Roots Before Screens – Digital Detox in the Forrest | DE-SCI 11.40 | 2026-07-18 - 2026-08-02 | RENO,AGR,ENVI | Age: 18 - 99

An immersive off-grid experience in the forest focused on sustainable living and seed cultivation. Participants support daily fieldwork while learning from Friedmunt, an experienced botanist with more than 30 years of expertise in seed saving and plant diversity. The project aims to share practical skills, deepen understanding of ecological agriculture, and explore topics such as crop diversity, seed sovereignty, and traditional farming knowledge, while fostering a meaningful connection with nature and self-sufficient living. The project also encourages a digital detox: the use of mobile phones is not allowed in the microcosmos of Friedmunts Farm.

Work: At Friedmunt’s forest sanctuary, daily life follows the rhythms of nature. Volunteers take part in simple but meaningful activities that support the land and the off-grid lifestyle. Tasks include gardening and field work, where you help care for plants, maintain the gardens, and assist with seed cultivation. You’ll work with the soil, learning practical skills while contributing to the growth of diverse crops. Since the sanctuary is fully off-grid, you will also participate in everyday tasks such as fetching fresh water from the natural spring, preparing firewood, and helping to cook meals on a traditional wood stove. Learning to make and maintain fire is an essential part of daily life and an opportunity to reconnect with ancient skills. Each morning and evening, Friedmunt practices AgniHotra which is a traditional fire ritual and meditation that is believed to purify the atmosphere and support soil fertility. Volunteers are welcome to observe or participate, experiencing a peaceful moment of reflection and connection with nature.

Accomodation and food: You will sleep on a mattress in the barn. A composting toilet and a solar-powered shower are available, and only vegetarian food is provided.

Location: BernkastelKuesnearKoblenz

Location and Leisure: You can enjoy a boat trip or go hiking in the area. The city Bernkastel-Kues is located in a beautiful wine region, and you easily visit cities nearby in Germany. You can also take a train and visit Luxembourg, which is approximately one hour away. In Luxembourg, public transportation is free, so you can explore the city and visit many places easily.

Train/Bus station: You can arrive to Wittlich (HBF) by train then you can take a bus. The closest airports are Flughafen Frankfurt Main and Köln Bonn Airport. You can also arrive to Flughafen Luxemburg but be aware of your visa.

Requirements: You have to necessarily arrive with a backpack(!) to the volunteer camp as you have to hike up to reach the “Königsfarm”.  PLEASE NO SUITCASE! Interest in botany and seed cultivation, as well as the acceptance of a simple lifestyle without mobile phones within the project site. However, participants can access a mobile network signal a couple of minutes’ walk away if they need to use their phones. Also, when you need to connect with Wi-Fi; you can walk 30-40 mins to the city Bernkastel-Kues which is a small but very touristic city with lots of bars, cafes an restaurants etc.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 50 euros