CAMP SWITZERLAND PROGRAM 2019 Touching nature
Benefit and aim of Workcamp Switzerland Workcamp Switzerland is organising Workcamps and sending volunteers into national and international Workcamps. Young, but also older people are working beneficially to support local projects in the social, ecological or cultural field. In the meantime the volunteers get the opportunity to get to know other countries, to meet people from different cultures and to learn something from the society and the environment they re working for. The aim of these workcamps is not only to support needy projects but to learn from the intercultural exchange. It s a way to fight against racism and it advances young people to act social, to think globally and to get education through the work and travel experience. And it is an experience for life that the volunteers will never forget. A workcamp means unconventional holidays, a memorable time far away from the tourist destinations, to get to know culture and the inhabitant of a region very closely and to work for a good purpose. Workcamp Switzerland was founded as an association in 2004. It is politically and confessional neutral. Workcamp is since November 2012 a member of the international network Alliance of European Voluntary Services Organisation. Workcamp Switzerland and Integration of refugees Since 2015, Workcamp Switzerland has been committed to the integration of refugees in volunteerwork in Switzerland. Asylum seekers are given an opportunity to make a charitable contribution to work and at the same time get to know culture and people better. Who can participate? Asylum seekers aged 18-25 (F, N, B, C cards) Basic knowledge of English or French Reasons to volunteer Enables asylum seekers to actively participate in the society of the country of arrival Making a meaningful contribution to a charitable project: doing something good Cultural and language exchange with the local population & the international group of volunteers: Learning German/English/French Practical experience in the working world (trade, agriculture, etc.) Voluntary certificate and references for future applications Get to know the new region of Switzerland Free of charge: eating, sleeping and leisure activities
WS19LI01 06/04 21/04/19 SPRING CAMP KIDS/MANU WS19LI02 20/04 05/05/19 SPRING CAMP KIDS/MANU The goal of the group»frilingue«is to offer teenagers (age: 10-18 years) language camps. The aim of»frilingue«is the combination of language courses (French and German) in the morning with free time activities such as sport, music, dance, theatre and cinema in the afternoons. The youngsters will learn inside the camp house or on the terrace if the weather is good. International and Swiss volunteers are there to support the teenagers during their language camps. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners). Together with a cook they organise the menu schedule, do the shopping and wash the dishes afterwards. Volunteers will also do housekeeping and cleaning rooms, showers and toilets. It would be helpful if volunteers know how to prepare a meal for a bigger group. In addition»frilingue«is looking for people who like sport and creative activities and who like to support youngsters in their own talents during the leisure activities in the afternoon. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in 6 or 8 bed dormitories in the holiday house»relais de Dranse«in Liddes which is located 20 minutes from Martigny. All the meals are included! The small alpine village of Liddes (VS) is a getaway and holiday village between Martigny and the Great St Bernard Pass and the Valley of Aosta. It s the border between Switzerland and Italy.The infrastructure includes green and quiet surroundings, a football pitch around the corner, beautiful hiking trails right in front of the door and multiple places of interest in the nearby area. REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should have interest in being a member of an international team and being surrounded by groups of 20-45 kids. We are looking for mature people. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three international Volunteers, additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from»frilingue«. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a short motivation letter together with the application. Age: 18+! LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers will get to know the magic region of Liddes and the Great St Bernard. They will accompany the adolescents on trips in the afternoon to the close by points of interest. Each Saturday one full day excursion takes place. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. All excursions and transfers within the camp are included. Volunteers can discover the region on the weekends. AIRPORT The nearest airport is Geneva (GVA). LANGUAGE: English (Affinity for French and German!)
