Wild adventure in Sabina’s Mountain | LUNARTEEN25 | 2026-08-17 - 2026-08-28 | MANU,ENVI | Age: 15 - 17

Since 2014 ALA has managed the Cognolo Refuge, a mid-mountain hut, brought back to life from a situation of degradation and abandonment, where it carries out hospitality, educational activities, experiences related to nature, and the enhancement of the territory. Running a refuge is an act of care for this rural area, offering an active garrison over the mountain area and facilitating access to the hinterland for all, making known the beauty of these mountains. The day-to-day management of the refuge requires constant maintenance and renovation, which is why the camp focuses on this space by offering volunteers the experience of living in a mountain refuge in its wildness and using this space as a place for experimentation where they can express their creativity and rediscovering the value of manual skills and traditional knowledge. By joining this workcamp you will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals: 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities- Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; 12. Responsible Consumption and Production- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns; 15. Life on Land- Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

The camp is made in collaboration with the association ALA. Since 2009, ALA association has been working to develop the rural area where it is based, revitalizing the spaces it occupies. Over the years, it has transformed abandoned structures into vibrant community hubs, welcoming both locals and international youth, who have been an integral part of the renovation process. The mountains play a central role in the community, serving for years as a space of active work aimed at making them more accessible through trail cleaning and marking. Through non-formal education and a learning by doing approach, the association offers a place to explore and challenge ourselves, discover our limits, and celebrate our strengths.

Work: The workcamp will focus on restoring the mountain hut and its surroundings, preparing the place for the winter season and future projects. Participants will engage in hands-on tasks, contributing to the upkeep of the space. The camp will involve volunteers in a variety of maintenance activities, from artistic and painting projects to wood collection and manual work, allowing room for creativity and responding to the immediate needs of the site. The daily workload will be approximately 6 hours per day.

Accomodation and food: Rifugio Cognolo is a charming mountain hut featuring three main areas: a fully equipped kitchen, a multipurpose room, and a covered patio. The hut is off the grid, with electricity provided by solar panels, and does not have Wi-Fi. Facilities include two bathrooms, one of which is an outdoor dry toilet, and solar-heated showers. The indoor spaces will be primarily used by staff for cooking and as shelter in case of rain, while volunteers will sleep in tents in the camping area surrounding the hut. Please note that, considering the altitude of the shelter, it is essential to bring appropriate equipment, such as a thermal sleeping bag, to stay comfortable during colder nights. Volunteers will take an active role in managing the space, including cleaning and meal preparation, through organized cooking and cleaning shifts. They will have access to a pantry and will plan and prepare weekly menus, taking into account allergies, dietary preferences, and nutritional needs. Participants can bring typical dry food of their countries to share, but note that there won’t be a fridge. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed in the camp.

Location: CasperiaLatium

Location and Leisure: Rifugio Cognolo sits at 1000m above sea level in the Sabine Mountains, near the village of Casperia. It is reachable by a moderately challenging 2.5 hour hike, offering volunteers the chance to fully immerse themselves in a setting far removed from everyday life, surrounded by beech forests and breathtaking mountain views. The camp is located in Bassa Sabina, about an hour away from Rome, a rural region defined by the striking contrast between rugged mountain ranges, gentle rolling hills, and the fertile plains of the Tiber River valley with olive groves, vineyards, and small hillside villages dotting the landscape. The free time activity will be organized by the leaders to allow participants to explore the surroundings. Due to the relative isolation of the mountain hut, visits to Rome or other nearby towns will not be possible during the workcamp.

Airport: FCO

Train/Bus station: Closest Airport: Rome Fiumicino FCO, Rome Ciampino CIA Closest train/bus station: Poggio Mirteto train station

Requirements: Volunteers will sleep in tents so they have to bring their sleeping bag. Participants must carry their belongings in a backpack, as they will arrive at the camp site on foot. It is important to bring proper equipment such as comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 250 EUR