📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The workcamp takes place in Borotin in the south of Bohemia in collaboration with the local association Baroque Manor Borotin. Their mission is to support the reconstruction and revitalization of a cultural monument i an estate from 16th century. Apart from the renovation of the areas, they organize cultural and social events. The estate is a private property and a long-term vision is to transform it into a local touristic attraction including accommodation facilities, museum and multifunctional cultural space (for exhibitions, etc.) and a conference and educational centre. Opposite the estate, there is a ruin of a gothic castle, too. The aim of the workcamp is to help to prepare exhibits for the future museum and to turn one building into a facility for visitors of the castle and the estate.
💼 What the programme involves
The work will be manual and will be done in the estate which is devastated to a great extent. Firstly, you will prepare exhibits for the museum: mechanic cleaning of wood and/or metal parts with sandpaper or hand grinder, impregnation with a product against woodworms and final treatment with wax or paint. Secondly, you will do preparative building tasks: removing building material, demolition of minor constructions, digging, cleaning bricks, etc. You will work with a cart, a shovel and a hammer. Bring old working clothes. For 1-2 days local volunteers will probably join us during the working hours.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In the premises of the estate that are newly renovated i sleeping in two rooms on beds. It is necessary to bring your own sleeping bags. Common room with kitchen, a shower and a toilet will be available. You can also use the terrace and the courtyard. You will cook meals on your own; some meals will be provided by the local partner.
📍 About the location
Borotin i the area of the Baroque Manor. Borotin has 675 inhabitants. The estate is composed of 10 buildings; two of them and the terrace are already reconstructed. During the workcamp, a refreshment corner for tourists will operate and there will be many people (visitors of the castle) moving around. Nearby the estate, you can find a pond with a mill. In the surroundings there are meadows and woods. The nearest town is Tabor (35 000 inhabitants) and is located a half an hour drive by bus.Study part: A community evening focused on tasting international cuisine will be organized. The locals will prepare traditional Czech food for you to try. A trip to the historical city of Tabor (underground tunnels, Hussite museum, Old town) will be prepared, too. If you are interested, it s possible to organize a workshop on old Bohemian works and habits (e.g. treatment of goose feathers, making noodles). Bring some traditional recipes from your countries.Leisure time: There will be many possibilities how to spend your free time i e.g. a barbecue in a courtyard of the estate or at the ruin of the castle, playing games (badminton, archery, football etc.), having a rest on a terrace. In Borotin which is around 1.5 km away, there is a football pitch, a sports centre and a pub. You can pick mushrooms in the forest, visit a local goat farm, go for a trip to the nearby castles or visit a rope centre.
⚠️ Requirements
Workcamp is suitable for people who are interested in a renovation of historic monuments.