WS19AF 22/06/19 06/07/19 ALP FLIX RENO/CONS Through the extensive use of the terraces around Alp Flix since hundreds of years, a unique moor- and cultural landscape with high-level moors, fens, hayfields and alp meadows has been formed. The nature park Parc Ela is managing a project in order to rebuild traditional dry stone walls. Alp Flix is moorland that is under national protection. It includes different protected fens and high-level moors in accordance with the federal law. The volunteer-task is to repair and build dry stonewalls. Experts of dry stonewalls will show you how it s done. Be aware that the work is physically demanding and you have to stay outdoors all the day. ACCOMMODATION & FOOD Holiday house Tga Zia in the village Sur (GR) in the Parc Ela with dormitories and modern comfort. Volunteers have to prepare their meals themselves. Volunteers live and work in a wonderful region of alpine moorlands in the Parc Ela. The village Sur is on 1500m altitude. Almost 500m higher is the working-place the Alp Flix where four families live the whole year. In summer 160 cows and cattle join them. Transportation to the working-place by mini-bus. - You can reach the location by bus from Chur, Tiefencastel or St. Moritz to Bivio (or Sur). SPECIAL REMARKS/ REQUIREMENTS Volunteers in this project need to be physically strong and have a certain skill for manual work. Normally the weather in August can be hot, but there could also be rainy and cold days on 2000m. The working time is 8 hours - extra day off per week because of this long working time. - It s the perfect place for hikers and people who want to live a simple life in the wildness of the Swiss Alps. - The Workcamp is also open for asylum seekers! FREE TIME ACTIVITIES In their leisure time volunteers can go for a hike in the nearby region. The region is famous for hiking tourists. It s also possible to visit the surroundings or small cities like St. Moritz or Chur. CLOSEST AIRPORTS Milano, Zurich LANGUAGE English (German)
WS19LI03 29/06/19 14/07/19 SUMMER CAMP KIDS/MANU WS19LI04 13/07/19 28/07/19 SUMMER CAMP KIDS/MANU WS19LI05 27/07/19 11/08/19 SUMMER CAMP KIDS/MANU WS19LI06 10/08/19 25/08/19 SUMMER CAMP KIDS/MANU The goal of the group»frilingue«is to offer teenagers (age: 10-18 years) language camps. The aim of»frilingue«is the combination of language courses (French and German) in the morning with free time activities such as sport, music, dance, theatre and cinema in the afternoons. The youngsters will learn inside the camp house or on the terrace if the weather is good. International and Swiss volunteers are there to support the teenagers during their language camps. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners). Together with a cook they organise the menu schedule, do the shopping and wash the dishes afterwards. Volunteers will also do housekeeping and cleaning rooms, showers and toilets. It would be helpful if volunteers know how to prepare a meal for a bigger group. In addition frilingue is looking for people who like sport and creative activities and who like to support youngsters in their own talents during the leisure activities in the afternoon. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in 6 or 8 bed dormitories in the holiday house»relais de Dranse«in Liddes which is located 20 minutes from Martigny. All the meals are included! The small alpine village of Liddes (VS) is a getaway and holiday village between Martigny and the Great St Bernard Pass and the Valley of Aosta. It s the border between Switzerland and Italy. The infrastructure includes green and quiet surroundings, a football pitch around the corner, beautiful hiking trails right in front of the door and multiple places of interest in the nearby area. REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should have interest in being a member of an international team and being surrounded by groups of 20-45 kids. We are looking for mature people. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three international Volunteers additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from frilingue. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a short motivation letter together with the application. Age: 20+! LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers will get to know the magic region of Liddes and the Great St Bernard. They will accompany the adolescents on trips in the afternoon to the close by points of interest. Each Saturday one full day excursion takes place. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. All excursions and transfers within the camp are included. Volunteers can discover the region on the weekends. AIRPORT The nearest airport is Geneva. LANGUAGE: English (Affinity for languages French/German!)
