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Back to Nature (SDA403)

DATES

27/08/2022   -   09/09/2022

Environmental

AGE

17 - 99 

MAX NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS

12

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

English

VEGETARIAN FOOD

Yes

NEAREST TERMINAL

Bus stop Stara Knizeci Hut Bohemian Forest

Work

You will work in a nature reserve about 3 km from the campsite to where you will walk on foot. The main work will consist of mowing, raking and collecting grass on protected meadows. This work might be physically demanding. As the meadows can be very wet, make sure to bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), rain-gear and hat to protect yourself from the sun. Work gloves will be provided for you. You will also work directly in the campsite on maintenance tasks and in the nearby forest by doing various manual jobs. At the end of the workcamp, you will help to dismantle the campsite and to transport all the material to Prague where it will be stored during winter.

Accomodation and food

In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will wash yourself in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, toilets are dry and outdoor. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage, no Wifi.

Location and leisure

Location: Stará Knížecí Huť (Bohemian Forest): Latitude: 49.72222 / Longitude: 12.468973
The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov.

Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit ruins of the Zahájí castle or go on trips to the Czech towns in the neighbourhood (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Germany; a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games or experience an Indian sauna. If you have any games, musical instruments or any other activity you could share or teach the group in the campsite conditions, you are welcomed to bring it.

Project hosted by

The workcamp is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies, sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The workcamp takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization and we welcome volunteers that are fond of trying out a basic lifestyle in the forest and do not mind longer walks. This year the workcamp will be organised for the 22nd time. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature protected area and maintain the campsite. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Directions to meeting point

Bus stop Stará Knížecí Huť (49.721447086410464, 12.469541148142687), part of village Lesná (village district Lesná), Saturday August 27th at 15:53 (bus arrival from Prague). Watch out, there is only one connection this afternoon and public transport is very limited. Detailed travel advice will be provided in the infosheet.

Additional comments

We expect volunteers to enjoy camping and being outdoors. This camp is perfect for volunteers who want to enjoy living and working in basic conditions in close touch with nature. If you are ready for this, an amazing experience is waiting for you! The workcamp might be also suitable for people with social, economic and some health disadvantages. Please, let us know ahead if you need any assistance. In order to reach the workcamp you will take forest paths, therefore it is better to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in a luggage.
Study part: Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps by the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora. Every evening, there will be a group meditation and stick talking in a special sacred tee-pee.

Have a look at the photos from the previous years: https://www.inexsda.cz/media/back-to-nature-2018

Requirements

This workcamp is suitable for volunteers with lighter type of disadvantage such as economic, social or health related.

The parental agreement is only for volunteers that are less than 18 years old