Seeds of Change

CODE: IT-SCI W10.8

Work

Working hours: 7.30-11.30 am and 5-7 pm.

Rest on Sundays and Mondays.

Main activities:

- Transplanting and sowing

- Weeding of wild plants by hand and with light tools

- Harvesting and dividing vegetables

- Pruning and tying tomatoes

- Installing the field irrigation system

- Manual insect control

- Collecting seeds for propagation

In August, field work is particularly strenuous due to high temperatures, which can exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Prolonged exertion over several days can be physically and mentally stressful. All activities will be carried out with the cooperative members, in a spirit of sharing and exchanging knowledge, conviviality, and joy.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation will be in tents. The tent area is at the edge of the forest, well-protected from the heat of the day and reserved for volunteers only. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tent if possible (small/medium-sized, maximum 3 people; if you don't have one, we can provide it), a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headlamp, comfortable, sturdy closed-toe shoes for working in the fields, comfortable clothing (at least one pair of long trousers and two long-sleeved shirts, as plants and soil can irritate the skin), sunscreen, a hat, a towel, a swimsuit, a sweater or jacket for the early morning and evening hours, mosquito repellent, and eco-friendly soap/shampoo. For afternoon relaxation, we have a hammock area under the trees. There are three handcrafted showers, without hot water. It is important to use only biodegradable and eco-friendly soaps. There is a compost toilet shared with the other members. In a separate area, there is a gas stove with a pantry and a dining area, a washing machine, and a clay oven for baking pizzas. Lunches are always shared and prepared in shifts by members or volunteers, while breakfast and dinner are prepared by SCI volunteers. A simple, primarily vegan diet is provided. We ask volunteers to specify any allergies or specific dietary needs in advance. All activities and life at the CSA are entirely outdoors. Wild boars may occasionally be encountered, especially in the morning and evening. There is cell phone coverage, but no Wi-Fi.

Location and leisure

The camp is located near Rome (at Via del Prato della Corte, 1602/a), within the Veio Park, about 10 km from the nearest urban center. Getting to the city without a car is not easy; it's a 30-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. On Sundays, the bus doesn't run, and if you want to get to the train station (Labaro or Prima Porta), you'll need to call a taxi.

During your free time (every day after lunch and dinner, and on Sundays and Mondays), you can relax, read, play an instrument (feel free to bring your own! We only have a guitar), chat, meditate, or take a walk in the surrounding area. Volunteers are welcome to bring cards or board games. One day, we'll all go to Lake Bracciano for a swim and a relaxing beach break.

Requirements

The ideal volunteer should be willing to get involved and learn, and eager to chat and share their experiences. They should also be prepared for physical exertion under prolonged stress. Field work can be tiring, but here everyone works at their own pace and takes the breaks they need!

A motivational letter is mandatory