WS19SW07 06/07/19 21/07/19 English Camp KIDS/MANU WS19SW08 20/07/19 04/08/19 English Camp KIDS/MANU The goal of the group frilingue is to offer teenagers (age: 10-18 years) a language camp. The aim of frilingue English Camp is to combine language courses (English) in the morning with free time activities such as sport, music, dance, theatre and cinema in the afternoons. The special advantage of this project is the mixture of adolescents from the French and the German part of Switzerland. There will be some special programmes in the nights and on the weekends. In the afternoon and on the weekend the group will discover the region. The youngsters will learn within the premises or outside if the weather is good. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Together with a cook they organise the menu schedule, do the shopping and wash the dishes afterwards. Volunteers will also do housekeeping and cleaning rooms, showers and toilets. It would be helpful if volunteers know how to prepare a meal for a bigger group. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in 6-10 bed dormitories. It is simple, but there is a kitchen, toilets and showers. Schwarzsee is blessed with nature s bounty and lies 3 435 feet about sea level. The village is framed by impressive mountains and an idyllic mountain lake is nearby. The River Sense Country is on the so-called Röstigraben. The rolling countryside appeals due to its magnificent landscapes and varied cultural assets - it is definitely worthwhile to stay a bit longer there! REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should have interest in leading a group of young people. We are looking for mature persons. The group frilingue is looking for people who like sport and creative activities and who like to support youngsters in their own talents. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three Volunteers, additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from frilingue. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a short motivation letter. Age: 20+! LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Discovering the charming region of Schwarzsee with its fascinating wildlife and nature - ideal for nature lovers, families and sports lovers! Twice a week, volunteers will accompany the adolescents on an afternoon journey to the close by region. On the weekends longer excursions are planned. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. AIRPORT The nearest airports are Geneva or Zurich. LANGUAGE English
WS19VB 07/07/19 20/07/19 VALLE BAVONA ARCH/CONS/A4A Volunteers live and work for a foundation that manages a nature reserve.the valley has been under protection for more than a century. Particularities of the Bavona valley are so called «hanging gardens» which are situated on large rocks. In terraced fields former settlers have been cultivating potatoes and other vegetables to survive in a harsh environment. Nowadays many of the villages still don t have electricity. Five of the volunteers in this project will be asylum seekers from the Canton Ticino (Switzerland) and four participants are international volunteers. It is a cooperation between the Swiss Red Cross (Sezione del Sottoceneri), the organisation Caritas, the Canton of Ticino and the Fondazione Valle Bavona. Volunteers are in charge of the maintenance of the park; trim shrubs and the lawn, help to repair stone walls. They have to maintain and create path and pastures. ACCOMMODATION The volunteers will stay in a small hostel at the village of Cavergno. It is simple, but there is a kitchen, toilets and showers. Cavergno (TI) is a small village situated in the southern alps of Switzerland 450m above sea level and surrounded by mountain-peaks natures impresses in many respects. Beautiful hikes take you to other picturesque villages and refreshing rivers just a stone-throw away. Lake Maggiore is about 50 km away. Catching a train from Locarno it s just about an hour to Lugano connected with Milano. You can reach Luzern and Zürich within approximately four hours. SPECIAL REMARKS/ REQUIREMENTS Volunteers are working outdoors what can be physically demanding. They should bring along warm, robust working clothes, sun and rain protection and hiking shoes. ACCESS 4 ALL-: On Saturday 13/07/19 as well as on Sunday 14/07/19 (half day) there will be an improvisation workshop with the professional clown-instructor Nadja Moraes. The theme of the workshop is «Finding our Place through Humor» FREE TIME ACTIVITIES This region is famous for hiking tourists. It s also possible to visit the surroundings of Locarno on the weekend. CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Milano, Zurich LANGUAGE: English
