Organizing activities for kids and taking care of animals in the Fagotin Farm

CODE: BE-SCI 13.1

Description: “Le Fagotin” is a rural eco-educational center located in the Belgian Ardennes, an animation farm, a vacation center, a tourist accommodation and a nature center all in one. During the summer, Le Fagotin is in full effervescence. Animal care, accompaniment of children/teenagers courses, follow-up of leisure activities... So many missions to be fulfilled by the volunteers.

Type of Work: During the first week, the volunteers will assist the summer camp leaders on different activities: donkey and pony rides, sport, nature activities. They will also take care of the donkeys and ponies and prepare them for the rides with families who visit the place. They will work on the maintenance of the meadows and green spaces, During the second week they will still work in the meadows and green spaces and will also do small repairs, maintenance of the buildings, work in the vegetable garden, take care of the animals of the farm (milking the goats, feeding, cleaning of the enclosures).

Study Theme: Discovering the work of an eco-educational center and taking care of farm animals

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in the Fagotin’s hostel, in a mixed dormitory (m/f/x) with shared showers. Meals will be prepared by the volunteers with products provided by the Fagotin (mostly fresh, local and seasonal products). There is an outside kitchen available (barbecue, pizza oven...). Special attention to the consumption of alcohol: it is forbidden to drink in the presence of the children and during working hours (9am to 5pm). After working hours, it is possible to drink (possibility of buying local drinks on site). It is also forbidden to smoke in the presence of the children.

Language: English; French is an asset to exchange with local people.

Requirements: The volunteers will have to provide a criminal record extract in order to work with the children. An experience as a camp facilitator/animator and some experience/knowledge of working with animals are assets but are not mandatory.

Approximate Location: Stoumont is a village in the countryside with access to a bakery, pharmacy, post office and other useful services. During their free time, volunteers can do forest walks, visit natural heritage sites (Ninglinspo valley, Haut Marêt hornbeam, Coo waterfall) and the nearby cities and towns: Spa, Stavelot, Liège.

Notes:  Many SCI camps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover: local hosting costs; the volunteer’s International insurance costs; a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects; SCI Online Placement System costs