Are you interested in helping the community in Germany, doing outdoor activities, working in nature, and restoring and beautifying the terrain? Do you like camping and exchanging with other people from the European Union? An exciting opportunity for 15 young participants from European Union countries to join the summer ESC Team Volunteering project "International Inclusive Workcamp," which takes place in Riesa city, Germany, from the 23rd of June to the 6th of July 2025. The project will be organised by VILLA and funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps Programme.
About the Host Organization
VILLA is the host organization of this ESC project. It is a non-profit socio-cultural center located in the heart of Leipzig. With more than 100 events taking place each year, THEY offer a wide variety of activities and workshops across different fields Рincluding media, music, circus, theatre, dance, bicycle repair, and more. Their programs cater to people of all ages, from toddlers in early music education to young individuals with and without disabilities, and even senior citizens returning to education. The center also features a youth club, a youth caf̩, and shared housing for ESC volunteers. Additionally, we have a dedicated department focused on international youth work.
About the Project
For two unforgettable weeks, a group of 15 young volunteers will come together to breathe new life into a historic estate and its surrounding land. Set in a peaceful corner of Saxony, this unique work camp offers the chance to get your hands dirty, learn practical skills, and contribute to something meaningful.
The main mission for the volunteering team is to restore the beautiful old manor and make the grounds bloom again. Volunteers will:
- Build a herb spiral from natural stones
- Lay a stone path using traditional paving methods
- Construct raised garden beds from tree trunks
- Try our hand at wood carving to create outdoor sculptures
- Cook together, learn manual techniques, and share unforgettable evenings
In the early days, Volunteers will be joined by pupils from a local school for special needs, working together on inclusive and fulfilling projects. As part of the host organisation's outreach, volunteers will also participate in the Riesa city festival by planting a park that adds lasting value to the local community.
But it’s not all work! Organisers are also planning fun and educational trips to:
- Meißen – the stunning town on the Elbe River, famous for its porcelain and medieval charm
- Leipzig – a vibrant city rich with history, culture, and art.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- Young people aged between 18 and 30 from European Union member states, including Germany;
- open-minded person willing to work in the nature, restoration, and beautification of terrain;
- Willing to work with natural stones, wood, handicrafts, help with shepherding, and dedicate yourself to gardening;
- Creative people who are happy to offer workshops themselves and proactively;
- Having a good level in English (Knowing German is a plus, but it is not required)
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 tents in a campsite with full board.
- In terms of food, Volunteers will be self-catering in cooking teams during the days
- Each volunteer receives a pocket money of 98 EUR (participation is only possible for the whole 14 days)
- 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)
- Tent (If you do not have tents, please contact the organisers, they will find a solution)
- sleeping bag + pillow
- mattress
- working clothes that can get dirty
- proper shoes (no flip flops during working time)
- European Health Card (you have to bring a physical card)
- Hat to protect from the sun, sun cream
- mosquito or insect repellent
- towels and swimming clothes
- warm clothes (for rainy days and the evenings)
- rain gear
- personal medicine, toiletries/sanitary bag
- cooking recipes, food, or drinks from your country you'd like to share with others
- If you are a guitar player, dancer, flute player, cobra charmer, origami master, or someone else, then don´t forget to bring your board games, utensils, and equipment to share your skills with the others.
Timeline
Application deadline: 27th of April 2025
Final results (Selection): 7th of May 2025
Online Preparatory meeting: 13th of May from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (max)
Arrival day: 23rd of June 2025
End date: 6th of July 2025
Please note: Your participation is mandatory for your participation in the project. In case you can not join, please contact the project coordinator. The link to join the virtual meeting via Google Meet will be sent to you a couple of days before the meeting for those who will participate.
How to apply?
If you’re interested in joining the International Inclusive Workcamp - ESC Team volunteering Project, please complete the online application form by 27 April 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting volunteering opportunity!
More Details
For additional information about the International Inclusive Workcamp - ESC Team volunteering Project, including project details and requirements, please check the info pack HERE
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