Guardians of Wildlife for FAMILY workcamps

CODE: SDA 26-401

Work:

Volunteers will support the maintenance and development of a Wild Animal Rescue Station and contribute to the future Koryta Biosphere Reserve. Tasks include painting, digging, mowing, basic construction and woodwork, concreting, and landscaping, helping maintain animal enclosures, gardens, and orchard areas. Part of the work will also take place on newly acquired land intended for long-term conservation. The work is physically engaging but varied, and no prior experience is required. Tools and gloves are provided. In case of rain, indoor tasks will be organised. There will be programmes for children organised by campleaders, as well as support from adult volunteers for children who cannot stay without their parents’ support.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will be accommodated in former barracks at Lapač Hill, sharing rooms originally designed for families; you might share a room with other families. They will sleep on beds and must bring their own sleeping bag and pillow. The accommodation includes a refrigerator and kitchenette, with shared sanitary facilities consisting of three toilets and four showers. There is no Wi-Fi or mobile phone coverage, offering a fully offline experience. All meals are provided by the host organisation, and volunteers may be asked to help with cooking.

Location and leisure

The workcamp takes place near a village of about 1,000 inhabitants with basic amenities such as shops, pubs, a health center, school, playground, and sports facilities. Swimming opportunities are within cycling distance. The work site is located at Lapač Hill in Bartošovice–Hukovice, in former barracks surrounded by nature. Volunteers usually travel to the site by bicycle, with occasional transport by car when needed.

In their free time, volunteers can explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle and enjoy cultural and recreational trips. Possible activities include visiting the UNESCO-listed town of Štramberk, local museums such as the Museum in Kunín and the Railway Carriage Museum in Studénka, and relaxing by the Bartošovice ponds or at a natural swimming pool. The extensive forest area next to the village also offers space for walks and outdoor activities.

Project hosted by

The workcamp is organised in cooperation with the Brontosaurus Movement, a long-established Czech volunteer organisation founded in 1974 and dedicated to nature conservation, cultural heritage protection, and environmental education. The main goal of the workcamp is to support a Wild Animal Rescue Station run by the Czech Union for Nature Conservation, which has been caring for injured and endangered wildlife for over forty years. Volunteers help improve animal living conditions and maintain the station and its surroundings, including an orchard preserving traditional fruit trees. Through practical conservation work and learning activities, the project supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 15 (Life on Land), 4 (Quality Education), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Directions to meeting point

The journey will last approximately 5h and will need from 3 to 4 changes.
We will provide more details in the specific infosheet.

Additional comments

Study part: Volunteers will take part in a guided tour of the Wild Animal Rescue Station, where they will learn about the care of injured and endangered wildlife (mostly birds), the daily operation of the station, and its role in nature conservation and environmental education.