Siglufjörður- The North Village | WF317 | 2023-10-25 - 2023-11-08 | ENVI,AGRI,RENO | Age: 18 - 35

The Icelandic Forestry Association (IFA) is a national umbrella organisation for local and regional forestry associations throughout Iceland, who together form one of the largest non-governmental organisations in Iceland. The IFA was founded in 1930, making it one of the oldest environmental associations in Iceland. The IFA is an advocate of all the forestry associations, guards their interests and speaks and acts on their behalf as needed. The goal of the IFA is to further the interests of forestry in Iceland and encourage all kinds of environmental improvements.

Work: This camp has a variety of environmental protection activities. Our main activity will be to work in Forestry; managing, planting, using, conserving, and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. We will also work in Beach Cleaning! Beyond the sheer tonnage of trash removed, and probably more importantly, we feel that cleanups are the gateway for volunteers and people from all walks of life to become aware of the issue and feel empowered to take action. Through data collection, tracking item by item will create a moment of reflection that is truly invaluable. Some days, when the weather conditions are not suitable, we will focus on renovation work; painting or fixing things around and inside the house. Just like us, our waste also deserves a second chance. We will upcycling garbage into art! While creating bookshelves out of driftwood or designing a chair with old tires and nets, your imagination is the limit! Our work will depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. Working hours are about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, as they say: if you don’t like the Icelandic weather, just wait 5 minutes it might change.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends. The house is approximately 300 m² and has 2 big dormitory rooms for 8 people each, 2 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and common areas. House capacity 20. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products.

Location: Siglufjorður

Location and Leisure: Siglufjörður is a town of about 1,300 people, located in North Iceland. It is the northernmost town of the mainland. 5 hours drive from Reykjavik. It is an area of spectacular natural beauty. The mountains and the fjords are awe-inspiring and the opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation are almost inexhaustible. We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs. This workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues, and intercultural learning. The area around the house is also great for hiking. Plan ahead, share your travel plans, stay on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Don t go for high and steep mountains without a professional guide.

Airport: KEF

Train/Bus station: BSI Bus Station

Requirements: Please make sure to bring warm outdoor work clothes Waterproof gear

09:00:00 a. m. Reykjavik City Hall, Tjarnargata 11 (Main entrance)

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 500 EUR

The first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day. The minibus will be at the meeting point in Reykjavik on the first day of the workcamp in the morning and arrive again at the Meeting point / BSI station in Reykjavik in the evening on the last day of the workcamp. Keep in mind that you need to arrange for your stay in Iceland before and after the workcamp.