Back to the Nature for Families

CODE: CZ-INE 11.25400

Description: The workcamp is organized in cooperation with EUROSOLAR. EUROSOLAR promotes renewable energies and a sustainable lifestyle; it engages in youth environmental education and organizes environmental summer camps for children, youth and families. The workcamp takes place in a remote but exceptionally beautiful, hilly area of the Bohemian Forest, near the western border of the Czech Republic. The campsite is isolated from civilization volunteers are welcome to try a basic and active lifestyle in the forest. The main goal is to help maintain meadows in a nature-protected area, maintain the campsite and enjoy nature. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of UN SDG15 Life on Land.

Type of Work: Children and parents will work together when possible (e.g. helping with cooking, collecting wood, harvesting vegetables and gardening). Work will be organized in two groups. The first one will be working in a nature reserve located 3km away from the campsite, their work will consist of mowing grass, raking and collecting grass. Please note that the meadows can be very wet; bring waterproof working shoes (or rubber boots), working gloves, a raincoat and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The second group will be working on the campsite preparing food, collecting wood, doing maintenance tasks or working in the nearby forest.

Study Theme: It includes evening discussions about climate, environment, sustainability and sustainable camps around the fire. You will have the unique opportunity to try archery, participate in fun games and learn to recognize the stars. Also, as you will be living in close contact with nature, you will improve your camping skills and learn a lot about local fauna and flora.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in tee-pees with a fireplace in the centre. You will sleep on wooden pads and mattresses stuffed with hay. Nights in the forest might be very cold, even frosty, so bring a very warm sleeping bag, camping mat and some warm clothes. You will bathe in a small river with cold water next to the campsite, the toilets are outdoors. Everyone will cook together as a group on a fireplace. The food is only vegetarian (or vegans / gluten free variants). You can charge your cell phone with a small solar-electricity generator. There is limited phone coverage and no Wifi

Language: Some english is welcome!

Requirements: Bring clothes and shoes suitable for work, rubber boots and a raincoat, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping mat and warm clothes for the night. To reach the workcamp you will take forest paths, therefore you need to pack your stuff in a backpack rather than in luggage. There is a strict no alcohol and drugs policy at the campsite.

Approximate Location: The workcamp takes place in the Bohemian Forest near Stara Knizeci Hut. The campsite is located in the valley of the Celni stream, an isolated part of the village of Lesna in the Bohemian Forest near the German border. There is limited phone coverage. The nearest bus stop is Stara Knizeci Hut and the nearest bigger town is Tachov where you can find ATMs, pharmacies, doctors etc. The campsite is located about 30 minutes walk from the nearest bus station. Bus runs once a day to Tachov.

Notes: This workcamp is for families with 5+ years old children or individuals. We expect participants to be nature lovers, open-minded, flexible and interested in living in an eco-friendly and community way. Every year, there are several children and family-friendly camps organized, so even if the accommodation and facilities are basic, they are suitable for children. Because the work will take place outside, beware of allergies to grass, pollen, insects, etc. The food is traditionally vegetarian and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

Purpose of extra costs:
Participation fee: 50€ adult and 25 € child. The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.