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Unearthing Stories: Archaeology & Remembrance at Ravensbrück

Camp code:

DE-SCI 1.33

Country:

Germany

Start Date:

12 May 2025

End Date:

16 May 2025

Topic:

1: Antiracism, antifascism, remembrance

Work Types:

Archaeology / Manual

Number of volunteers:

12

International age:

18 - 99

National age:

16 - 99

Required Language:

English

Spoken Language:

German

Description: The Ravensbrück women's concentration camp was built in 1939 near Fürstenberg an der Havel. Until the liberation in April 1945, more than 120,000 women and children, 20,000 men, and 1,000 underage female youths of the so-called "Uckermark youth protection camp" were imprisoned there. The prisoners came from over 30 nations. They had to do forced labor in various areas, including in SS-owned companies and for Siemens. Their everyday life was characterized by hunger, mistreatment, and poor hygienic conditions. Tens of thousands of prisoners were murdered. The Ravensbrück Memorial preserves testimonies and traces, promotes remembrance and research, and is also an active place of learning and meeting. International work camps take place every year on the former campsite. www.ravensbrueck.de.

Type of Work: Together with two archaeologists from the Brandenburg State Office for Monument Preservation and the State Archaeological Museum, we will be carrying out archaeological excavations at the site of a former prisoner barracks. The work is expected to be strenuous and will take place without cover from the sun.

Study Theme: At the beginning, there will be a guided tour on the history of the Ravensbrück women's concentration camp to learn about the historical site and its history. The focus will be on the history of the barracks site where the excavations will later take place. There will also be room for discussions on the history of National Socialism and remembrance. At the end of the work camp, a plan will be developed together with the archaeologists on how to deal with what has been found.

Accommodation: In the International Youth Meeting Center on the grounds of the memorial in shared rooms; meals (three meals) are provided by the canteen there. Vegetarian and vegan is possible if you let the canteen know in advance.

Language: The work camp will take place in English.

Approximate Location: The Ravensbrück Memorial is in Fürstenberg/Havel in the state of Brandenburg. Fürstenberg/Havel is 80 kilometers from Berlin and is located in a wooded lake and river landscape. Leisure activities can be organized by yourself, e.g. swimming, canoeing or cycling. Day trips to Berlin or the Baltic Sea are also possible.

Organization Description: This workcamp is organized by the German branch of Service Civil International (SCI). SCI Germany was founded in 1946 and is approved as a non-profit organisation. We are one of the oldest peace and volunteer organisations. SCI Germany aims to promote peace, non-violence, international solidarity, social justice, sustainable development and cross-cultural exchange through international voluntary work. We cooperate with a network of branches and partners in more than 90 countries. Every year, SCI Germany organizes about 50 international workcamps in Germany.

EXTRA FEE: 50 Euros