📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The participants will travel around Iceland and stay in three different villages – Vestmannaeyjar in the south, Stodvarfjordur in the East and Raufarhofn in the North of Iceland.
Vestmannaeyjar consist of a group of fifteen islands, which are situated within a short distance off the south coast of Iceland. They are named after the Nordic settlers in the country, namely the Irish, which is why they are called the "westmen" (the men from the west). All islands were created in submarine volcanic eruptions during a comparatively recent geological time period. The colourful town, the beautiful bird cliffs, the new lava and volcanoes and the landscape in general give the islands a scenic interest as varied in character as any in the country. Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the group and Iceland´s longest off-shore island with an area of 13.4 km2. Fishing, fish processing and subsidiary trades are the main source of income. Heimaey is sheltered in the north by low mountains and the imposing birdlife of Heimaklettur, which protects the narrow cove at the end of which the harbour lies.
Stodvarfjordur: Scoured by Ice Age glaciers, the dramatic east coast boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks which contrast with inland fertile farmlands. Natural harbours depict postcard-like fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful views.
Fjarðabyggð" is an association of villages in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the towns of Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Mjóifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður, Breiðdalsvík and Stöðvarfjörður, all tiny fishing villages with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. In this area you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with a rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife and countless breath-taking hiking paths. You will explore the area during your stay in the east.
Raufarhofn: The village of Raufarhöfn is the community that lies farthest north in Iceland. It is located in the eastern part of Melrakkasletta close to the Arctic Circle. The population of Raufarhöfn is about 200 and most of the people there earn their living from fishing and fish processing. The harbor is very beautiful and partly shaped by nature itself. A wide and untouched open area surrounds the village with a lot of birds and varied vegetation. In summer one will observe wild migratory birds within the village being a part of the village life with the villagers most often waking up in the morning to the songs of birds. The coastline with its inlets and creeks is filled with driftwood and reaches out into the Arctic Sea. On the surface of the sea various sea-birds will be spotted and an occasional seal. On the beach waders strut and inland on the grassy moorlands there are dozens of lakes filled with trout. In the vicinity many species of ducks, waders and species that favor he
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will have environmental educational sessions in different areas in Iceland. Those sessions are with the following topics; global warming, plastic pollution, food wasting, green energy. During the camp our teenagers will also have an exploration of photography in the digital age to help students learn how to get the most out of their cameras while being creative in the process. They will get a hands-on instruction and experience with the tools necessary to research, compose, capture, and refine digital photographic projects.
We will also focus on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, teenagers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers.
This camp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international participants
and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Worldwide Friends teenagers will be staying in the WF houses in Stodvarfjordur and Raufarhofn. The houses are almost 500 m2 with 7 dormitories, big living room and another smaller one, fully equipped kitchen, showers and toilets. Beds are provided; however, volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags or borrow one from WF if they don’t want to bring it. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. In Vestmannaeyjar they will stay in a guesthouse or in tents.
Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home!
📍 About the location
The participants will travel all around Iceland and they will also do some leisure activities for example horseback riding, going to the volcano in Vestmannaeyjar, kayaking and going to different swimming pools in Iceland. The areas are also good for hiking, so please bring your hiking shoes.
We will also focus on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers.
This workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.