Get creative, paint cabins, drink Mattoni!

CODE: SDA 26-102

Work:

The work focuses on renovation and maintenance of cabins in a recreational area which also serves as a community centre for local residents, where community events and activities regularly take place. Volunteers will sand and repaint interior and exterior walls (excluding roofs), carry out minor wood repairs, and renovate outdoor terraces by removing old floorboards, installing new ones, and applying protective coatings. Tasks may also include basic interior repairs and woodwork. The work is mildly physically demanding and may involve working with raised arms, using ladders, handling materials, and cleaning tools. In light rain, outdoor work continues; in heavy rain, activities move indoors and focus on painting and interior maintenance. Tools, gloves, and protective equipment are provided.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will stay in simple wooden cabins located in the recreational area. Accommodation is divided into shared rooms. Volunteers sleep on beds with duvets and pillows; no sleeping bag or bedding is needed. The cabins include a refrigerator, kitchenette, and Wi-Fi. Sanitary facilities are shared and consist of four toilets and showers for men and four for women. Volunteers prepare their own breakfast and dinner from provided ingredients. Lunch will be provided by the host.

Location and leisure

The workcamp takes place at the Ontario recreation and leisure complex, located northeast of Karlovy Vary above the Ohře River valley near the former Kyselka Spa. The complex lies on the edge of a forest in a scenic landscape at the foothills of the Ore and Doupov Mountains, with views of the historic Bučina lookout tower. Facilities include outdoor sports grounds, a swimming pool, a fireplace, an on-site restaurant, and access to a public playground at a nearby school. Boat trips on the Ohře River can be arranged. Mobile phone reception is available on site.

In Kyselka and the surrounding area, volunteers can combine nature exploration with cultural and historical discovery. Leisure options include visiting the Mattoni Mineral Water Bottling Museum, walking the Mattoni Trail to the Bučina lookout tower and Mattoni Waterfall, and exploring natural sites such as Skalky skřítků and Šemnické skály, where swimming is possible on warm days. Volunteers can also visit local heritage sites, including the Radošov wooden bridge and other historical monuments, offering a balanced mix of relaxation, culture, and nature.

Project hosted by

This project is organised with a Local action group called “MAS Krušné hory” . They are focused on the cooperation with municipalities, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and local partners. It is involved in education, community projects, tourism promotion, and volunteer activities focused on environmental and regional development. The workcamp takes place in Kyselka, a municipality in the Karlovy Vary Region known for its natural landscape and active community life. The main goal is to raise volunteers’ awareness of local development activities while introducing them to the cultural heritage, natural environment, and history of the Ore Mountains. Through practical involvement, volunteers support community and environmental work, strengthen local engagement, and contribute to social cohesion. The project supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Directions to meeting point

The journey will last approximately 3h30 and will need from 1 to 2 changes.
We will provide more details in the specific infosheet.

Additional comments

Study part: The study programme includes an introductory meeting with representatives of the municipality of Kyselka, presenting the town’s history, development, and role in the region, as well as its vision for future development and planned public space improvements. Volunteers will also interact with the local community through joint activities such as forest cleaning or preparing land for a future park. Informal social moments, including sports activities or an evening by the campfire, support intercultural exchange and mutual learning.