📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Association "Zeleni pogled" (Green look) from Kupinovo was registered on June 2, 2015. The main topics they deal with are volunteerism (work with kids and youth in popularization of ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps), environmental protection (education of people in ecological topics through workshops, lectures, workcamps) and preservation of cultural heritage (organizing cultural events, competitions, festivals, publishing books, collecting works of art, protecting old crafts, educating youth through workshops, lectures and you'll guess, that's right- visits to the museums).
Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.
💼 What the programme involves
This is the 26th year (the year after big jubilee, and 24 year short for the next big one) that this camp has been active in YRS and this long-lasting tradition speaks for itself. After 20 years, the Glossy Ibis was spotted in the Obedska pond, bird that is so important to this wetland area. It is one of the few places in Europe where you can see it and that's why the role of volunteers is so crucial in helping to maintain the area.
The work consists of taking out invasive species and bushes while cleaning up the wetland soil that enables it to be inhabited by various species. It is ecological project on a larger scale, so keep in mind that you will have to "destroy" a lot of small trees and plants in order to make space for the other ones (that are not so "agressive"). It will give the opportunity for diversity, although it might not seem like that, so for those who can't stand to look and do that, this will probably not be the right place.
🏠 Accommodation on site
The volunteers will either stay in two renovated ethno-houses in Ethno Park in Kupinovo, either in the house where previous village offices were (the precise information will be in the Infosheet). In every case, it will be on beds inside.
The food will be prepared for the volunteers by local housewives, with the accent on national cuisine (a lot of meat prepared in creative ways, but vegetarian meals will be possible, of course).
📍 About the location
Kupinovo is a village located in the municipality of PeÄinci, Serbia. As of 2011 census, the village has 1,866 inhabitants. It is near the famous biodiversity area, the Obedska bara (Obedska pond or bog). Kupinovo is a place rich in cultural and historical sights. The most interesting are: Kupinik Fortress, a medieval fortification from the 14th century, the Church of Saint Luke from the half of the 15th century (the oldest Serbian church in the area), the Church of Mother Angelina from the 16th century and the ethno-complex with objects of folk architecture.
The end of village is the beginning of a huge forest, so pleasant walks can be taken daily. Also, the important river Sava is very near, so going to its banks, can also be one relaxing leisure activity. Swimming is possible, although the beach is not big and decorated.
Since the village is not full of activities and local youth is not numerous, days can be really long there (which suits to some people that seek a quiet place to have rest of fast civilization, but is terrible to the others who want constant dynamic constellation), so be aware of it. Depending on the group preferences, different activities can be organized. At least one visit to Belgrade (capital of Serbia and jewel of world culture) will take place (there are many buses during the day).
In surroundings there are few museums and aqua-parks, but the transport is not great, so some creativity and flexibility in planning is always welcome!
In every case, the project can be wonderful, but also boring, it is up to the group (it is the best and worst reviewed camp we have, depending on year and every person's point of view), so we recommend you only to bring patience and smile, because with them you will be in the first part, among those who had unforgettable adventure in remote Serbian village with friendly locals!
⚠️ Requirements
There are no specific requirements, but if you want to make your life easier, bring sunscreen and the mosquito repellent.
