WORKCAMPS IN ESTONIA
Oikos organises in 2010 international workcamps in Estonia in cooperation with the association ESTYES (International Youth Association). ESTYES is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation promoting volunteering experience and international solidarity. ESTYES has been created in 1991 and has been the first youth volunteering organisation in Estonia.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Volunteers should be over 18 years old, except teenage camps where participants are 14-17 years old. For the work with kids the minimum age of volunteers is usually 20. There is no maximum age limit. Usually there are no special skills required from volunteers, except camps dealing with kids. Participants should be motivated to do voluntary work, be ready to meet realities of local life and have enough flexibility to accept it, be tolerant and open for the new experiences. In some camps (usually work with kids) a motivation letter is required from the volunteer.
All the travel costs are carried by the volunteers.
EstYES collects volunteers either at the bus terminal in Tallinn or in the office the day camp begins. Here they meet camp leader and travel together to the camp site.
For the majority of camps volunteers have to bring sleeping bag, work clothes and gloves, summer clothes and swimming suit, but also warm clothes and rain-gear as weather in Estonia is very changeable and really unpredictable. It is vital to have a mosquito cream on project taking place in the country side! Volunteers are also asked to bring information about their country, photos, music, games, musical instruments, etc.
On volunteers request EstYES helps to book inexpensive hotel to spend some days in Tallinn before/ after the camp.
The participation fee that includes the annual adheration fee of Oikos is 200,00 euros and has to be paid to the cultural association Oikos at the moment of the application.
The workcamp fee that includes food and accomodation during your stay in Estonia has to be paid to the camp-coordinator on arrival in Estonia.
For the description of the project, please, click the camp code:
CAMP CODE PERIOD
LOCATION PROJECT TYPE
EST 01 19.04 - 30.04.10 Polva Environment - Manual EST 02 16.05 - 29.05.10 Kiidi Environment - Manual EST 03 07.06 - 19.06.10 Hiiumaa Environment EST 04 13.06 - 27.06.10 Tallinn Teaching EST 05 25.06 - 03.07.10 Vihasoo Children EST 06 25.06 - 11.07.10 Pariisi Teaching EST 07 28.06 - 11.07.10 Misso Construction EST 08 05.07 - 17.07.10 Viljandi Manual EST 09 08.07 - 21.07.10 Viljandi Teaching EST 10 06.07 - 31.07.10 Tapa Children - Disabled EST 11 13.07 - 24.07.10 Tallinn Environment - Manual EST 12 19.07 - 01.08.10 Polva Environment - Manual EST 13 22.07 - 06.08.10 Tallinn Teaching EST 14 26.07 - 07.08.10 Viljandi Manual EST 15 26.07 - 07.08.10 Rapla Children - Manual EST 16 02.08 - 14.08.10 Marjamaa Festival - Manual EST 17 02.08 - 15.08.10 Vormsi Manual EST 18 06.08 - 21.08.10 Tallinn Teaching EST 19 09.08 - 20.08.10 Tallinn Environment - Manual EST 20 09.08 - 22.08.10 Saaremaa Festival - Environment EST 21 09.08 - 22.08.10 Paide Manual EST 23 10.07 - 23.07.10 Kunda Agriculture - Study EST 24 03.08 - 16.08.10 Kunda Agriculture - Study EST 25 27.08 - 09.09.10 Kunda Agriculture - Study EST 26 17.07 - 26.07.10 Pariisi Teaching EST 27 07.06 - 19.06.10 Tallinn Teaching EST 28 16.08 - 28.08.10 Tallinn Teaching
WORKCAMPS FOR TEENAGERS
For the description of the project, please, click the camp code:
CAMP CODE PERIOD
LOCATION PROJECT TYPE
EST T1 05.07 - 17.07.10 Kopu Manual EST T2 11.07 - 21.07.10 Viljandi Study EST T3 25.07 - 06.08.10 Tallinn Study EST T4 29.07 - 09.08.10 Soometsa Manuale EST T5 10.07 - 21.07.10 Nova Sport EST T6 22.07 - 02.08.10 Nova Sport
WORKCAMPS FOR FAMILIES
For the description of the project, please, click the camp code:
CAMP CODE PERIOD
LOCATION PROJECT TYPE
EST 22 16.08 - 29.08.10 Voru Famiglia - Manuale
EST 01 Spring Adventure / Polva 19.04 - 30.04.2010 LOCATION: Polgaste village lies in South-Estonia. Nearest towns are Polva (15 km), Võru (20 km) and Otepaa (27 km). South-Estonia is known above all for is natural richness. You will find picturesque forests and low hills there, varied with rivers, creeks and beautiful lakes, several national parks and reserves. From the architectural side churches, manor houses and ancient castles are certainly worth mentioning. But the greatest richness of South-Estonia is its kind and hospitable people, who despite of all difficulties manage to keep their ways and traditions.
WORK: This is a special camp for those who love adventures and are ready for unexpected situations, want to do something useful and learn something new, encounter Estonian nature and make new friends. It will take place in the Polva County in the village Polgaste, the area known for its outstanding beauty and well-preserved uncultivated nature. The idea of the camp is to encounter Estonian nature and learn how to live in harmony with it. The volunteers are invited to stay in the old watermill owned by the group of friends, who use this rustic place as an alternative training and a kind of meditation centre. This Adventure Camp will be held in Polgaste for the 6th year.
