Workcamps’ festival

Name: Workcamps’ festival
Start: 2025-09-09
End: 2025-09-24
Location: Penne, France

France Construction Culture Construction Culture Fixed dates

About the project

Workcamps’ festival

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Since 2002, the Citrus association has been organizing international volunteer work camps, particularly in its local area. Every year, dozens of volunteers from all over the world take part in projects of public interest, responding to the needs of local municipalities while bringing life and energy to villages through community activities. This year, for the second time in a row, international volunteers will be working in the charming village of Penne, located in the Tarn and known as the "Eagle's Nest." They will collaborate with local residents to carry out renovation and development work. Through teamwork and enthusiasm, their presence will embody the values of sharing, meeting new people, and intercultural exchange promoted by Solidarités Jeunesses!

💼 What the programme involves

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of local heritage by participating in various renovation and development projects. Among the main tasks, you will continue the expansion work of the "Recyclerie," started by volunteers in 2024. Under the supervision of a technical coordinator, you will complete the roofing of the annex previously built, using reclaimed tiles. This project aims to create additional space for storing items to be repaired, supporting the circular economy within the community. In parallel, you will assist in organizing the Balladines Festival, a much-anticipated poetic and musical event that will take place during the first weekend of your project. Additionally, you will contribute to the maintenance of local trails and small village heritage sites. This includes clearing vegetation from paths and around historic washhouses. Some hiking trails also require interventions to make them more accessible and safe. Other restoration projects will enrich the work camp, such as rebuilding dry-stone walls, repairing the joints of the "gariotte" (a small stone hut) near the tennis court, and restructuring the roof of the sanitary facilities at the Fontbonne campsite. Your participation will actively support the preservation and appreciation of the local environment while allowing you to develop new technical and interpersonal skills.

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be accommodated in individual tents at the Fontbonne estate. Toilets and showers are located nearby, but there will be no Wi-Fi access on-site. Volunteers will take part in maintaining the space, preparing meals, and cooking together. Meal choices will balance your preferences with local and seasonal products. Every day, a small team of volunteers will be responsible for cooking meals for the entire group. Special attention will be given to using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. It is important to note that meat will not be served every day, as Solidarités Jeunesses prioritizes environmental protection and aims to reduce meat consumption on work camps. Dietary accommodations for specific needs can be discussed with the group leaders.

📍 About the location

Located at the gateway to the Tarn region, you will enjoy various leisure activities, including visits to medieval villages, hiking, exploring Bruniquel Castle, and discovering Albi and its cathedral. During your stay in the heart of the village, you will have opportunities to meet and interact with local residents, sharing moments of conviviality. You are also encouraged to take initiative in organizing evening and weekend activities, such as musical gatherings, dance nights, or cultural events. And what better way to connect than by hosting a grand international meal, open to all, where you can share culinary specialties from your home country with both locals and visitors!

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.