Eco-Explorers Camp for Children

CODE: CZ-INE 7.25300

Description: MAS Podlipansko is a non-profit organization based in the fertile Polabí region of the Czech Republic. Since 2006, it has focused on preserving the region's values, improving local life, and fostering collaboration between public, business, and non-profit sectors. The workcamp's goal is to strengthen the local community by enhancing the language skills of rural children and introducing them to European cultures. Volunteers will help children improve their English and promote environmental values, resulting in an active, English-speaking group that will continue to foster cultural connections in the region. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education.

Type of Work: The volunteers will begin the workcamp by familiarizing themselves with the space and preparing for the international workcamp during the first week. From July 7 to 11, 2025, they will then run a day camp for up to 20 rural children, focusing on environmental topics, as Kostelní Lhota is a very green village promoting environmental awareness. In case of rain, activities will move indoors to the community center's large hall. The work is not physically demanding but requires mental effort due to the active 5-day program for the children.

Study Theme: Study part: The educational activities for the volunteers will include a workshop with the local mayor about community activities in Kostelní Lhota, as well as visits to nearby villages such as Sadská, Poděbrady (spa town), and Nymburk. Bicycles will be provided for easy transportation during these excursions. These activities aim to enhance the volunteers’ understanding of local community dynamics and regional culture, while also allowing them to explore the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated at Kostelní Lhota Primary School in two renovated rooms (separate for girls and boys) in the gymnasium. Hygiene facilities include 1 shower and 2 toilets for adults. Volunteers should bring a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow. WiFi and a microwave are available, but no washing machine. Meals will be provided with hot lunches delivered from a local company. Volunteers will prepare breakfast and dinner themselves in an improvised kitchenette, with options for various dietary preferences. Special diets can be accommodated.

Language: A basic level of english is required.

Requirements: bring sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow.

Approximate Location:  The workcamp will take place at the Community Center in Kostelní Lhota, 100 metres away from the accommodation. The village is located in the Nymburk district, 10km from the spa town of Poděbrady, in the Central Bohemian region. Surrounded by larger towns like Poděbrady, Sadská, Český Brod, and Pečky, the area is in the fertile Polabí Lowlands. The village has a grocery store, football field, tennis courts, kindergarten, playground, cemetery, waste collection center, and church. The Community Center and school are both newly renovated. ATM and pharmacy are 2.5km awa.

Notes: Smoking is prohibited throughout the area, not suitable for allergy sufferers – pollen from grasses, insects in the garden.
Organization Description: INEX – Association for Voluntary Activities is a non-governmental not-for-profit organisation founded in 1991 to carry out and support international voluntary work and intercultural education. The mission of INEX-SDA is by organising international voluntary projects, educational programs and campaigns to: 1. assist the development of a tolerant and open society and 2. encourage an active and responsible approach to the world around us both locally and globally We create space in which especially (but not only) young people can gain new experience, expand their skills and and develop their own views of the complexity of the world around them.