WOOD IN THE COURTYARD

CODE: CONCF- 7504

Project and work:

Welcome to Bonnelles ! A charming village located between the forests of Rambouillet and Dourdan. This workcamp is an opportunity to combine solidarity, nature discovery and local traditions. For two weeks, you'll be helping to build furniture out of recycled pallets to furnish the Bonnelles courtyard, as well as creating a simple fresco and learning about migrations and inequalities.

Accommodation and meals:

You'll be staying in solid accommodation divided into 2 single-sex dormitories with sanitary facilities in an accommodation for asylum seekers. There is a possibility that the accommodation will be in individuals tents, if it is the case we will let you know as soon as we know. Lunch will be taken in the canteen at midday, for dinners and breakfasts, it will be cooked by the youth group. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. As far as possible, we will promote vegetarian meals using local, seasonal produce, while respecting the dietary requirements of all participants and introducing them to local gastronomy.

A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you will help with shopping and meal preparation.

Partner :

For the first time this summer, the commune of Bonnelles is taking part in the adventure of international workcamps, with a project that will have a major impact on both residents and builders. This village of 2,200 inhabitants benefits from a very active community fabric, and makes a point of promoting its rural heritage and exceptional natural setting. Projects carried out as part of international workcamps enable the village to participate in preserving its heritage and improving  its living environment.  Finally, you'll learn about migration and inequality, and on several occasions you'll meet a group of male asylum seekers staying at the Monastère des Orantes in Bonnelles. Several activities will be organized with the asylum seekers to create intercultural links. Visits will also be organized to discover the various facilities in the village and the region.

Location and leisure activities:

Bonnelles is located in the Yvelines department, 50 km from Paris. Surrounded by forests, the village offers numerous hiking opportunities, perfect for discovering the region's natural gems. During the workcamp, you'll visit local producers such as Ferme des Clos, take part in board games with the locals or enjoy forest outings. Finally, you'll learn about migration and inequality, and meet several times with a group of male asylum seekers housed in Bonnelles. Visits can also be arranged to discover the various facilities in the village and surrounding area.

Good to know :

Bring work clothes and hiking boots. Nights can be chilly, so bring warm clothes, a pillowcase and a pillow. Bring rainwear (fleece, raincoat, etc.). Don't forget your sun protection (hat, sunglasses, cream, etc.), a water bottle and bathing suit for swimming in rivers and streams.

There will be plenty of time for socializing, especially with the village elders. If you'd like to share a little of your culture (music, songs, recipes, unusual objects...), don't hesitate to bring along a little piece of your country or region, children's books, a Bluetooth speaker or a musical instrument to show off your favorite playlist!

The internet connection is very weak, so you'll be immersed in nature. There's no launderette nearby, so laundry will mainly be done by hand.

The last day of the workcamp (18/07) is devoted to departure in the morning.

Meeting point:

Meet in front of Bonnelles town hall at 6pm on 4/07. To get there, take the RER B southbound from Châtelet station.

From Orly airport: Take the OrlyVal bus to Antony, then the RER B to Orsay-ville station.

From Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport: take the RER B to Orsay-ville station.

Once in Orsay-Ville, take the bus 3907, heading to Collège des 3 Moulins. The town hall is a 5-minute walk away.

Don't hesitate to consult the train timetable on the RATP website (https://www.ratp.fr/), and wherever possible, consider using low-carbon transport (train and bus rather than plane) for a sustainable international worksite.