Living and working in the middle of the North German forest

CODE: ijgd 15042

Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project: The Jugendwaldheim Hartenholm des Landesforsten Schleswig-Holstein (Forest Youth Hostel of Hartenholm of the Schleswig-Holstein State Forests) offers a one or two-week nature and adventure education programme (with overnight stay) for school classes from year 7. In the mornings, the pupils work together with pedagogically trained foresters in the forest and learn how the sustainable management of forests brings ecological, economic and social benefits for the environment and people. In the afternoons, survival courses, team workshops and exciting educational tours through the forest are offered. 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. Follow us on Instagram ijgd_workcamps Facebook @ijgd.workcamps

Description of work: Nature conservation and forest management in a great environment as well as relaxation on the Baltic Sea beach! You can experience both at this camp in the north of Germany. You will work alongside volunteers from all over the world in the forests and nature reserves surrounding the youth forest centre where you will be staying. Your tasks will include the construction of self-fertilizing raised beds, the repair of fences, clearing young forest stands, cutting back invasive late-flowering bird cherry, building and erecting wooden fences to protect young trees from game browsing, building raised hides, clearing paths and dismantling old wire fences in the forest. Some of the work can be very strenuous and monotonous. (Note: The actual work to be carried out may differ from that described here). During the work you will also learn a lot about the protection of the forest and rare habitats in theory and practice. You will also learn how nature and landscape conservation areas can be carefully developed for tourism so that people can make better and more informative use of the beautiful natural environment. In the first week you will work from Monday to Friday and in the second week from Monday to Thursday. Information (unfortunately only in German) about the Hartenholm Youth Forest Centre can be found here: https://www.forst-sh.de/abenteuer/jugendwaldheim-hartenholm/?L=0

Description of accommodation and food: You will stay in 4- to 6-bed rooms in a youth forest centre. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the forest and is surrounded by a large outdoor area. You will have toilets, communal showers, a large dining room, a kitchen, a barbecue hut, a leisure room with sofas and table football and a large outdoor area at your disposal. You will cook together. Money for food will be provided. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please state any intolerances during registration.

Description of location and leisure: The Hartenholm youth forest centre is located in the middle of the forest and has beautiful surroundings. The outdoor area includes high seats for game watching, a football pitch, a volleyball court, a barbecue area and a charcoal burner's hut. There is also a table tennis table and table football. At the weekend, trips to one of the wonderful Baltic Sea beaches such as Travemünde or Timmendorfer Strand and to the Hanseatic city of Hamburg are well worthwhile.

Short remarks for the project: Please note: There is a special Teenage Fee of 150€ for international volunteers who apply under 18 in this camp.

Description of specific requirements: You should have a good level of fitness as some of the work could be physically demanding.

The nearest airport: HAM in Hamburg,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Hamburg-Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg main station) – Bahnhof Bad Oldesloe (train station) – Bahnhof Bad Segeberg (train station) We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus, carsharing or bicycle that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Meeting Point and Time: Meeting point and time: at accommodation until 8pm on 09/08/2025 Directions to Meeting Point: From Hamburg Airport (travel time to the camp 2h10min) From Hamburg Airport take the local train (S-Bahn) S 1 heading in the direction of Wedel or Hamburg-Blankenese and get off at Hamburg Hbf (main train station) (travel time 25min). The S1 runs every 10min. From Hamburger Hauptbahnhof (main train station) (travel time to the camp 1h40min) From Hamburger Hauptbahnhof you should take the Regional-Express train (RE 8) in the direction of “Lübeck Hbf” and travel until the station “Bad Oldesloe” (travel time 25min). The In Bad Oldesloe chance to the train NBE RB82 in the direction of “Neumünster” and travel until the station “Bad Segeberg” (travel time 17min). In Bad Segeberg take the bus 7600 in the direction of “Bahnhof/ZOB Bad Bramstedt” and leave the bus after 20min at the bus station “Bockhorn, Försterei”. Attention!!!: To make sure you catch the last bus to your accommodation at the end of your journey, you must take the Regional-Express train (RE 8) from Hamburg at 6:06pm at the latest. From bus station “Bockhorn, Försterei” to the camp – by foot (around 18 minutes ca. 1,3km) From the bus stop go straight ahead in the direction of travel, cross the junction after about 50 metres and continue along the B206. After approx. 1km, turn right into the forest at the ‘Jugendwaldheim Hartenholm’ sign. After approx. 100m turn left again and after another 50m you will reach your accommodation. More Information about train and bus connections: www.bahn.com