Folk Culture and Community stories exchange

CODE: VYA-2601DX

Dongxin Story Exchange workcamp 2026 is an 8-day international volunteer workcamp hosted by Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association in Taichung City. The workcamp combines three local services—(1) community care for the elderly and meal service, (2) day care services for people with disabilities, and (3) a community supply bank (providing matching donations for disadvantaged families)—with a special program called “Ocean Dreams”: accompanying children and their families on an overnight program at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. Through companionship, simple logistical support, and story-based cultural exchange, volunteers help build an inclusive community where seniors, people with disabilities, children, and international youth can learn from and grow together.

The schedule will be planned based on the community's daily services and children's after-school photo schedule. On the fourth day (Friday), the community will host an International Cultural Night and a Marine Dream Pledge Ceremony, where seniors, children's families, and residents will gather to enhance team cohesion and prepare for their early departure on the fifth day.

Achievements over the past years (highlights):
1. Provide ongoing elderly care services, including regular community meals, gatherings, and events.
2. Operate a day care service for people with disabilities and a community supply depot (sorting and distributing donated goods).
3. Organize international cultural exchange activities in collaboration with local temples and community partners.

Aims:
1. Silver Age Vitality: Support senior citizen programs and achieve over 100 participants during the camp.
2. Storytelling Book: Collaborate on the creation of a bilingual community storybook (minimagazine/PDF) and a 60-90 second engaging video (with consent).

3. Ocean Dreams: Accompany approximately 30 children through an overnight experience at the Ocean Museum, enhancing their confidence and global awareness.

4. Community Inclusion: Attract 50-80 residents to a intercultural exchange evening, strengthening local and international solidarity.

W: Type of voluntary work
Volunteers will assist with various daily community services, including:
1. Assisting with meal preparation, venue setup, and activities at elderly care centers;
2. Participating in community story collection and interviews, and writing stories in English;
3. Supporting daycare program for people with disabilities (excluding personal care) and organizing donated items in the supply warehouse;
4. Organizing and hosting International Cultural Night (including cultural booths, story walls, and greeting cards);
5. Accompanying children and their families on the "Ocean Dream Journey" (including roll call, assisting with group activities, and arranging logistical support for learning activities). Scope of service: Supportive work only; does not involve medical procedures, personal care, or one-on-one contact with children.

S: Study theme
Community integration in an aging society: elderly well-being, disability inclusion, child care, and community support. Participants exchanged community care practices from their respective countries through informal discussions and story sharing.

AD: Accommodation and food:

Accommodation: Dormitory-style rooms at the host community in Taiping District (with shower/toilet). And volunteers are advised to bring their own sleeping bags (more detail will be confirmed on infosheet).

Meals: Lunch is usually provided by the community; dinner will be prepared together or provided by the community or experience local food. And there will be cultural exchange activities where volunteers can cook their national dishes and share them with local. Breakfast can be self-arranged or provided by the community.

L: Location
Taichung City, Taiwan. Accommodation is in Taiping District; activities are taking place in East District. Taichung is a major city in central Taiwan with convenient railway/HSR connections.

GM: Google Map LINK
Main base (Taiping): https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7n263U3phBm6sGQ7
Community activity site (Dongxin/East District): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q8fQ3drX4yhLhKKx7

T: Terminal (The closest big international airport)
Taiwan Taoyuan CKS International Airport (TPE). Or Taichung International Airport.

Meeting point: Taichung Railway Station (suggested) and/or Taichung High Speed Rail Station, between 1 PM and 5 PM on the first day (to be confirmed). Please confirm your arrival information in advance for pick-up and drop-off.

LA: Leisure Activities
Local temple and community culture visits (e.g., Lecheng Temple area), Taichung night markets, and local sightseeing

WS: Draft Weekly schedule (TBC)
Day 1 (Tue 7/21) Arrival, orientation, team building, welcome dinner
Day 2 (Wed 7/22) Elderly care service + community walk + story collection
Day 3 (Thu 7/23) Temple/community exchange + disability day-care/material bank support + Drum Aerobics (drumming fitness) class
Day 4 (Fri 7/24) Elderly singing exchange + Children Ocean Dreams briefing/safety drill + International Cultural Night & Oath Ceremony (ends by 20:30)
Day 5 (Sat 7/25) Move to Pingtung with children; Marine Museum visiting; overnight program
Day 6 (Sun 7/26) Intertidal Ecosystem Exploration; return to Taichung; Buffet dinner
Day 7 (Mon 7/27) Final evaluation, story book with photos; disability day-care support; relaxation class and farewell night
Day 8 (Tue 7/28) Cleanup; departures/transfer to station

SR: Special Remarks
1. We hope participants will be passionate about community work, respect local culture, enjoy interacting with seniors and children, and possess a strong team spirit. July weather is hot and rainy – please bring breathable clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
2. Child interaction guidelines: One-on-one contact with children is prohibited. Roll call will be taken. Respect children's permission and privacy regarding the use of photos/videos.

3. Emergency plan: In case of a typhoon or heavy rain during the event, the "Ocean Dream" project will be changed to an indoor educational visit (museum/creative workshop) in Taichung, along with additional story creation/presentation sessions.

PF: Participation Fees
1. There is no participation fee for this program. We will cover the costs of accommodation, meals, and all activity materials. However, please note that you are responsible for your own transportation to the meeting point and any personal expenses.
2. Participants should purchase their own overseas travel insurance that covers the entire trip.

Local Host organization: Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association (Taichung, Taiwan).