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Alpine pastures and climbing (Le Châble VS)

Camp code:

CH-SCI 10.7

Country:

Switzerland

Start Date:

21 Jul 2024

End Date:

03 Aug 2024

Topic:

10: Environment protection

Work Types:

Agriculture / Environment / Sport

Number of volunteers:

10

International age:

16 - 99

National age:

16 - 99

Required Language:

English

Child friendly camp

Yes (Minimum age: 12)

Description: The Bagnes valley is located in the Valais region of Switzerland. Its mountains are rich in alpine pastures where herds of cows graze during the summer, and thanks to the richness of the pastures, the milk harvested is used to produce the finest raclette cheeses. The mountain pastures, located at altitudes of between 1’500-2’000m, are in a fragile environment that needs to be maintained in order to preserve sufficient space for the herds. Since 2023, the mountain pastures are part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. To help maintain the landscape, the Swiss Alpine Club in Martigny is offering volunteers this workcamp. The program is divided into different parts: working on the mountain pastures & mountain hikes incl. some climbing under the responsibility of a qualified guide.

Type of Work: The volunteers will take care of the maintenance of the mountain pastures. The most common tasks are clearing away dead wood, overgrown bushes and stones as well as setting up or work on the rehabilitation of irrigation systems. There might be other tasks in order to help local farmers with their responsibilities. Please be aware that work is physically demanding as you are working outdoors and about 1’500 - 2’500 meters above sea level.

Study Theme: You will talk about how to manage a farm in a mountain environment as well as discover environment challenges, wildlife, flora and its geology.

Accommodation: You will sleep in different alpine huts (you change accommodation in the middle of the workcamp). You will sleep in dormitories with all other SCI volunteers. Mattresses, blankets and pillows will be provided in the huts. Volunteers need to bring their own (silk) sleeping bag. There are shared toilets and showers in the huts. Wi-Fi is available in the huts. Food (breakfast, lunch & dinner) will be provided, except eventual private needs. There is a kitchen team, that will cook for all the people staying in the alpine huts.

Language: Common language among the volunteers is English. The workcamp hosting partner speaks German, French, English and some Italian. The local language is French.

Requirements: Good hiking boots, a backpack & sleeping bag are indispensable! Keep in mind that work is physically demanding & you must be fit to do a 4-hour hike with an ascent of 1000m in altitude. The minimum number of volunteers that this workcamp will take place is 4 volunteers. INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organizations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/

Notes: Free time activities: There will be two mountain hikes (each of 2 days), where the volunteers go to a refuge where they will sleep. You will hike at 3’000 - 3’500 meters above sea level. Please be aware, that the mountain outing is 3 to 4 hours' walking and up to 1000 meters of ascent! The second day you are invited to try some climbing nearby (you do not need to have climbing experience). The mountain hikes and climbing are organised under the responsibility of a qualified guide.

Max. 3 minor volunteers can be accepted.

Workcamp open to volunteers with children (Kids are included in the total number of volunteers): 2 children are accepted. Minimal age for children is 12.

EXTRA  FEE: 50 Euros

Organization Description: SCI Switzerland is a non-profit organisation which promotes intercultural exchange, sustainable development and non-violent conflict resolution. It has been organising workcamps and long-term exchanges for volunteers worldwide since 1920. Each year more than 100 volunteers from Switzerland engage in SCI projects abroad, while around 200 international volunteers participate in projects in Switzerland. SCI Switzerland is certified by the Intermundo quality label, which guarantees high quality standards in youth exchange. Swiss workcamps are mainly focused on the work with youth as well as in the area of environmental protection. That is why among SCI Switzerland`s values is also an environmentally friendly lifestyle in accordance with the ideas of sustainable development. Volunteers are encouraged to be eco-friendly, especially when travelling to Switzerland and during the projects. Before applying be aware of high travel costs within Switzerland and check prices on the railway website www.sbb.ch. A participation in the camp from the first until the last day is needed for reason of instruction and group dynamic.