There will be one approximately 25-30 km one-day-long hike to introduce you the surrounding and svereal shorter ones. The local host will provide you with information about herbs, plants, spring mushrooms of the area and ways people can use it. He will show you how to fish from the river, hike in the forest and surviving in the wild nature. Besides, visits to Polva, excursions to the nearest larger town of Voru as well as trip to the South-West of Estonia - Parnumaa are foreseen. But do not expect formal lectures and exercises. The idea of the camp is learning from each other in easy, relaxing and fun way. Your own contribution of any kind will be appreciated! The exact activities plan will very much depend on weather conditions and compositionand wishes of the group.
Beside hiking and adventure volunteers are expected to work approximately 5-6 hours some of the camp days. The work can be quite physical – various construction/ renovation works in the old watermill, building stone fence from boulders, but also seasonal work in the garden as well as collecting and drying herbs and plants.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will live in the large old watermill, which is quite rustic without any comfort: dry toilet, washing beside the river. Sometimes volunteers can use sauna. Meals will be prepared by volunteers themselves or by local people in the kitchen or on the open fire outside. Meals will be simple. Food will be bought in the market or shop and from local farmers. You have to bring sleeping bag and mat.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers have to be flexible, adventurous and be ready to give up comfort. You have to be in the good physical shape and be ready for hard work and long hikes. You should be interested in nature and environment protection. Note: Camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to hay or cats.TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn, bus to Kanepi.
WORKCAMP FEE: Since EstYES does not receive funds to support your participation in the camp neither from the state/ municipality nor from any other sponsors, you are asked to contribute 60,00 Euro towards the cost of board and lodging, local transport and programme. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp.
EST 02 Kiidi farm / Voru 16.05 - 29.05.2010 LOCATION: Kiidi Farm is situated 20 km south of Voru, capital of the County. It has a population of 15 000 people and lies about 250 km south-east of Tallinn, very close to the Latvian and Russian borders. The closest village to Kiidi Farm is Rouge (3km) with a population of about 1000 people.
WORK: The charm of Haanja Uplands in South Estonia lies in its lovely hilly landscape, winding roads and numerous lakes. Most of its ancient villages, special dialect, handicraft, and customs have been preserved until today. The whole area, called Vorumaa, is an area of outstanding beauty. It is famous for its diverse and very well preserved nature. Untouched forests with wildlife, deep valleys, hills, 170 small lakes with extremely clean water, rivers with caves in the steep banks - you can find everything there.
With the support of the state and local authorities the eco- and farm sustainable tourism has been developed in this area. Besides promoting the environmental tourism, this initiative supports rural development, which is an important issue for Estonia. Estonian Association of Farm Tourism has launched several projects and Kiidi Farm, where the camp takes place, is one of them. This is one of the oldest EstYES local partners, who had been hosting over 15 camps with EstYES in the previous years.
Various works in the forest: cutting unwanted trees and bushes, burning old tree brunches and brushwood, preparing firewood for heating the farm, laying paths for skiing in winter and hikes, possibly some construction works around the farm. Most of the work will be outdoors.
ACCOMMODATION: In the farmhouse in 2-3-bedded rooms. Sleeping bag is NOT needed. WC, shower, hot water, & sauna are available. Hosts will prepare meals themselves, however volunteers may be asked to help the kitchen.
FREE TIME: There are many possibilities for leisure time, especially for those who love nature: acquaintance with nature sights in the area, hiking, canoeing, etc. Excursions to the historical sites of the County of Voru are planned as well. It might be possible to go for a short trip to Latvia, which is just 30 km away. Volunteers will have a very good chance to get in close contact with the local people, to experience local traditions and learn some customs like enjoying hot Estonian sauna!
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus or train station in Tallinn; bus to Voru.
EST 03 Ristitee Farm / Hiiumaa 07.06 - 19.06.2010 LOCATION: Hiiumaa Island lies in the Baltic Sea west of Tallinn, 22 km from the mainland. Ristitee farm is situated on the seashore near to the forest. The nearest village is 10km away.
WORK: Hiiumaa according to the Nordic sagas emerged from the Baltic Sea as a small islet more than 10,000 years ago. The island of Hiiumaa was first mentioned in historical documents as a deserted island called Dageida in 1228. The first inhabitants settled down at the end of the 13th century. Hiiumaa now is the second biggest island of Estonia: its area is 965 sq. km, population around 12 000. It has many historical and nature sights, and there are kind people known for their hospitality and good sense of humor. Ristitee farm is situated on the small island Kassari (19 sq. km) which is linked to Hiiumaa. The farm has about 40 horses and it specializes in eco-tourism in Kassari and horse riding for tourists. Indeed the area provides a lot of possibilities for this - with its beautiful sand dunes, pine woods and the high coastal junipers Kassari Island is ideal for hiking, picnics, camping, sunbathing and swimming. Kaina Bay between Kassari and Kaina and the numerous islets form a bird sanctuary with 70 different species - ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers. The idea of the camp is to assist the protection of one of the environmental objects - coastal meadows, which are unique in Europe. Give hand to Kassari people and have the great chance to experience everyday Estonian country life on the beautiful island of Hiiumaa!
Volunteers will be mainly working on preserving NATURA areas, e.g. coastal meadows. This work will include cleaning and tidying up, cutting unwanted grass and bushes, deleting plants not typical for the area. This is an outdoors work in the very wet area. Another work will be to remover rusted wire left from the Soviet period in many places around the island. The working day is 6 -7 hours. One day will be free.
