SEEDS 080. Environment & Photography - New Years'

CODE: IS-SEE 10.80

Description: During this camp, participants can share their love for (and learn more about) global & local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection and sustainability, and you also love taking photographs or want to develop your photography skills, then this project is for you! While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers & travellers!

Type of Work: You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits. Some examples include outdoor cleanup tasks, a geothermal power plant, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an outdoor Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, as well as availability or restrictions of our partner organisations. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Study Theme: SEEDS’ programme combines learning, sharing, hands-on activities, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, exploring the city and its attractions, as stunning natural attractions in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities and sightseeing.

Accommodation: SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening.

Language: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Requirements: Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the visits available and the night photography workshop & aurora hunting outing.

Approximate Location: Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.

Notes: Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact.
Organization Description: SEEDS is an Icelandic non-governmental, non-profit volunteer organisation designed to promote intercultural understanding, environmental protection and awareness through work on environmental, social and cultural projects within Iceland. SEEDS works closely with local communities, local authorities and other Icelandic associations both to develop projects in partnership, aimed at fulfilling an identified need, and to give assistance to established initiatives. Projects are designed to be mutually beneficial to all involved: the volunteers, the local hosting communities and Iceland as a whole. Every year host more than 1200 international volunteers from 50 to 60 different countries.