📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
In preparation of the attack on the Soviet Union the POW (prisoner of war) camp Zeithain was established in 1941 by the Nazi regime, to register and accommodate up to 30.000 Soviet POW’s. Due to malnutrition, disease, insufficient medical treatment and terrible hygienic conditions about 30.000 Soviet POWs died. Their living conditions did not comply with the rules of the Geneva Convention. It was one of the biggest war crimes committed by the German armed Forces. From 1943 there were also prisoners from other countries like Italy, Poland, Yugoslavia, France and the UK. Since 2003 Workcamps, under supervision of an archaeologist, have uncovered the former camp area. Although the area was used until 1990 as a tank driving range, it was possible to find foundations of buildings and camp road.
💼 What the programme involves
The work this year is part of the necessary measures for the permanent establishment of a “history trail” on the former campsite. It will entail aspects of landscaping and gardening in the open areas of the former campsite and hopefully also some construction. Depending on the weather conditions conservation and documentation work concerning objects which had been found on the former campsite could be done. In addition it’s planned to search in cooperation with the Saxonian heritage agency for artefacts on the former camp site.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In a two floor house with seven bedrooms, internet access provided by mobile internet router, kitchen, leisure rooms, sanitary facilities. Bicycles are provided and a nearby gym and outdoor volleyball field can be used for sport activities.
📍 About the location
Zeithain is a small town in Saxony, near Riesa am Elbe. It has about 6 000 inhabitants in 11 villages and is known for the history of the POW-camp and the link-up of Red Army and US Army in April 1945. The house where you will be accommodated is in a village nearby, called Kreinitz.
⚠️ Requirements
Before you apply, please first read basic info on this [site](https://www.sci-d.de/english). Here we explain, what we expect from volunteers in our camps.
ℹ️ Additional information
Good leisure time facilities. You can use a gym and play outdoor volleyball next to your accommodation. Bikes are available to ride along the river Elbe and to a quarry pond for swimming. For further information about the history of the Zeithain camp please visit this [website](https://www.stsg.de/cms/zeithain/startseite). Excursions to various cities (Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, Prag) and Saxonian sightseeing spots like Meissen and Moritzburg are possible! These trips are optional, you can also stay in Kreinitz. Check the videos from previous workcamps [here](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=SCI+Zeithain) and more info [here](https://www.rolfschwarz.com/SCI/index.html).