FREE TIME: Sunbathing and swimming, hiking, birds watching, etc. Very good camp for nature lovers! Excursion around the island is planned. Since Ristitee is also a horse farm you will certainly get the possibility to exercise horse riding.
ACCOMMODATION: In the separate house on the sleeping mats. Volunteers have to bring sleeping bags. Toilet, hot water, sauna is available. Volunteers will have to prepare meals themselves with the help of locals.
REQUIREMENTS: This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. Note: it is hard to provide diverse vegetarian food on the island. Volunteers have to bring rubber boots and waterproof clothes.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbor, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus to Rohukula and ferry to Hiiumaa.
EST 04 Down Town Kids I / Tallinn 13.06 - 27.06.2010 EST 18 Down Town Kids II / Tallinn 06.08 - 21.08.2010 LOCATION: Camp will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
WORK: This project is organized for local children by the non-profit educational association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” within its annual activities on multicultural issues for kids. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to children and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication using the learning-by-doing method and organizing alternative English language practice. The project gets the kids of 10 to 13 years old familiar with customs and traditions of the countries from all over the world and encourages them to develop their cross-cultural thinking and tolerance. The common theme for all Down-Town camps 2010 is CARE - teenagers will try to answer the questions like: What do youngsters really care of today? What is there in their minds? Do they care of anything at all? The shift KIDS I is called CARAVAN, and the key word is CIVILIZATION. The shift KIDS II is called ENIGMA, and the key word is EVOLUTION.
Activating kids in the city camp and providing them with cross-cultural learning experience. Volunteers will do it through informal methods of teaching and working in small group techniques. Among the activities to be held by team of volunteers are playing the games and music popular the countries the volunteers represent; training kids to perform pieces of amateur drama; preparing festivals, intellectual and sport games as well as discussions and excursions round the places of interest; actions for peace and nature protection; leading and supporting kids in their work on the team projects within themes like “Healthy body, healthy spirit”, “Good habits”, “My small home in the big world”, “War and peace”, etc. Volunteers together with a local project coordinator are responsible for the day activities in the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours, requiring high commitment and responsibility. You will stay with kids 10.00 – 17.00 and spend another hour to prepare next day activities. In the course of camp there is one day off and at least one day of travel outside Tallinn together with kids. Before the city camp activities start there will be training in camp methodology and preparation. Most of kids are Russian-speaking children from minority group of Tallinn. The total number of kids is 25 to 40. Volunteers will work in pairs facilitating and leading a smaller group of 10 - 12 kids during the day. The camp activities will take place in a learning centre situated in the centre of the city.
ACCOMMODATION: In the furnished apartments in the Mustamae residential area of Tallinn, about 20 min by trolley-bus to the city centre. Travel cards will be provided. Volunteers will stay in the shared rooms: 2-4 persons in one room. You do NOT need a sleeping bag. Volunteers will cook and have their breakfasts at the place of accommodation; lunches will be organized for the whole camp in the city.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to be really motivated to work with kids. Experience in work with children is an advantage. Your ideas and actual preparation to do the activities for kids are essential. We ask you to bring some materials like postcards, posters, maps, symbols of your country, music or popular games etc which are typical for your country or region which can be used by you during your country presentation. We expect active volunteers with a good knowledge of history and culture of their country as well as with an ability and wish to present it to others in a creative way. A good level of English is required. The min age of volunteers is 20. Motivation letter is required
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn.
EST 05 Vihasoo / Loksa 25.06 - 03.07.2010 LOCATION: Vihasoo is tiny village laying in the picturesque Lahemaa National Park. Surrounded by forest, near to the sea, it is the ideal place for summer vacations. The nearest town (7km) is Vosu, spa town with about 1000 inhabitants which multiplies in summer. Distance from Tallinn is 70 km.
WORK: The group of teachers from Tallinn’s schools runs children’s camp in Vihasoo for almost 20 years. The aim of Vihasoo camp is to give children possibility of active and meaningful summer vacations. The base of Vihasoo lies 70 km from Tallinn. The camp is located on the territory of Lahemaa National Park. The wonderful nature, proximity to the sea (about 100m), good facilities – all this makes Vihasoo ideal place for leisure. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. Each summer period of the camp has its own theme. The topic for this shift is « Celebration», and the purpose of this period is to discover, how different countries celebrate different important events, make parties, which rituals and ceremonies they have. We plan to mix national dances, ceremonies and to create our own new traditions and holidays. We want to give children a celebratory mood every day while educating them informally. To achieve this aim Vihasoo camp invites international volunteers to join it as animators. Most of children are Russian-speaking from minority community of Estonia. The area of the camp is 1,8 hectares and it can host about 70 children on one shift. The age is 6-15.
Each day of the camp will have a program completed by local coordinators and the volunteers will be helping to realize it. The main activities will be intercultural learning through finding differences and similarities between Estonia and countries, where volunteers come from (history, traditions, language, singing, dancing, etc). It will be done through games, drama, sport, discussions. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. After placement volunteers will be contacted by organizers to get involved in the preparation of the program even before arrival to Estonia. Volunteer will work in the partnership with the professional local educators and youth workers. The staff of the camp is 25 people.
