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ESC: Summer Talkoot 2026

Code: 51143 Copied

Finland European Voluntary Service Environment European Voluntary Service Environment Fixed dates
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About the project

ESC: Summer Talkoot 2026

📝 Detailed information

💼 What the programme involves

We invite you to experience the Finnish tradition of Talkoot - bringing the whole village to help and do something together. As a part of our biodiversity initiative, we are growing a wildflower meadow. The meadow has to be cut down every year and grass needs to be taken away in order not to over-fertilize the soil. The grass should be cut, not chopped, and the best way to do it is by scythe. Scything used to be a regular activity for all, but nowadays mostly older generations have the skill. Talkoot in Hyvärilä are a good opportunity to bring together generations and exchange skills, stories, and share quality time in a meaningful way. Together with the local community, volunteers will be cutting grass with a scythe on a wildflower meadow in Hyvärilä youth centre and build insect hotels. You will learn about local cultural and natural heritage, visit local museums. You will plan and run activities for the local community during Talkoot week. Prepare to share your experiences online!

🏠 Accommodation on site

Volunteers stay in forest cabins in Hyvärilä youth centre for 14 days. Rooms for 2-3 persons with a toilet. Showers in a utility building nearby. Bed linens and towels are provided. Meals are served in the cafeteria. Food is mostly vegan and vegetarian, it is good and healthy. Volunteers will have a chance to use saunas on designated days. Volunteers can use bicycles to go to Nurmes town (4 km away). Travel costs are reimbursed based on ESC programme rules. Nurmes is a remote area, travel from Helsinki takes 7 hours by train, prepare for an adventure, and stock up on snacks for the road.

🎒 Leisure activities

On-arrival training is organized during the first two days of the activity to expolre the Finnish nature, culture and traditions. Application guidelines: please mention if you have experience in Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps program in your motivation statement. Motivation statement should be written in English. Before applying, google "NURMES" and "HYVÄRILÄ YOUTH CENTRE" and learn about our work on Instagram @hyvarilainternational. Good luck!

⚠️ Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for young people (18-30 years old) who want to experience internationality and learn about sustainable living and biodiversity. Join us if you want to organize activities for the local community of Nurmes: from children to seniors. Prepare to work in the field cutting grass with a scythe - it is not easy! We welcome participants who also want to share their experiences with others on social media. Find us on Instagram @hyvarilainternational and @volunteers_eastfinland to see if Nurmes is the right place for you! Please mention in your motivation statement whether you have previous experience is EU projects.
Deadline: 21/04/2026 12:49

ℹ️ Additional information

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
  • Training before and after the project
  • Health insurance during your project
  • round-trip travel reimbursement
  • accommodation and food
  • pocket money
  • language course
  • Return Week-end
  • Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.

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📅 Available sessions

FI51143

13/06/2026 → 26/06/2026

Closed
Volunteers registered 0 / 2
♂ 0/1 ♀ 0/1
Deadline: 21/04/2026

ℹ️ Key information

Age required

18–30 years old

Solidarity donation

0.00 EUR

French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).

📍 Location

75500 Nurmes, Finland

Finland

🌍 Location info

Local currency

Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)

Timezone

Eastern European Summer Time

Local time: 20:58 (12/11/2026)

🛡️ Before you leave

📞 Contact us

[email protected]

+32 2 888 67 13

WhatsApp

Contact form

✅ Features

🏠 Accommodation

Collective

🗣️ Languages spoken

English Finnish