📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The workcamp is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. This organization promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle through educating young people about the environment and organizing summer camps for children, youth, and families to promote environmental awareness. The workcamp 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 . Volunteers are welcome in trying out a basic and active lifestyle in the forest. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area and maintain the campsite. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.
💼 What the programme involves
You will work in a natural reserve about 3 km from the campsite to which one arrives by 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 shs (or rubber boots), gloves, rain gear and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Work gloves will be provided for you. Volunteers 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 workcamp, you will help to dismantle the campsite and to transport all the material to Prague where it will be stored during winter.
🏠 Accommodation on site
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 and your own pillow, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian (or vegans / gluten free variants). You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.
📍 About the location
The workcamp 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. The campsite is located about 30 minutes walk from the nearest bus station. Bus runs once a day to Tachov. The main activity is hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to nearby towns (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Germany; a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games or experience an Indian sauna. If you have any games, musical instruments or any other activity you could share or teach the group in the campsite conditions, you are welcome to bring them.
ℹ️ Additional information
Study part: It includes evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps around 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.