Building with Natural Materials: Clay & Wood Construction

CODE: ijgd 76115

Work:

You’ve probably heard of clay and maybe even enjoyed delicious bread or pizza from a clay oven. But this natural material can do so much more. In this workcamp, we’ll explore some of these possibilities ourselves. In contrast to the still very active and present open-pit mining in Welzow, this project focuses on more traditional work with natural materials: clay and wood. The project site is right on our premises. We plan to build a simple house and construct a gate. The house will be used for educational programs with schools, and the gate will separate the parking lot from the grounds.
For a change of pace, there are many small projects on the site. The garden welcomes love and hard work, the old clay floor needs to be re-stamped, and various wood projects are waiting for you. The focus is always on learning together and exchanging ideas. Additionally, we offer small activities to introduce you to archaeotechnology. From making fire to crafting a flint pocket knife, there’s plenty to try out.

Accomodation and food

We will cook and eat together. Everyone is welcome to contribute recipes and ideas. There will be a food budget managed by the group leaders. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when registering.
You will sleep in small groups in tipis or in your own tents on the outdoor grounds of atz Welzow. Showers and toilets are located in a sanitary container. The kitchen is in the main building. There are lockers for valuables. You’ll also enjoy beautiful birdsong in the morning for free.

Location and leisure

In your free time, you can relax on the grounds, sit together by the fire pit in the evening, play a round of Werewolf or simply enjoy the peace. If you are more active, the town of Welzow offers various leisure activities: from visiting the local outdoor pool, taking walks around Lake Clara, to excursions to the nearby active open-pit mining area. Games in the forest like “Capture the Flag” are also possible. If you want to visit larger cities, Cottbus is very close. Berlin, Leipzig or Dresden are great for weekend trips.
Camplocation: Archäotechnisches Zentrum Welzow, Fabrikstrasse 2, 03119 Welzow (26 km from Cottbus, 85 km from Dresden)

Project hosted by

The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
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Directions to meeting point

Meeting point and time: At the accommodation at Archäotechnisches Zentrum Welzow

Additional comments

Physically fit, enjoy camping & campfires, love being and working outdoors
Please note: Volunteers under 18 have to pay an additional teenage fee of 150€ for participation in this camp