ACCOMMODATION: In the separate house with other staff members in 4-6-bedded rooms. Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, dry toiltets and sauna are available.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to love kids and be really motivated to work with them. The work demands 24-hours commitment and it can be pretty hard sometimes. Weekend is not free! Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc are welcome. English and Russian are the camp languages.
FREE TIME: Plenty of possibilities: hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games. Excursions to the places of interest in the Lahemaa National Park are foreseen.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn, specially arranged car to Vihasoo.
EST 06 Pariisi / Rakvere 25.06 - 11.07.2010 LOCATION: Camp takes place in Pariisi village, about 100 km from Tallinn the capital of Estonia. Nearest towns are Rakvere (20km) and Tapa (15km). The picturesque area around the camp with many hills, streams, rivers and lakes is very suitable for hikes and bicycle tours. Famous Lahemaa National Park is about 20 km from the camp.
WORK: Do you want to spend two weeks working with kids in the village of Paris in Estonia? Then this camp is for you! The camp is organized for kids and teenagers by the Association of Teachers of French in Estonia. The main aim of the camp is to provide intensive experience of learning and practicing French for kids and teenagers outside school curriculum using facilities of children camp Pariisi. The camp program includes games and activities, performances in the open air, hikes, excursions and visits, talks and discussions in the working groups. Naturally the language of this camp is French – what else would you speak in Pariisi?
Activating kids and teenagers, providing cross-cultural learning experience for them as well as French language environment. It will be done through the games, drama, sport activities, excursions, discussions, etc. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program.
There will be two shifts during the period of camp. The first one will involve kids aged 8-10, the second one – teenagers aged 11-13. There is going to be around 40 participants in each shift.
In addition to teachers there will be local young volunteer assistants aged 16-18 in the camp.
ACCOMMODATION: Camp has two buildings with 2-5 bedded rooms. Volunteers will have one room. Beds are provided, but please bring your sleeping bag. Toilets, showers and sauna are available. There is a hall for performances, open air stage, swimming pool, sport facilities for ball games, table tennis, bicycles, etc. Volunteers and participants will have their meals in the local café.
REQUIREMENTS: The minimum age of volunteers is 19. Good level of French, also a Motivation Letter is required!!! You should be really motivated to work with kids and teenagers. Previous experience is an asset. All ideas of activities for youngsters, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, posters, maps, music, etc. from your country.
FREE TIME: There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities: swimming, hiking, sports, etc. Excursions to Lahemaa National Park and Rakvere are foreseen.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Rakvere.
EST 07 Misso / Vorumaa 28.06 - 11.07.2010 LOCATION: Misso community is situated at the bottom of South-Estonia in Voru County very close to the Russian and Latvian borders. Distance to Voru, an administrative center of the area with the population of 17 000 people, is 45km. Voru lies 250km southeast from Tallinn.
WORK: South-Estonia is known for its natural richness. You find picturesque forests and low hills varied with rivers, creeks and beautiful lakes here. One gets here an opportunity to enjoy virginal nature in numerous national parks and reserves. From the architectural and historical angle the churches, manor houses and ancient castles are certainly worth mentioning. But the greatest richness of South-Estonia is its kind and hospitable people, who despite of all obstacles and difficulties have managed to preserve national and cultural traditions. The Seto, a peculiar small ethnic group of Fenno-Ugric ones, is a good example of it. They have preserved their ancient language and traditions, and still live in the land of Seto (Setomaa) in Voru and Polva Counties.
This international work camp in Misso is held together with local youngsters and in cooperation with Misso Technical Sports Club. The idea of this camp is to help local community with required maintenance and construction works, at the same time giving the volunteers a chance to learn several handicraft and building techniques.
Certainly, this is an excellent camp for people interested in motor-sport, but not only. People interested in trying totally new things and learning handicrafts are very welcome!
Volunteers will help with construction and maintenance works in the village of Misso. More specifically, the main aim of the camp is to make and install handcrafted wooden guideposts next to local roads and to build a traditional Estonian wooden swing. Volunteers will also help with the maintenance work of local hiking tracks in the area. Volunteers will be working alongside with the group of local youngsters. Besides, together with the Misso Technical Sports Club volunteers will help to organize a motor-sport event with the possibility to participate themselves. No previous knowledge in the field is needed.
FREE TIME: Swimming in local lakes and rivers, hiking, playing ball games with local youth, partying, etc. Excursions to the sites nearby are planned. This camp is very suitable for people who can enjoy the rural life and want to learn more about history and culture of Estonia.
ACCOMMODATION: During the camp volunteers will be mostly living in a dormitory of Misso high school. Toilets and showers are available. Volunteers have to bring their sleeping bags! In case there will be some longer trips during the camp (trip to Rouge boat rally, for example) volunteers should also be prepared to sleep few nights in tents. Meals will be prepared in the dormitory kitchen by the cook, however volunteers are asked to help out in the kitchen. Some meals may be prepared by volunteers themselves.
REQUIREMENTS: Please bring your sleeping bag. English is the camp language. Volunteers should be open to meet and work together with local youth and to be adventurous. The age of volunteers is 18 – 26.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus to Misso.
EST 08 Koesti Watermill I / Viljandi 05.07 - 17.07.2010 EST 14 Koesti Watermill II / Viljandi 26.07 - 07.08.2010 LOCATION: The project is located at the border of Viljandi, a town situated in South Estonia on Sakala Upland. Town of Viljandi with its 20,000 inhabitants is an independent unit of local authority and the centre of the county. As a culture town it is well known for its valued Culture Academy, Ugala Drama Theatre and the famous international Folk Music Festival held yearly at the end of July. Viljandi lies 160 km from Tallinn, 98 km from Parnu and 80 km from Tartu.
