📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The workcamp is held for 2nd time in a little village Skalka u Doks in Northern Bohemia in cooperation with the local nonprofit organisation The Friendly Hospitality House. Its name refers to the ancient tradition of mutual help of pilgrims. They focus on revival of natural, cultural and spiritual heritage and on personal and community development. They own and renovate a rural homestead to become a facility for pilgrims, neighbours and volunteers. Part of the house is already renovated using natural techniques; it became a home of young family. The intention is to create a hospitable cultural and crafts centre. The aim of the workcamp is to help with restoration of relations between the place and its inhabitants, both contemporary and past, mutual understanding and recognition of differences.
💼 What the programme involves
The work will be manual and sometimes demanding, it will take place at several locations. In Skalka u Doks you will for example: help with the reconstruction of the house and cleaning, take care of permaculture garden and maintain public areas (cleaning of a path and other tasks given by municipality). In the nearby village Borejov you will: clean the church, help with preparation of Sunday pilgrim mass, clean the cemetery surrounding the church, esp. the abandoned graves of the ancestors of the inhabitants displaced after WWII and renovate a wall. In the meadows with protected flora you will rake grass to keep biodiversity. Bring solid work shoes, clothes that can get dirty and a raincoat. Different work tasks will depend on current needs and weather.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In the main building of the homestead that is under reconstruction so the conditions are basic. Sleeping on mattresses, you must bring your own sleeping bag. There is a shower with hot water, washbasin, toilet and an equipped kitchen. You will prepare your own meals; you are invited to share your national cuisine. Bring simple recipes from home. It’s also possible to use outdoor fireplace.
📍 About the location
Location: Little village Skalka u Doks (170 inhabitants) and neighbourhood. The village is located in a Protected Landscape Area near the Macha Lake which is a popular tourist attraction. If we work at more distant places, we will take you there by car.
Study part: Getting to know the history of the region via old photos, movie night (“outdoor cinema”), Pilgrim Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday 23/7 in the Church of Borejov (which we will have been cleaning the week before), meeting local permaculture community farming in harmony with nature – it will be possible to spend one day with them and take part in their daily program (work activities, discovering their lifestyle).
Leisure time: Bathing on the beaches of Macha Lake, evening activities on the beaches and in the town Doksy, visiting castle Houska and Bezdez, meditative walks in nature, mushroom and blueberry picking, barbecue, closing event at a fisherman’s hut on the banks of the Macha Lake with a steamboat sunset cruise. There will be 2 free Saturdays for a one-day trip.
⚠️ Requirements
For curious people open to others or for those who want to be like this. Interest in traditional spirituality and history appreciated. Information for allergic people – there are 2 big dogs living in the house.