Seeds of Connection

CODE: CONCF-28021-TEEN

Project and work

Discover Pont-Sainte-Maxence and take part in a solidarity and eco-friendly project in a newly developed community garden, in collaboration with the association Graine de Pays. This workcamp will allow you to contribute to the creation of a shared, sustainable and inclusive space, designed to encourage exchange between generations.
You will help construct high wooden planters, designed to structure and beautify the space while enabling the cultivation of plants and vegetables accessible to everyone. You will also participate in the building of ecological dry toilets, an essential feature for the functioning of the community garden. These installations will be used both by local residents and by nearby retirement homes, strengthening intergenerational connections.
Beyond the manual work, this project is also a real space for meeting and sharing. You will take part in activities with elderly residents and local community members, including gardening sessions, collective workshops, and friendly social moments. A meaningful human and ecological experience where construction goes hand in hand with solidarity and transmission!

Accommodation and meals

You will be accommodated in tents in the outdoor areas of the local youth service, a friendly space at the heart of community life. A large tent will be set up to create a shared living and social space for the group. Sanitary facilities and proper showers will be available at the gymnasium 10min by foot, with separate areas for girls and boys.
Daily life will be shared by everyone: you will take part in meal preparation, camp organisation, and various collective tasks. A budget will be managed together with the animation team for grocery shopping, with a focus on local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly products whenever possible.

Location and leisure

Pont-Sainte-Maxence is a town located in the Hauts-de-France region, in the Oise department. It is approximately 70 km from Amiens and 40 km from Beauvais.
In this town, you will be able to discover its rich heritage, including its church, listed as a historic monument since 1921. Originally built in the 15th century, it was heavily damaged during the Hundred Years’ War and later restored. It suffered further damage during the French Revolution before being renovated again. Today, this restored landmark welcomes visitors and local residents seeking a place for reflection and heritage appreciation.
You will also find other historical sites, such as renovated castles and the famous Perronet Bridge, which contributed to the town’s reputation.
In terms of activities, you will have the opportunity to explore the “Reserve de l’Ois’eau”, a protected area and resting place for birds during migration. You may also visit the Saint-Leu-d’Esserent water sports base, or discover the magnificent Chateau de Chantilly, one of the region’s most remarkable landmarks.

Partner 

The Communauté de Communes des Pays d’Oise et d’Halatte (CCPOH) is a long-standing partner of Concordia, with several projects implemented before the COVID period. Strongly committed to international openness and youth mobility, CCPOH now wishes to renew this dynamic by enabling young people from its territory to take part in an international workcamp, fostering intercultural exchange and civic engagement. Alongside this historical partner, the association Graine de Pays joins the project as a new partner. Working on environmental themes, social connection, and knowledge sharing, it develops initiatives that encourage intergenerational encounters and the discovery of local heritage and produce. Through its activities, the association aims to create spaces for sharing around gardening, ecology, and sustainable practices, while strengthening links
between residents, particularly between young people and elderly people.

Additional comments

Remember to bring work clothes for the work site as well as tight shoes. As the accommodation is under tents, remember to bring your sleeping bag as well as a floor mat or a camping mattress for more comfort. Don't forget your bathing suit in case you are going to swim in the pool or at the St Leu
'Esserent water sports centre. You can also bring back specialities from your country, photos, musical instruments, in short what you like and want to share on this workcamp, either with the local population or with the group!

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Meeting point

The meeting is planned at the Pont Sainte Maxence train station on July 03th at the end of the day. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the info sheet, sent at least 4 weeks before the beginning of the workcamp.
From PARIS, regular trains leave from the Gare du Nord train station for Pont Sainte Maxence (40-minute trip).
The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress-free travel.
Whenever possible, consider prioritizing low-carbon modes of transportation (trains and buses rather than planes) to ensure a sustainable international project.
Nearest Airport:
Paris Charles De Gaulle.
Paris Beauvais