WORK:
The aim of this camp is to help renovation of the historical watermill Koesti. This watermill dating from the end of 18th century is an important object of heritage for the local community. The oldest part of the building existing at present was built in the second half of 19th century. In 1930 the watermill was made two-storied and on the river side the engineering for producing electric power was built. After the Second World War several changes have been made there. Today association managing the watermill put a lot of effort into developing it into a hydroelectric plant, which started to give first energy last year. And this is a very important step for the local community which goes along with the general plan to raise production use of energy from alternative sources in Estonia. At present such generating alternative energy projects have not been developed in Estonia yet to the noticeable extend, therefore Koesti Watermill is an important initiative which has to be supported.
The work will involve mainly cleaning up/ recovering of the hydro power station canal and the banks of Koesti creek. This means quite physical work in the water removing mud, stones, branches of trees, etc. Volunteers have to bring rubber boots. Also there may be some clearing up the green areas around the mill. Volunteers will be working 7-8 hours per day and 5 days a week under the supervision of local technical leader.
FREE TIME: There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the town where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. You can also spend time at Viljandi Lake and go swimming. Or simply stay at the mill having bonfire, barbeque and sauna with locals.
ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation facilities will be quite simple: you will stay in the mill house in camp beds. Please bring your own sleeping bag! Please note that the shower is a self-made “summer shower” with the warmed water though. And there is dry toilet only. But you will have a good chance to try Estonian sauna on weekend! Traditional local food will be prepared by hosts, volunteers will be asked to help cleaning and washing up. Possibility of making own food is limited.
REQUIREMENTS: This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. Be prepared for physical work. Please note rather simple washing facilities in this camp. You have to bring your sleeping bag, working clothes and rubber boots. Volunteers older than 35 are particularly welcome!
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus and train to Viljandi.
EST 09 Down Town Country / Viljandi 08.07 - 21.07.2010 LOCATION: Viljandi rappresenta il centro del paese ed è una città molto nota, a livello culturale, per l'Accademia Culturale, il teatro Ugala e il Festival Internazionale di musica folk.
WORK: This project is organized for teenagers by the non-profit educational association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” within its annual activities on multicultural issues. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the youth and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication using the learning-by-doing method which includes project work, games, handicrafts, meetings, discussions, direct contact to young people from abroad as well as alternative English language practice. The project gets 14 to 17 years old teens from all over the world, encourages them to develop their global thinking and individual initiative as well as tolerance and resistance to xenophobia and ethnic hatred. The common theme for all Down-Town camps 2010 is CARE - teenagers will try to answer the questions: What do youngsters really care of today? What is there in their minds? Do they care of anything at all? This shift is called AVATAR, and the key word is ALTERNATIVES. NB! This shift will be prepared by volunteers in Tallinn, but run in the village of Vaibla near Viljandi in the South of Estonia.
Activating teenage participants in the summer country camp and providing them with cross-cultural learning experience. The volunteers will do it through informal methods of teaching and working in small group techniques. Among the activities to be held by the team of volunteers are playing games and music popular in the countries the volunteers represent; drama and sports; preparing festivals and disco parties, intellectual and social games, common discussions, handicrafts; leading and supporting teens in their work on the team projects within the discussed themes of the camp etc.; preparing and leading the teen teams’ presentations on the countries the camp participants and volunteers are from. Each day of the camp will have a country presentation, a subject to learn or discuss and a related activity, and finally party in the evening. Volunteers together with a local project coordinator are responsible for the day activities in the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program and the young participants. In the course of camp there will be two half-a-days of free time at least. Before the country camp activities start there is training in Down-Town camp methodology and preparation, which takes place in Tallinn. Most of local teens in the camp are Russian-speaking youngsters from the minority groups of Estonia. Besides local teens 15 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp making total number of teens about 30.
ACCOMMODATION: During days in Tallinn volunteers will stay in the furnished apartments in the Mustamae residential area, 20 min by trolley-bus to the city centre. Travel cards will be provided. Volunteers will stay in shared rooms: 2-4 persons in one room. Volunteers will cook and have their breakfasts and dinners at the place of accommodation; lunches will be organized for the group in the city. During days in the country volunteers will stay in the shared rooms for 2-4 persons of the same camp house as the teens' one. Toilets and showers are of common use. You do NOT need a sleeping bag, but please bring your own towels. All meals are provided in the camp house's canteen.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Experience in work with children is an advantage. Your ideas and actual preparation to do the activities for teens are essential. We ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, symbols of your country, music or popular national games etc typical for your country which can be used during your country presentation. Also it will be great if you can bring any traditional food to present during intercultural evenings. We expect active volunteers with a good knowledge of history and culture of their country as well as with an ability and wish to present it to others in a creative way. A good level of English is required. The minimum age of volunteers is 20. Please add a motivation letter.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Viljandi; specially arranged transport to Vaibla village.
EST 10 Imastu / Tapa 06.07 - 31.07.2010 LOCATION: Imastu is a very tiny village. It lies 90km east from Tallinn and 25 km west from Rakvere, administrative center of the area. The nearest city is Tapa (3km), large railway junction with about 10 000 inhabitants.