WS19SW09 13/07/19 28/07/19 French German Camp KIDS/MANU WS19SW10 27/07/19 11/08/19 French German Camp KIDS/MANU The goal of the group frilingue is to offer teenagers (age: 10-20 years) a two week language camp. The aim of the Mountain Camps is to combine language courses (French/German) in the morning with free time activities such as sport, music, dance, theatre and cinema in the afternoons. The special advantage of this project is the mixture of adolescents from the French and the German part of Switzerland. There will be some special programmes in the nights and on the weekends. The youngsters will learn within the premises or outside if the weather is good. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Together with a cook they organise the menu schedule, do the shopping and wash the dishes afterwards. Volunteers will also do housekeeping and cleaning rooms, showers and toilets. It would be helpful if volunteers know how to prepare a meal for a bigger group. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in 6-10 bed dormitories. It is simple, but there is a kitchen, toilets and showers. Schwarzsee is blessed with nature's bounty and lies 3 435 feet above sea level. The village is framed by impressive mountains and an idyllic mountain lake. The River Sense Country is on the so-called Röstigraben. The rolling countryside appeals due to its magnificent landscapes and varied cultural assets - it is definitely worthwhile to stay a bit longer there! REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should have interest in leading a group of young people. We are looking for mature personalities. The group frilingue is looking for people who like sport and creative activities and who like to support youngsters in their own talents. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three Volunteers, additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from frilingue. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a short motivation letter. Age: 20+! LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Discovering the charming region of Schwarzsee with its fascinating wildlife and nature - ideal for nature lovers, families and sports lovers! Twice a week, volunteers will accompany the adolescents on an afternoon journey to the close by region. On the weekends longer excursions are planned. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. AIRPORT The nearest airports are Geneva or Zurich. LANGUAGE: German/ English / French
WS19SW11 13/07/19 04/08/19 Art Camp ART/EDU The goal of the group frilingue is to offer teenagers (age: 11-18 years) language Camps. The aim of frilingue Art Camp is to combine language courses (French or English) in the morning with art workshops in the afternoons. The special advantage of this project is the mixture of adolescents from the French and the German part of Switzerland. There will be some special programmes discovering the region in the nights and on the weekends. The youngsters will learn within the premises or outside if the weather is good. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and coaching the youngsters during the art workshops painting, drawing, writing, dancing, photographing, filming etc. Helping with the daily tasks (cooking, cleaning etc.) will be also a part of the Camp. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in dormitories. It is simple, but there is a kitchen, toilets and showers. Schwarzsee is blessed with nature s bounty and lies 3 435 feet about sea level. The village is framed by impressive mountains and an idyllic mountain lake is nearby. The River Sense Country is on the so-called Röstigraben. The rolling countryside appeals due to its magnificent landscapes and varied cultural assets - it is definitely worthwhile to stay a bit longer there! REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should be interested in art and have skills in painting, drawing, photography or filming for example. We are looking for mature persons. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three Volunteers, additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from frilingue. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a motivation letter and an example of your art work. Age: 20+! LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Discovering the charming region of Schwarzsee with its fascinating wildlife and nature - ideal for nature lovers, families and sports lovers! Twice a week, volunteers will accompany the adolescents on an afternoon journey to the close by region. On the weekends longer excursions are planned. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. AIRPORT The nearest airports are Geneva or Zurich. LANGUAGE English/ French
WS19MR 05/10/19 19/10/19 MUNT LA REITA AGR/ENVI A4A The volunteers live and work on Munt La Reita, a cheese producing mountain organic farm with cows far back in the Maggia Valley. The farm is undergoing a permaculture transformation process. Volunteers help in the permaculture garden: terracing hillsides, preparation of soils for berries and high trunks, planting plants and possibly building a pond. ACCOMMODATION Mattress dormitory (3 compartments with 5 beds each, 1 compartment with 4 beds) on the barn floor of Munt la Reita. Duvets, pillows and blankets are provided per bed. Separate guest WC/shower and kitchen. Munt la Reita is located in the Ticino mountains at 1430 m above sea level, approx. 1 km west of Cimalmotto, at the back of the Valle di Campo, a side branch of the Maggia valley. From here it is only a few kilometres to the border to Italy. You can reach Locarno within approximately two hours from Cimalmotto. SPECIAL REMARKS/ REQUIREMENTS Volunteers are working outdoors what can be physically demanding. You should bring along warm, robust working clothes, sun and rain protection and hiking shoes. The weather in October in the Swiss Alps can already be very cold, so take enough really warm clothes with you. The Workcamp is open for asylum seekers. FREE TIME ACTIVITIES In their leisure time volunteers can go for a hike in the nearby mountains. CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Milano, Zurich LANGUAGE: English
