Roots Before Screens – Digital Detox in the Forrest

CODE: DE-SCI 1.8

Work

At Friedmunt’s forest sanctuary, daily life follows the rhythms of nature. Volunteers take part in simple but meaningful activities that support the land and the off-grid lifestyle. Tasks include gardening and field work, where you help care for plants, maintain the gardens, and assist with seed cultivation. You’ll work with the soil, learning practical skills while contributing to the growth of diverse crops. Since the sanctuary is fully off-grid, you will also participate in everyday tasks such as fetching fresh water from the natural spring, preparing firewood, and helping to cook meals on a traditional wood stove. Learning to make and maintain fire is an essential part of daily life and an opportunity to reconnect with ancient skills.
Each morning and evening, Friedmunt practices AgniHotra which is a traditional fire ritual and meditation that is believed to purify the atmosphere and support soil fertility. Volunteers are welcome to observe or participate, experiencing a peaceful moment of reflection and connection with nature.

Accommodation and food

You will sleep on a mattress in the barn. A composting toilet and a solar-powered shower are available, and only vegetarian food is provided.

Location and leisure

Bernkastel-Kues near Koblenz.
You can enjoy a boat trip or go hiking in the area. The city Bernkastel-Kues is located in a beautiful wine region, and you easily visit cities nearby in Germany. You can also take a train and visit Luxembourg, which is approximately one hour away. In Luxembourg, public transportation is free, so you can explore the city and visit many places easily.

Project hosted by

This workcamp is organized by the German branch of Service Civil International (SCI). SCI Germany was founded in 1946 and is approved as a non-profit organisation. As the German branch of Service Civil International (SCI), we are part of one of the oldest globally active peace and volunteer networks worldwide. SCI Germany aims to promote peace, non-violence, international solidarity, social justice, sustainable development and cross-cultural exchange through international voluntary work. We cooperate with a network of branches and partners in more than 90 countries. Every year, SCI Germany organizes about 20-25 international workcamps in Germany.

Requirements

You have to necessarily arrive with a backpack(!) to the volunteer camp as you have to hike up to reach the “Königsfarm”.  PLEASE NO SUITCASE! Interest in botany and seed cultivation, as well as the acceptance of a simple lifestyle without mobile phones within the project site. However, participants can access a mobile network signal a couple of minutes’ walk away if they need to use their phones. Also, when you need to connect with Wi-Fi; you can walk 30-40 mins to the city Bernkastel-Kues which is a small but very touristic city with lots of bars, cafes an restaurants etc.