Local non-profit music festival “Hors Tribu” (Môtiers NE)

CODE: CH-SCI 12.1

Description: The purpose of the association is to organise a yearly tiny music festival. In 2025, it will be the 30th edition! Organisers work on a voluntary basis and try to do it all by themselves. It is an alternative way to stay free from sponsors and economic rules that are usually in place for big festivals. In the end the festival looks like a nice handmade event where people can enjoy a wide variety of music styles and meet each other in a friendly atmosphere. As a volunteer you’ll be involved in creating a unique non-profit, human-sized and eco-friendly event.

Type of Work: You'll work on 3 different tasks: building festival structures, decorating, and support in the kitchen to prepare the meals for all volunteers or do the dishes. Some tasks may be repetitive but the result will make you feel satisfied and you will work with differen organisers & local volunteers and will have the possibility to exchange. Each job is supervised by a skilled volunteer from the organisation. Most work will be outdoors, except for kitchen tasks. During the festival, you will have free time so you can appreciate the result of your work. Of course, any help during the festival is also appreciated. The week after the festival you will clean the material, and take it back to the storage. The tasks during the 2nd week can be repetitive as we need to clean and store everything.

Study Theme: As we are a very small organisation working without sponsors, we often talk about "small is beautiful", "de-growth" and “do it yourself”. We often compare the difference between political and social life in our different countries of origin. These discussions normally take place during meals or transports, at any time given (so there is no formal study part at the beginning of the workcamp).

Accommodation: You will sleep in a dormitory (in a sports hall) nearby the festival. All volunteers (SCI & local volunteers sleep at this place). The place is fitted with mattresses, group shower (that has cold/lukewarm water) and separated toilets. You need to bring your own warm sleeping bag (and pillow if wished). Be aware that it might get chilly sometimes in the evening. The accommodation is a 10-minute walk from the festival site. We cook and eat every meal together. There is no Wi-Fi on the field, but usually we share our internet connection from our phones.

Language: The workcamp language is English and the local language is French. So it could be a good opportunity if you plan to learn French or improve your skills!

Requirements: Be aware that the amount of work varies over the days and can on some days exceed 6h (it might not always be clear, when exactly the working day ends – even though it normally ends around 7pm). So please expect long days, but there will be a longer lunch break. The workcamp hosting partner expects autonomous volunteers; you are therefore encouraged to try things out and to be creative.

Notes: On an evening of the 2nd week, you’ll go to the nearby city of Neuchâtel to enjoy the lake and a street-music festival. Please be aware that there might be less free time activities than in other workcamps and that the location of the workcamp is a small town that doesn't offer much in the way of social or cultural activities – so be prepared to spend most of your time on the workcamp site with the other volunteers and bring along any games you like. You will always be around lots of engaged people and almost every day you will get to know a new face!

INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
Organization Description: SCI Switzerland is a non-profit organisation which promotes intercultural exchange, sustainable development and non-violent conflict resolution. It has been organising workcamps and long-term exchanges for volunteers worldwide since 1920. Each year more than 100 volunteers from Switzerland engage in SCI projects abroad, while around 200 international volunteers participate in projects in Switzerland. SCI Switzerland is certified by the Intermundo quality label, which guarantees high quality standards in youth exchange. Swiss workcamps are mainly focused on the work with youth as well as in the area of environmental protection. That is why among SCI Switzerland`s values is also an environmentally friendly lifestyle in accordance with the ideas of sustainable development. Volunteers are encouraged to be eco-friendly, especially when travelling to Switzerland and during the projects. Before applying be aware of high travel costs within Switzerland and check prices on the railway website www.sbb.ch. A participation in the camp from the first until the last day is needed for reason of instruction and group dynamic.