WORK: Imastu is an institution for mentally handicapped children and youngsters. It caters for over 100 kids and young adults aged 7 to 30 with severe mental and genetic deceases. Most of them are orphans. Youngsters are divided in to 5 family groups where they live under supervision of staff. Children attend a special school arranged for them in Imastu. Since 1994 Imastu has been hosting international workcamps in summer and since 1999 - long-term volunteers to assist staff with daily work, bringing new ideas and approaches to the daily routine. In summer the volunteers are particularly needed to support staff and assist work with kids, especially in July-August when it is possible to offer more diverse outdoor activities for kids.
Looking after the children, helping staff in teaching them basic skills, feeding children, playing with them, arranging their outings, assisting in all other required activities. Each volunteer will work in the own family group. Volunteers will work under supervision and with assistance of local staff 30-35 hours a week, 2 days a week are free.
FREE TIME: Imastu is laying in a picturesque landscape: fields, forests, lakes and unspoiled nature. It is the ideal region for hiking and cycling tours. There are good possibilities for horse riding and fishing right in Imastu. Excursions to places of interest in Tallinn, Rakvere (est.1226), Lahemaa National Park as well as trips to the seaside (30km from Imastu) are foreseen.
ACCOMMODATION: In the Institution in 2-bedded rooms. Beds and linens are provided. You do not have to bring sleeping bag. Shower and toilet is in the corridor, shared with the staff. You will eat together with the staff in local canteen or in your family groups. Possibility to make own food is limited.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to be really motivated and committed to the work with physically and mentally disable children. Some previous experience or special knowledge is an advantage. Although English is a camp language, some knowledge of Estonian or Russian will make communication with locals easier.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn; train or bus to Tapa.
LOCATION: Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, the largest city with 400 000 inhabitants and nearly as many tourists during summer. Zoo is situated to the west from the city centre, about 15-20 min by public transport.
WORK: The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy adopted in 2005 puts the emphasis on wildlife conservation as one of the highest priorities for the zoos around the world. Once offering only public entertainment, the zoos today must take the role of wildlife conservation centres, breeding endangered species and supporting their recovery in the wild. Tallinn Zoo participates in a numerous conservation projects, playing a leading role in the reintroduction project of the European mink (Mustela lutreola). It has also provided specimens for the reintroduction of the Black vulture. Tallinn Zoo introduces the public to a variety of animals and conveys information about wildlife through interpretative signs and boards, interactive devices, printed handouts and media representations. From autumn through spring classes for young animal lovers - schoolchildren of different age are regularly conducted in the Zoo.
The work mainly consists of doing various gardening jobs in the green areas of the large zoo territory: clearing and tiding up, mowing grass, cutting bushes, planting flowers. Most of the work will be outdoors. In case of rainy weather alternative work indoors will be found. The work is planned as 6-7 hours a day. NB! Work does not include direct contact with the animals.
FREE TIME: Besides that volunteers will get well acquainted with the zoo and its inhabitants, there are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities since camp will take place in the capital, where one can find attractions for any taste: sightseeing & museums, festivals and concerts, live music, pubs, etc. This camp provides an excellent opportunity to experience vivid local life of Tallinn.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in the residential area of Tallinn in the EstYES apartment, where long-term volunteers are usually accommodated. It takes about 20 min by bus to get from there to the city centre and 40 min to get to the Zoo from the flat. Volunteers will have two bed rooms, common room, equipped kitchen, shower and toilets at their disposal. They will sleep on mattresses on the floor and in beds. Please bring your sleeping bags! Volunteers have to prepare their own meals for breakfasts and dinners. Lunches will be taken together with the Zoo gardening staff at the working place. Volunteers will use public transport to go to work; tickets will be provided by EstYES.
REQUIREMENTS: No special skills required, but you have to be ready for physical work and relatively long hours. This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to hay. Tools will be provided, just take your working clothes and gloves and a sleeping bag! The camp language is English.
WORKCAMP FEE: As EstYES does not have funds to support your participation in this camp neither from the state nor from the private sponsors, you are asked to contribute 60,00 Euro towards cost of board and lodging, local transport and the program. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbour in Tallinn.
EST 12 Adventure Camp / Polva 19.07 - 01.08.2010 LOCATION: Polgaste village lies in South-Estonia. Nearest towns are Polva (15 km), Võru (20 km) and Otepaa (27 km). South-Estonia is known above all for is natural richness. You will find picturesque forests and low hills there, varied with rivers, creeks and beautiful lakes, several national parks and reserves. From the architectural side churches, manor houses and ancient castles are certainly worth mentioning. But the greatest richness of South-Estonia is its kind and hospitable people, who despite of all difficulties manage to keep their ways and traditions.
WORK: This is a special camp for those who love adventures and are ready for unexpected situations, want to do something useful and learn something new, encounter Estonian nature and make new friends. It will take place in the Polva County in the village Polgaste, the area known for its outstanding beauty and well-preserved uncultivated nature. The idea of the camp is to encounter Estonian nature and learn how to live in harmony with it. The volunteers are invited to stay in the old watermill owned by the group of friends, who plan to use this rustic place as an alternative training and a kind of meditation centre. This Adventure Camp will be held in Polgaste for the 6th year.
