Build the living in Clichy-sous-Bois

CODE: ANEC24

Location: Clichy-sous-Bois, lle-de-France, France

Context

Between nature and heritage, Clichy-sous-Bois offers beautiful getaways with the Bondy Forest, the Fosse Maussoin park, the Basilica of Saint-Denis, and the banks of the Ourcq Canal. One day will also be dedicated to discovering Paris: its iconic monuments, museums, historic neighborhoods, and the lively atmosphere of the quays in the summer! For the sixth consecutive year, we are organising an international volunteer project in Clichy-sousBois. Focused until now on developing community gardens, this year the project will take place at the Chapiteau 93 site. Volunteers will work on the premises of our partners, La Fontaine aux Images and 360°SUD, contributing to the construction of a greenhouse.

Mission

The main work will take place at Chapiteau 93, where you will actively contribute to the renovation of a wooden greenhouse as well as to the reforestation of the site. Supported by a supervisor, you will discover the basics of carpentry and take part in building and installing the wooden honeycomb modules that will form the structure of the greenhouse. Together with the group, you will help set up and secure the tarpaulin around the frame to bring the greenhouse to life. You will also spend several mornings in the community gardens of Parc de la Fosse Maussoin, a classified natural area. This space hosts collective vegetable gardens and educational areas dedicated to biodiversity and permaculture: you will take part in gardening tasks and creative hands-on workshops while discovering these sustainable practices. Activities will evolve according to the needs of the site and the wishes of the group.

Group life

Beyond working hours, volunteers come together to organise daily life on the camp. Often divided into teams, they plan menus, help with the shopping, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of shared spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organisation! In order to reduce the environmental impact of our projects, we prioritise vegetarian menus, which meet all the nutrional needs of participants. There will be French volunteers on the workcamp. Some of them might not speak English. This can be an opportunity for everyone to develop new language skills and innovatove ways of communicating!

Accomodation

You will be hosted at the La Fontaine aux Images site, near the town hall park and the lake. You will camp near the main marquee and have the opportunity to participate in events organized by the association. The site is just a 20-minute walk from the work site.

What you will find on site:
Individual tents
A yurt as a backup solution in case of bad weather
Dry toilets close to the campsite and "permanent" toilets in the adjacent gymnasium with shower area
Hot showers in a sports gym across from the campsite: collective showers (locker room) + 1 individual shower
Washing machine
Indoor and outdoor kitchen
Outdoor dining/living area and relaxation space with a sofa under the main marquee
Wi-Fi available

A day on the workcamp

The day's schedule may vary depending on the camp leaders, the group, and the weather. Volunteers play an active role in their workcamp and can adjust the schedule, in coordination with the team. Keep in mind that every workcamp is different, and each experience is unique. Stay flexible and proactive! In general, volunteers spend around 20 hours per week working, and have two days off dedicated to cultural outings, on-site activities, and free time. Here's what a typical day on a worksite might look like:

8am-12h30pm: Work
10:30am-12:30pm: Meal preparation
12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm-2pm: Clean up
2pm-3:30pm: On-site activities
3:30pm-6pm: Free time
6pm-7:30pm: Free time
6pm-7:30pm: Meal preparation
9pm-9:30pm: Dinner
9:30pm-10:30pm: Evening activities