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Zonnehoeve (Teenage camp) | SIW-23-01 | 2023-07-08 - 2023-07-21 | AGRI,ENVI | Age: 15 - 17

The organic farm Zonnehoeve is located near Zeewolde, a small town in the province of Flevoland. Flevoland is “new land”: some 50 years ago, in 1968, this area was recovered from the Zuiderzee, a branch of the North Sea. Zonnehoeve was created in 1981. It is an exciting development in agriculture based on a closed production cycle: cattle breeding and agriculture service each other; all waste remains within the farm and is reused. The livestock of the Zonnehoeve – horse and cattle – graze on the lands of the Dutch State Forestry, the organisation commissioned by the Dutch government to manage a large part of the natural reserves in the Netherlands. In close cooperation with the State Forestry Zonnehoeve is working towards a sustainable living environment for man, plant and animal. Apart from its agriculture and cattle breeding branch the Zonnehoeve has a care branch: a living - working community for persons with development problems. This activity is integrated in the production cycle: the participants of the care facility work on the farm and in the bakery.

Work: The volunteers will work on the farm and in the natural reserve areas around the farm. They will carry out farm tasks, such as working the land, preparing a piece of land for a new purpose, cutting trees and plants, making a chicken coop, bringing horses to the fields and guarding cattle. In farming, weather conditions determine to some extent what is urgent. What will be done during the project period will therefore depend on what the farm management considers necessary at the time. At the same time, Zonnehoeve is a unique experience and should not be missed!

Accomodation and food: You will stay in an indoor accommodation at the Zonnehoeve terrain. It s also possible to sleep in a tent. You can either bring your own tent or rent one from us (for a small fee-info to follow). It s necessary to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping math. The volunteers prepare their own meals in the kitchen. The farm will provide bread and vegetables fresh from the land and other necessary groceries will be provided.

Location: ZonnehoeveZeewolde

Location and Leisure: Together with the camp leaders the volunteers will discuss the recreational program. The camp leaders will have some ideas, but of course it is possible for the volunteers to put forward their own ideas for this program! The farm management is available to explain the philosophy behind the Zonnehoeve operation. Zonnehoeve is located in the vicinity of some beautiful natural reserves. The forest rangers will be able to organise excursions into these areas. Also, the relatively new city of Almere, and of course, the city of Amsterdam offer interesting options for excursions during the weekends.

Airport: AMS

Train/Bus station: Schiphol airport or Schip trainstation

Requirements: Due to the nature of the work a Motivation letter and Parental consent are required. Note: There is no student discount for this project. The local fee for both foreign volunteers and participants residing in the Netherlands is €275,- What to bring: Must bring (obligated) 1)sleeping bag and sleeping math 2)Old working clothes and shoes 3)Rain is spread out over the year, so bring warm clothes, a raincoat and a swimming suit 4)Soap, toiletries and a towel Wise to bring 1)Recipes from your own country 2)Sunglasses and something on your head against the sun! Nice to bring 1)Musical instruments, ideas for games/activities 2)Energy, enthusiasm and an open mind! 3)A sense of humor The extra fee takes into account costs for additional trained workcamp staff and proper transport to and from the camp.

Arrival by plane at Schiphol airport: you will be picked up by a SIW representative at Schiphol airport railway station. The pick-up will be arranged in groups & time slots (information about time slots will follow). Arrival by car: you can drive directly to the project Zonnehoeve.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 275 EUR

In line with Dutch laws, use of alcohol is prohibited for youngsters below 18 years. Note: There is no student discount for this project. The local fee for both foreign volunteers and participants residing in the Netherlands is €275,-