Finnish Nature Adventure | ESC Team Volunteering in Jämsänkoski, Finland (Fully Funded)

An exciting opportunity for young people from ESC programme countries who are interested in reconnecting with nature, experiencing the eco-village life, and learning more about permaculture and sustainability, to apply for the ESC Team Volunteering project.Finnish Nature Adventure, which will take place in Jämsänkoski, Finland, from 15 July to 10 August 2025. This project is organised by "Grüner Grashalm e.V.", hosted by "Tärkkilä Eco-Community" and funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme (ESC) of the European Union.

About the Volunteering

The Finnish Nature Adventure is a four-week European Solidarity Corps (ESC) team volunteering project that offers young people a chance to reconnect with nature, experience eco-village life, learn about permaculture and sustainability, participate in environmental and community tasks, and improve their survival and self-reliance skills.

Volunteers will live and work in Tärkkilä, a budding eco-village and permaculture center, surrounded by forests and lakes. The project includes both on-site community tasks and a multi-day hiking expedition. volunteers will 

• Camp in tents
• Cook together
• Participate in building, farming, gardening, and trail maintenance
• Take part in group decision-making using sociocracy
• Enjoy nature, sauna nights, and artistic freedom during free time

The project is a collaboration between Grüner Grashalm e.V. and Tärkkilä Eco-Community.

About Tärkkilä Eco-Community

Tärkkilä is a developing eco-village and permaculture learning space nestled in the Finnish countryside, surrounded by forest and lakes. It’s a center for holistic sustainability, where volunteers and residents explore how to live in harmony with nature. This unique community is all about:

Sustainable living – growing food using permaculture, harvesting wild herbs, berries, mushrooms, and improving the soil and biodiversity.

Natural rhythms – following the moon calendar, seasonal celebrations, heating up saunas, and enjoying slow, intentional living.

Hands-on learning  – through ecological building, rewilding, forest gardening, and community-driven work projects.

Collective decision-making – using sociocracy, a method where everyone has a voice in how things are done.

Balance and self-awareness – encouraging people to stay grounded, take responsibility for themselves, and co-create a shared experience.

Life in Tärkkilä is rustic, off-grid, and deeply connected to nature, without internet, alcohol, or a fixed work schedule. It's a space for open-minded, motivated people to unplug, grow, and contribute.

Eligibility | Who can apply?

- Young people aged between 18 and 30 from all ESC Programme countries, including Finland (check the list on the ESC Portal here)

- Be open-minded, respectful, and ready to engage in a community lifestyle

- No prior experience is required; motivation, curiosity, and team spirit matter most.

Expenses and Benefits

As a part of the European Solidarity Corps programme, the volunteers are provided with international travel costs, food, pocket money, and accommodation in Riesa. 

- Volunteers will be accommodated in their own or shared tents (bring your own gear)

- Food will be mostly organic, local, and vegetarian meals. Occasionally, volunteers might have fish or meat to eat.

- Volunteers are entitled to receive pocket money according to ESC guidelines 

- All volunteers will receive Henner health insurance alongside their European Health Insurance card if they have.

- Travel costs are reimbursed to the participants against travel tickets and receipts. The amount will be calculated based on the participant's travel distance. Example of the maximum amount of travel reimbursement:

• from 10 – 99 km - 56 EUR (Green Travel)/ 28 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 100 – 499 km - 285 EUR (Green Travel)/ 211 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
• from 500 – 1999 km - 417 EUR (Green Travel)/ 309 EUR (Non-Green Travel)

- A lot of fun and a good summer time with international people.

- Volunteers are entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate after finishing the volunteering project.

What to bring?

• Backpack, at least 55 liters
• Tent
• Sleeping bag, at least +5 comfort rating
• Sleeping mat
• Good hiking shoes
• Comfortable hiking and working clothes
• A rain jacket and pants
• Cutlery, cup, bowl
• Headlamp
• Towel

Note: After everything you pack, you need space in your backpack for food and cooking equipment. And remember, you will have to carry everything during the hike, so be careful not to pack too much.

What is expected of you?

As a participant, you will be expected first of all to take care of your own needs to stay healthy and balanced. “Working hours” is a little bit tricky concept. Some days you might feel like continuing something exciting or urgent for a bit longer, and take more rest the next day. 

On Saturdays, volunteers work half a day and heat up the sauna for the evening. Sundays sometimes organizers decide to organize a free-flowing brunch. Otherwise, everyone takes care of their own needs.

Meal responsibilities are shared throughout the week, so sometimes you will be expected to cook and clean up after meals. You are also expected to contribute to community cleaning. 

Timeline

Application deadline: 30th of June 2025

Arrival day: 15th of July 2025

End date: 10th of August 2025

How to apply?

If you’re interested in joining the Finnish Nature Adventure - ESC Team volunteering Project, please complete the online application form by 30 June 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting volunteering opportunity!

More Details

For additional information about the Finnish Nature Adventure - ESC Team volunteering Project, including project details and requirements, please check the info pack HERE 

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

By applying for this volunteering project, you take responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" cannot be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.