Back to Nature for Families | SDA406 | 2023-08-19 - 2023-08-26 | ENVI | Age: 5 - 99

The project is organised in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organises environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The project takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the 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. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area, maintain the campsite and enjoy nature. At this project, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Work: Work: Children and parents will work together when possible (e.g. helping with cooking, collecting wood, har-vesting vegetables and gardening). Work will be organised in two groups. The first one will be working in a nature reserve located 3km away from the campsite, their work will consist of mowing grass, raking and col-lecting grass. Please note that the meadows can be very wet; bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), a raincoat and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The second group will be working on the campsite preparing food, collecting wood, doing maintenance tasks or working in the nearby forest. Study part: Evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability or recycling. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, play games and learn how to recognize 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.

Accomodation and food: In tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. Large families will have their own tee-pees; smaller families will share tee-pees. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. The nights might be very cold, bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are dry and outdoors. You will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian. You can charge your cell phone with a solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.

Location: StaraKnižeciHuť

Location and Leisure: Location: Stara Knizeci Hut (Bohemian Forest): Latitude: 49.72222 / Longitude: 12.468973 The campsite is in a remote 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. The campsite is located about 30 minutes walk from the nearest bus station. Leisure time: Hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to the Czech towns in the neighbourhood (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Ger-many thus a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games, handcraft or experi-ence 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 welcome to bring them.

Airport: PRG

Train/Bus station: Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut

Requirements: Bring clothes and shoes suitable for work, rubber boots and a raincoat, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping mat and warm clothes for the night. To reach the project you will take forest paths, therefore you need to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in luggage. There is a strict no alcohol and drugs policy at the campsite. Participation fee: 50€ adult and 25 € child

From the airport take bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:43 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. Go to the bus station in front of the train station and take bus 440251 3 in the direction to “Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut”. Get off at this last stop at 16:03. The meeting point is at the bus stop. PAY ATTENTION! THIS IS THE ONLY CONNECTION YOU CAN TAKE ON THIS DAY!

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 50 EUR

This project is for families with 5+ years old children or individuals. We expect participants to be nature lovers, open-minded, flexible and interested in living in an eco-friendly and community way. Every year, there are several children and family-friendly camps organised, so even if the accommodation and facilities are basic, they are suitable for children. Because the work will take place outside, beware of allergies to grass, pollen, insects, etc. On departure day, there are only 1-2 connections from Stara Knizeci Hut to take you back to Prague with arrival in the afternoon/evening, so consider that when planning the trip.