There will be one approximately 25-30 km one-day-long hike to introduce you the surrounding and few shorter ones. More hikes can be organised on your request! Local host will provide you with information about herbs, plants, berries and mushrooms of this area and ways people can use it. They will teach you fishing from the river, hiking in the forest, surviving in the wild nature, etc. But do not expect formal lectures and exercises! The idea of the camp is learning from each other in easy, relaxing and fun way. Your own contribution will be appreciated. The exact activities plan will very much depend on weather conditions and composition and wishes of the group as well as contribution of participants.
Beside hiking and adventure volunteers are expected to work approx. 4-5 hours some of the days. Work may be physical – various renovation works in the old watermill, building stone fence from boulders, but also seasonal work in the garden, collecting and drying herbs and plants.
FREE TIME: Sport activities like wu-shu, swimming, fishing, etc. Excursions to the nearest bigger towns Polva, Voru and Varska as well as bus tour to other parts of Estonia are foreseen.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will live in the large old watermill, which is quite rustic without any comfort: dry toilet, washing beside the river. Sometimes volunteers can use sauna. Meals will be prepared by volunteers themselves or by local people in the kitchen or on the open fire outside. Meals will be simple. Food will be bought in the market or shop and from local farmers, and even sometimes collected on nature (mushrooms, berries, roots). You have to bring sleeping bag and mat.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers have to be flexible, adventurous and be ready to give up comfort. You have to be in the good physical shape and be ready for hard work and long hikes. You should be interested in nature and environment protection. Note: it is hard to provide vegetarian and lactose free food. Camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to hay or cats.TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn, bus to Kanepi.
WORKCAMP FEE: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp neither from the state nor from private sponsors, you are asked to contribute 90,00 Euro towards costs of board and lodging, local transport and the programme. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to host upon arrival to the camp.
EST 13 Down Town Enlish / Tallinn 22.07 - 06.08.2010 LOCATION: Camp will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
WORK: This project is organized for teenagers by non-profit educational association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” within its annual activities on multicultural issues for teens. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the youth and provide them with practices in intercultural communication using the learning-by-doing method which includes meetings, visits, direct contact to young people from abroad as well as alternative English language practice. The project gets 14 to 17 years old teens familiar with national traditions of the countries from all over the world, encourages them to develop their global thinking and individual initiative as well as tolerance and resistance to xenophobia and ethnic hatred. The common theme for all Down-Town camps 2010 is CARE - teenagers will try to answer the questions like: What do youngsters really care of today? What is there in their minds? Do they care of anything at all? This shift is called ROBOTS, the key word is REVOLUTION.
Activating teenage participants in the city camp and providing them with cross-cultural learning experience. Volunteers will do it through informal methods of teaching and working in small group techniques. Among the activities to be held by team of volunteers are playing games and music popular in the countries volunteers represent, drama, sports, preparing festivals, common discussions, excursions, actions for peace and nature protection, leading and supporting teens in their work on the team projects.; preparing and leading the teen teams’ presentations on the countries the camp participants and volunteers are from. Each day of the camp will have a country presentation, a subject to learn or discuss and a related activity. Volunteers together with a local project coordinator are responsible for the day activities in the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program and the young participants. You will stay with teens 10.00 – 17.00 and spend another hour to prepare next day activities. In the course of camp there is one day off and at least one day of travel outside Tallinn together with teens. Before activities start there is training in Down-Town camp methodology and preparation. Most of local teens in the camp are Russian-speaking youngsters from minority group of Tallinn. Besides local teens 15 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp. The total number of participants is about 40. Volunteers will work in pair facilitating and leading a smaller group of 10 - 12 teens during the day. The camp activities will take place in a learning centre situated in the centre of the city.
ACCOMMODATION: In the furnished apartments in Mustamae residential area of Tallinn, about 20 min by trolley-bus to the city centre. Travel cards will be provided. Volunteers will stay in the shared rooms: 2-4 persons in room. You do NOT need a sleeping bag. Volunteers will cook and have their breakfasts at the place of accommodation; lunches will be organized for the whole camp in the city. And there are several ways to organize dinner on the volunteers’ wish.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to be really motivated to work with teens. Experience in work with youth is an advantage. Your ideas and actual preparation to do the activities for teens are essential. We ask you to bring some materials like postcards, posters, symbols of your country, music or popular national games etc typical for your country or region which can be used during your country presentation. We expect active volunteers with a good knowledge of history and culture of their country as well as with ability and wish to present it to others in a creative way. A good level of English is required. The minimum age of volunteers is 20. Please add a motivation letter.
EST 15 Maidla / Rapla 26.07 - 07.08.2010 LOCATION: Maidla is a very tiny village, which lies 10 km east from Rapla, an administrative centre of the county with 7 000 inhabitants. Distance from Tallinn is about 60 km. Area around has a lot of small rivers and lakes as well as forests with wild life – nice place for hikes, swimming, enjoying nature.
WORK: Maidla is an orphanage, which was established over 50 year ago on the site of the old German manor house. It caters for around 30 youngsters aged 3 to 18. Children attend school, gymnasium or professional school in the county. The aim of the institution is to take care of children, create good conditions for their living there, ensure necessary medical and psychological treatment, organize free time activities for them and finally, prepare them for the independent life in future.
Besides the manor houses and the park, which occupies 3 ha, Maidla has also a garden, which supplies institution with vegetables. Naturally there is a lot of practical work to do there, especially in summer, and assistance of international volunteers will be appreciated.
Although many children will be away for the whole period of camp living in the “support families”, those staying in Maidla will join volunteers for work and leisure.
