical and academic archaeological research, eg. site clearance, cataloguing, recording, etc.
- Construction: the building of new community facilities and/or the improvement of historically important structures.
- Cultural: creative projects such as supporting festivals/events; community arts activities; music projects; sports activities, etc.
- Education: any form of work which is explicitly focused on learning: teaching (usually language/s), whether in a formal or informal setting; activities to raise awareness within a community, e.g., on environmental or health issues.
- Environmental: practical work to conserve, protect and improve the natural environment: projects with animals, footpath work, tree planting, gardening, clearing & improving landscapes, beach cleaning, etc.
- Social: any project where the main purpose is to support a specific group of people, e.g. children, young people, elderly people and/or people with disabilities. The work could be anything from running a play scheme to gardening with elderly people.
Are there any upper age limitations?
You have to be at least 16 to participate in a US/Canada workcamp, 18 to participate in a foreign developed country and 20 for a developing country. There is no upper age limit except where a workcamp states specific age requirements.
Do I need any special skills or language skills?
Workcamps are designed mostly for generalist volunteers. You do need to be aware of your physical limitations for certain types of labor intensive projects. Most camps are multi-national and English is usually the common language. If there is a language requirement it will be stated in the camp description. You are expected to participate with other volunteers in a group atmosphere; cooking together, planning activities together, working out differences together, etc.
How much is it going to cost?
You are responsible for your travel expenses (including entry visa if needed) to and from the workcamp and you must seriously consider having travel insurance to accommodate your specific needs. Participation fees are clearly stated in the specific camp description if applicable.
Who makes travel arrangements?
Volunteers must arrange and pay for their transportation to and from the workcamp pick-up location. Please do not consider arriving late or leaving early as this is very disruptive to your host and to other volunteers. For some camps (especially for those in remote locations), a convenient pick-up point may be specified and if you miss this you may not have another way to get to the camp. Please plan your travels with care, know the stability and geography of your destination, and understand that you are ultimately responsible for all travel costs including cancellation or change fees imposed by transportation companies.
How about travel before and after the camp?
Many of our volunteers combine traveling with volunteering. In fact it is often possible to travel with new-found friends after the camp.
Can I participate in more than one camp?
Yes, in fact we encourage it! You may sign up for up to three camps per season. Be sure you leave yourself enough time to get from one to another. Arriving on time and staying for the whole camp is crucial and required for camp participation.
Can I go with my friend (spouse, children)?
A: In most camps no more than two people from any one country are accepted to preserve the multi-national composition of the group. If you want to go with a friend or as a couple, be sure you sign up early and chose a camp with a larger amount of volunteers. Some camps are specifically designed for family participation and welcome children.
How do I apply for workcamps?
In the website you will find all the information about available workcamps and you can apply for it by filling in the form. You are welcome you contact us, if you have any questions.