WS19SCH 05/10/19 26/10/19 Alp Summer ENVI/A4A Every year, there is a lot of work to be done in the botanical garden. The Volunteers will support the gardener in his daily work. The main work will include haying, weeding, preparing wood and cutting the lawn. Interested Volunteers should be physically strong and interested in agricultural and garden work. It is important to know that all the flowers are very sensitive and protected and only experts can deal with those plants. Work is six hours a day; two days per week are off. Volunteers will receive food and lodging. For nature lovers, who are interested in garden and agriculture work! - In the beautiful region of Davos (Schatzalp) there is the Alpinum, a huge botanical garden in the mountains. An association was founded to support this garden and to save some rare species and the nature over there for the next generations. In this botanical garden guests can find many rare plants and about 5000 different types of species and cultivars. The group of Volunteers consists of five people. It s a project with Campleader. ACCOMMODATION Volunteers will sleep in the hotel in small staff-rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided from the personal canteen. In the hotel there are staying the ordinary holiday guests, the Volunteers will stay in the personal flat and spend the time together and with the employees of the hotel. Set in an exceptionally beautiful bowl of mountains Davos is the highest town in Europe at 1560 meters. In Davos there is the world class ice hockey, cross country skiing and ice skating. In the traditional hotel Schatzalp you enjoy a glorious panoramic view across the valley. The Volunteers will have the chance to see an incredible beautiful part of Switzerland. REMARKS / SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS The motivation of the volunteers has to be very high to work outdoors and it can be physically demanding. That s why a MOTIVATION LETTER is required. Volunteers should bring along warm, robust working clothes (water proofed), trekking shoes (suitable for the mountains). Punctuality is very important for this work. Smoking during the work is not allowed. The Workcamp is open for one asylum seeker. TERMINAL Bigger Airports: Zurich and Basel. There is a connection to the train station Davos Platz. From there volunteers can take a cable car. LANGUAGE Good English/ Basic Ge
WS19LI12 28/09/19 13/10/19 AUTUMN CAMP KIDS/MANU WS19LI13 12/10/19 27/10/19 AUTUMN CAMP KIDS/MANU The goal of the group»frilingue«is to offer teenagers (age: 10-18 years) language camps. The aim of»frilingue«is the combination of language courses (French and German) in the morning with free time activities such as sport, music, dance, theatre and cinema in the afternoons. The youngsters will learn inside the camp house or on the terrace if the weather is good. International and Swiss volunteers are there to support the teenagers during their language camps. The main work of the volunteers will be the preparation of the daily meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners). Together with a cook they organise the menu schedule, do the shopping and wash the dishes afterwards. Volunteers will also do housekeeping and cleaning rooms, showers and toilets. It would be helpful if volunteers know how to prepare a meal for a bigger group. In addition frilingue is looking for people who like sport and creative activities and who like to support youngsters in their own talents during the leisure activities in the afternoon. ACCOMODATION The volunteers will sleep in 6 or 8 bed dormitories in the holiday house»relais de Dranse«in Liddes which is located 20 minutes from Martigny. All the meals are included! The small alpine village of Liddes (VS) is a getaway and holiday village between Martigny and the Great St Bernard Pass and the Valley of Aosta. It s the border between Switzerland and Italy.The infrastructure includes green and quiet surroundings, a football pitch around the corner, beautiful hiking trails right in front of the door and multiple places of interest in the nearby area. REMARKS/ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Volunteers should have interest in being a member of an international team and being surrounded by groups of 20-45 kids. We are looking for mature people. The international Workcamps consist of small groups of three international Volunteers additionally they will work together with Swiss Volunteers from frilingue. If you are interested to be a part of this workcamp please send a short motivation letter together with the application. LEISURE ACITIVITIES/ BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers will get to know the magic region of Liddes and the Great St Bernard. They will accompany the adolescents on trips in the afternoon to the close by points of interest. Each Saturday one full day excursion takes place. The evenings will involve social events where the volunteers can participate and enjoy. All excursions and transfers within the camp are included. Volunteers can discover the region on the weekends. AIRPORT The nearest airport is Geneva. LANGUAGE: English (Affinity for languages French/Ge