Camp for Young Paraplegics and Tetraplegics

CODE: SI-SCI W9.4

Description: 

The project is an international volunteer camp organized by the Association of Paraplegics of the Ljubljana Region, bringing together young people with paraplegia and tetraplegia and international volunteers in an inclusive, supportive environment.

The main goal of the project is to promote social inclusion, independence, and active participation of people with disabilities in society. It aims to strengthen the self-confidence and social integration of members after rehabilitation, while also fostering intercultural exchange and mutual understanding between volunteers and participants from different countries.

Key objectives include:

• supporting daily life and social activities of people with paraplegia and tetraplegia;
• encouraging independence, empowerment, and active living;
• promoting disability awareness and understanding among international volunteers;
• providing opportunities for intercultural learning and cooperation;
• strengthening solidarity and inclusion within the local community.

Through a combination of educational workshops, social interaction, sports, creative activities, and excursions, the project creates a space where participants and volunteers learn from each other, build connections, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Type of Work:

Volunteers will support the camp activities by assisting in the daily organization of life in the accommodation and shared spaces. Their main responsibilities include preparing meals together with participants, helping with basic cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the house, and contributing to the general running of the camp.

They will also spend time with members of the Association in a social and supportive role—talking, socializing, playing board games such as chess and cards, and participating in group activities and workshops. Volunteers will take part in educational and recreational activities, including discussions, presentations of their home countries, and cultural exchange evenings.

Additionally, volunteers will assist during organized trips and excursions around Bela Krajina and Dolenjska by supporting group logistics and ensuring smooth participation in activities.

Volunteers are not expected to provide any personal care or assistance with personal hygiene or other intimate or medical support tasks for participants.

Study Theme: 

Volunteers will learn about the daily lives and challenges of people with paraplegia and tetraplegia, including accessibility barriers and independent living needs. They will gain insight into disability rights and obligations in Slovenia, the availability and use of assistive devices, and the importance of personal assistance and adapted transport. They will also learn about inclusion, social support systems, and how international volunteering can contribute to empowerment, social integration, and improving quality of life for people with disabilities.

Accommodation:

Volunteers will be accommodated in a shared vacation house (ZPS vacation home in Semič), together with the participants of the camp. The accommodation will be adapted to the needs of the group, including accessibility considerations for people with disabilities. Female volunteers will have a separate room.

Meals will be prepared and organized on-site. The group will cook together in the house, and volunteers will take part in meal preparation alongside participants and staff. All main meals will be provided during the camp. Volunteers are asked to inform the organizers in advance about any dietary requirements, allergies, or food preferences so these can be taken into account.

Location and leisure:

During free time, volunteers will have the opportunity to relax and socialize with participants and other volunteers in a friendly and inclusive camp environment. They can take part in informal group activities such as board games, card games, and conversations, as well as evening social gatherings like campfires and cultural exchange evenings.

Volunteers may also join recreational and cultural activities organized within the camp, including creative workshops, music evenings, and presentations where each volunteer can share their home country and culture. In addition, there will be excursions and free time for exploring the surrounding areas of Bela Krajina and Dolenjska, such as nearby towns, natural sights, and cultural landmarks.

Overall, free time is designed to encourage intercultural exchange, relaxation, and informal bonding with participants in a supportive community setting.

Language: We will use slovenian and english language.

Requirements:

Volunteers are expected to be 18 years or older. No specific professional qualifications are required; however, previous experience in volunteering, social work, or working with people with disabilities is considered an advantage.

Basic communication skills in English are required, as it is one of the working languages of the camp. An interest in social inclusion, disability issues, and intercultural exchange is important.

We especially welcome volunteers with a background in humanities or related fields, as well as those who are open-minded, responsible, and willing to work in a team-oriented and supportive environment. People with disabilities, including wheelchair users, are also encouraged to apply.