YOUTH4SMILE I | YS-2026-07 | 2026-07-27 - 2026-08-09 | SOCI,CULT,KIDS | Age: 16 - 99

Founded in 2005, Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is an energetic non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people in the Bauska region and beyond. At the heart of our mission, we are a values-driven community committed to empowering youth to innovate, share experiences, and foster a sense of togetherness. Our Vision: Empowering Youth, Enriching Communities Create: We ignite local and international projects that open doors for learning, participation, and self-expression in safe, nurturing environments. Experience: We offer dynamic experiences that are both local and global in scope, designed to enhance personal development and prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Be Together: We are dedicated to building a vibrant community where young people can develop essential competencies that contribute to the growth and vitality of their local communities. Our Impact: From sparking youth-led initiatives to providing enriching educational opportunities through non-formal settings, our work is centered around fostering intellectual and creative growth. We ensure that young individuals enjoy their leisure constructively, gain access to critical developmental resources, and acquire life skills that are integral to lifelong success.

Work: “Youth for Smile” implements mobile youth work with children and young people in rural areas. During this camp, volunteers will play an important role in supporting these activities. The activities will take place in small and remote villages such as Bārbele, Stelpe, and Dāviņi, where access to youth opportunities is limited due to low population density and distance from larger towns. Main Activities Volunteers will help organise and support: Creative workshops for children and young people Outdoor and team-building activities Orientation games and sports tourism activities High ropes and adventure-based learning elements Non-formal education sessions The target group includes children and young people aged 7 to 25. Before the activities begin, volunteers will receive preparation and guidance to understand the methods used in mobile youth work and non-formal education. You will work together with experienced youth workers and learn by doing. This workcamp is about bringing opportunities to young people in rural areas, supporting their development, and creating meaningful and active experiences in communities where such activities are not regularly available.

Accomodation and food: Living conditions during the project will be very basic and close to nature. Volunteers will stay at a rural farm and experience simple, environmentally friendly living. Accommodation will be in tents provided by the organisers, with mattresses included. Volunteers should bring their own sleeping bags. Tents will be shared by two participants. In case of extreme weather conditions or other emergency situations, accommodation may be moved to adapted farm buildings (such as a barn, granary, or another agricultural building). In such extraordinary situations, it may not be possible to separate sleeping arrangements by gender. Sanitary conditions are simple and ecological: An outdoor solar shower will be available. A dry toilet (compost toilet) will be used. Washing facilities will be basic. As the farm uses a biological sewage system, all volunteers are required to use environmentally friendly personal hygiene products (biodegradable soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.). This is an important part of the project’s sustainability approach, and through daily practice we will actively integrate eco-friendly habits into our everyday lives. Meals will be prepared by the volunteers themselves in the outdoor kitchen, including cooking on an open fire when appropriate. This will be organised in teams, encouraging cooperation and shared responsibility. Volunteers are kindly asked to bring some traditional or typical food from their home country for the International Evening.

Location: Bārbele

Location and Leisure: The workcamp takes place in Bārbele village, Bauska municipality, in a peaceful rural environment surrounded by forests, meadows, and wetlands. The farm is located approximately 6 km from the village centre, offering a quiet and nature-based living experience. The nearest bus stop is 3 km away. The administrative centre of the region is Bauska, situated about 60 km from Riga, the capital city of Latvia. The location provides wide opportunities to explore Latvian nature. Volunteers will have the chance to: Go for forest walks and discover local biodiversity Explore nearby wetlands and learn about bog ecosystems Observe wildlife and experience authentic rural landscapes Enjoy silence, dark skies, and connection with nature The camp environment encourages outdoor living and physical activity. On-site there are possibilities for sports and active leisure, including volleyball, basketball, and football. Informal evening games and outdoor activities are often a natural part of community life in the camp. Volunteers are also encouraged to actively plan their free time. Small group excursions can be organised to Bauska or Riga, where participants can explore cultural and historical sites, museums, cafés, and urban life. During the camp, there will be opportunities to organise intercultural evenings, share traditions, food, music, and stories from your home countries. For more information about the region: https://www.tourism.bauska.lv/en/ More about Latvia: https://www.latvia.travel/en/

Airport: RSC

Train/Bus station: Gaisma bus stop

Requirements: To cover general organisational costs of the workcamp (food, materials, local transport, coordination, and educational activities), participants are asked to contribute a participation fee. Payment Conditions The participation fee must be paid by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp. Payment options: Bank transfer to Youth for Smile bank account (available for EU member states). Online payment system allowing payments via VISA, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, Wise, and N26. If you are not able to make a bank transfer, please contact your sending organisation to find a suitable solution. Confirmation Procedure To ensure responsible participation and preparation: Within 30 days after receiving the official acceptance confirmation, the participant must confirm their participation by sending travel information to Youth for Smile. The participation fee must also be paid no later than 30 days after confirmation. Failure to confirm participation or complete the payment within this period may result in cancellation of the placement. Cancellation Policy If a participant cancels their participation: At least 45 days before the project starts, or Within 14 days after receiving the acceptance confirmation, → 100% of the participation fee will be refunded. If cancellation happens at least 14 days before the project start, → 50% of the participation fee will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the project start are non-refundable. This policy helps ensure responsible commitment from participants and allows the organising team to plan the camp sustainably and fairly for all involved.

International arrival terminals are Riga International Airport or Riga International Bus Station. The final meeting point will be at Gaisma bus stop. Please inform us about your arrival time at least one day before the camp starts. We strongly encourage participants to see travelling to the camp not only as a transfer, but also as a valuable learning experience. Planning your journey, navigating public transport, communicating in an international environment, managing time and budget – these are all important life skills and competences. Travel itself is part of the non-formal learning process. To support smooth communication, we will create a WhatsApp group for practical questions. This will also be a great opportunity to connect with other participants in advance and possibly organise parts of your journey together. We invite you to use this opportunity to learn, explore and grow already on your way to the camp.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 50 EUR