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Back to the Nature for Families | SDA 25-400 | 2025-08-23 - 2025-08-30 | ENVI | Age: 5 - 100

The workcamp is organized in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organizes environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The workcamp 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 volunteers are welcome to try a basic and active lifestyle in the forest. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area, maintain the campsite and enjoy nature. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Work: Children and parents will work together when possible (e.g. helping with cooking, collecting wood, harvesting vegetables and gardening). Work will be organized 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 collecting grass. Please note that the meadows can be very wet; bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), working gloves, 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.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will be accommodated in tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so 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 outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian (or vegans / gluten free variants). You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi.

Location: StaraKnizeciHutsurroundings

Location and Leisure: Location: The workcamp takes place in the Bohemian Forest near Stara Knizeci Hut. The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. There is limited phone coverage. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov where you can find ATMs, pharmacies, doctors etc. The campsite is located about 30 minutes walk from the nearest bus station. Bus runs once a day to Tachov. Leisure time: The main activity is hiking in the surrounding countryside. You can visit the ruins of the Zahaji castle or go on trips to nearby towns (e.g. Marianske Lazne). The project is situated on the border with Germany; a trip to Germany could be an option. Besides, you can try archery, play games or experience 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. Study part: It includes evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps around the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the 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.

Airport: PRG

Train/Bus station: Last stop of the bus 440251 3 in the direction to “Lesna, Stara Knizeci Hut”.

Requirements: Participation fee: 50€ adult and 25 € child. The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to ge to the meeting point: From the airport take the trolleybus line number 59 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 the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train IC562 Zapadni Express at 12:23 and get off at Plzen at 13:58. Go to the bus station in front of the train station and T 14:10 take the 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

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 workcamp 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. Notes: This workcamp 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 organized, 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. The food is traditionally vegetarian and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.