SUMMER VIBES - Global energy for local activities

CODE: IT-SCI W12.2

Work

The camp activities focus on three main areas: supporting the summer camp, helping organize the village festival, and joining intercultural exchanges with local youth. Volunteers will assist staff with daily camp activities like games, workshops, and trips. During the international week (Monday 27th–Friday 31st), they will create and lead intercultural activities for children. They will also help run the village festival by setting up spaces and supporting evening activities (service, bar, kitchen, cleaning) alongside local volunteers. The festival takes place on the weekend and is the most intensive part of the camp; plans may change in case of bad weather.
In addition, volunteers will take part in intercultural activities such as international dinners and game nights, promoting inclusion and exchange with local young people.
The average commitment is about 6 hours per day, increasing to up to 8 hours during the festival. The work is not physically demanding but requires flexibility, teamwork, and good energy management.

Study theme

The academic component of the course will focus on understanding how the local council and the local area operate. There will be opportunities to explore in depth how a small municipality functions, from both an administrative and a political perspective, through meetings at the town hall with local councillors. Topics to be covered include the role of the municipality, the functioning of the municipal council and its committees, the division of areas of competence, and the responsibilities of the various institutional figures. An overview of the Italian political system at local level will also be provided, to help participants understand its dynamics and decision-making processes. This will be complemented by a more territorial and historical-cultural dimension, with sessions introducing the local context and field trips. These activities will include guided visits, during which significant sites, public spaces, and key projects and works will be highlighted, fostering a direct understanding of the history, identity and transformations of the local community.

Accommodation and food

The volunteer group will be accommodated in the municipal auditorium, a large multi-purpose hall where camp beds with mattresses and sheets will be set up. The sleeping area will be shared by all participants (mixed-gender space). Inside the auditorium, there are four bathrooms with toilets and sinks. Showers are located at the municipal gym, about a 10-minute walk away, where there are separate changing rooms with full facilities.
Participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag and towels. If someone cannot bring them, they should inform the organizers in advance so they can be provided.
Meals will mostly be self-managed by the group, using the fully equipped kitchen in the auditorium. An initial grocery supply will be provided by the organizers, taking into account dietary needs. In addition, each participant will receive vouchers to use at the local grocery shop, either to supplement group shopping or for personal needs (it is also possible to have breakfast or snacks there). Lunch boxes will also be available for those who want to prepare packed lunches. During the village festival, dinners will be shared with the local community and volunteers.
Daily cleaning of the spaces will be managed by the volunteer group, while the final cleaning will be handled by the host organization.
Wi-Fi will be available.

Location and leisure

Cucciago is a small village in Lombardy surrounded by green spaces, meadows and woods that are ideal for walks. It offers all the main amenities (such as a pharmacy, bank, grocery shop and newsagent). Como and the picturesque Lake Como are easily accessible in around 30–35 minutes by bus. Milan is also easily reached by train; the station is within walking distance of the village centre. Should the need arise, or to help organize travel arrangements, the local staff will be available to offer accompaniment or lifts during their free time, which will be managed independently by the group. The setting is ideal for those who love nature and wish to enjoy a communal experience in a peaceful and welcoming environment.

Cucciago offers a range of outdoor activities: walks through woods and along footpaths, use of a fully equipped sports area, and access to an open-air basketball court and a beach volleyball court at the parish youth club, during the times set by the facility. There are also local bars where you can spend your free time with friends. Cucciago is well connected to various cities, offering numerous opportunities to explore the Lombardy region. Como and Lake Como, easily accessible by bus, offer picturesque scenery, lakeside walks and the chance to visit the historic centre, as well as a wide choice of bars and restaurants. Milan is also easily accessible by train and is an ideal destination for those wishing to visit a major metropolitan city, with museums, parks, cultural venues and numerous initiatives and events. Cantù, which is closer, offers amenities, shops and places for peaceful walks, as well as a calendar of summer music and cultural events. There is also a youth hub with an Informagiovani centre, which organizes activities and initiatives aimed at young people in the area.

Requirements

A motivational letter is mandatory to take part in the project

Good teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability and a willingness to live in a shared environment are required. Good interpersonal skills, a natural affinity for working with children and young people, cultural flexibility, a sense of responsibility, and a proactive and collaborative spirit are important. No specific technical skills are required, but it is important to have a spirit of initiative, the ability to adapt to flexible schedules (including those dependent on the weather), and a willingness to actively participate in all aspects of the camp, including community activities and the shared management of spaces.
You must be willing to live in simple accommodation (the municipal auditorium and sports hall) and to carry out light practical and manual tasks, which do not require any particular physical fitness but do require good energy and active participation.
It is recommended that you bring comfortable and suitable clothing for both daily activities and outings in the local area, bearing in mind that the area is surrounded by woods and natural spaces (closed-toe shoes, practical clothing, and possibly protection from the sun and rain).
Given the summer season and the setting (open spaces, shared environments, outdoor activities), the presence of dust, pollen and other natural elements is likely: those with allergies should take this into account and bring any necessary medication or precautions with them.