Maintenance works in the park and on the territory of institution, preparing and piling up fire woods for heating in winter and other odd jobs outdoors and indoors. Another important task of the camp will be to activate youngsters of Maidla involving them to the practical work, running a leisure time program for them, organizing games and sport activities, introducing volunteers’ home countries and cultures, providing practice of English language, etc. There will be around 12 young people aged 8 to 17 in Maidla at the time of the camp.
FREE TIME: Various joined activities with Maidla youngsters. Hikes in the forest. Sport activities using institution’s facilities. Excursions and visits to the places of interest in the area. Trip to the seaside in Parnu can be organised. It is possible to visit other workcamps taking place the same time in this region. Besides during this time of year, there will be various cultural events in Rapla and neighbour villages, like Marjamaa Folk Festival, which will be possible to attend.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in the separate house, which is normally occupied by the eldest children. They will have 2-3 bedded rooms, shower, toilet, washing mashine. Sauna is available as well. Meals will be prepared by volunteers themselves in the instituton’s kitchen from the food provided by the institution.
REQUIREMENTS: Please bring working clothes and gloves. It would be very helpful if you could bring games, songs popular in your countries, ideas for activities with children, anything you can use for work with kids and teenagers of Maidla. Your previous experience in work with kids is an advantage. English is the camp language.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus & train to Rapla; bus to Maidla.
EST 16 Marjamaa Festival 02.08 - 14.08.2010 LOCATION: Marjamaa is a village with about 4 000 inhabitants on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu. Distance from Marjamaa to Tallinn is 70 km. Being an administrative centre of community, Marjamaa has several shops, department store, culture house, cinema, several pubs, night disco club, etc. Larger city nearby is Rapla (25km), an administrative centre of the county, with a population of about 8 000 people. Marjamaa has good connection to Tallinn, Parnu, Haapsalu.
WORK: It became a good tradition for EstYES to organize international workcamps in co-operation with Marjamaa Community. It lies on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu, and it is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage: ancient settlement in Varbola, XIII century church in Marjamaa, chapel in Haimre, numerous German manor houses of XVIII-XIX centuries, etc. Local authorities see in the international camps a good tool for local development - not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction multicultural dimension to the population of local communities in the country. The camp will take place in the village of Marjamaa, the centre of the community. The main task of this camp is to assist local authorities’ general maintenance plan, however the first week of the camp volunteers will be mainly involved in the assistance to the Marjamaa Folk Festival helping different practical tasks.
Clearing and tiding up, mowing grass, cutting bushes, various odd jobs in- and outdoors. As there will be international Marjamaa Folk Festival and The Days of the Village on 04.-08.08, volunteers will be asked to help it out doing various practical jobs. There will be definitely a lot of cleaning! It is also expected that volunteers will contribute to the festival by introducing their national culture, music, even food and dinks to the locals as well as organizing games and activities for local children during one Festival day. Be ready to work for some hours on weekend!
FREE TIME: Sport activities at the school stadium, swimming in the local swimming pool, hiking, excursions to the ancient settlement in Varbola, Sillaotsa Farm Museum and other places of interest of the area. It is possible to use free days to go to Parnu - Estonian popular seaside spa town. During international Folklore Festival in Marjamaa volunteers can join diverse activities and parties with the international participants and locals.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will have simple accommodation in the rooms of the Marjamaa Youth Centre right in the centre of village, sleeping on beds and mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available. Volunteers will have lunchs and dinners in the local pub and breakfast prepared by themselves at the accommodation.
REQUIREMENTS:Please bring sleeping bag and pillow, working clothes and gloves. It will be great if you could think about your contribution to the festival and bring some materials, music, games as well as national food/ drinks for it. If you can present folk songs or dances from your country or teach others it you really should not hesitate to do it. English is the camp language.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbor, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus to Marjamaa.
WORKCAMP FEE: Due to difficult economic situation this year and the lack of financial support for the project the participation fee of 60,00 Euro is requested from volunteers to cover the costs of board and leisure activities. It has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp.
EST 17 Vormsi / Haapsalu 02.08 - 15.08.2010 LOCATION: Vormsi Island lies in the Baltic Sea west of Tallinn, 10 km from the mainland.
WORK: The name of island Vormsi likely came from Viking’s Orm, which means Snake. The highest parts of the island emerged from the sea 3000 years ago. Nowadays the area of the island is 93 km2 with the highest point reaches up to 13 m above sea level. The coastline is 100 km long.
Before World War II more than 2500 people lived on island, mainly Swedes. At present there are about 300 people living permanently on the island. The main activities are tourism, forestry, agriculture and coastal fishing. The idea of this camp is to help local community with their concervation/ maintenance plan. It became a tradition for EstYES to organize international workcamps in co-operation with small local communities to introduce ideas of international voluntary service to the local population and do something useful for the community. The camp on Vormsi Island is a good example of it. Local authorities see international camps as an important tool for local development - not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction multicultural dimension to the population. And this is the main idea of this camp! Participating in the camp you have a good chance to learn about this little corner of Estonia as well as to present your own country and culture to the locals.
The work will include cleaning and tidying up of area of important object of local patrimony - old manor house Suuremoisa and its park. Also there will be some cleaning of bicycle tracks, doing some light renovation jobs, etc. The volunteers will also help with the creation of organic garden in Hullo. The working day is 6-7 hours, mainly outdoors.
FREE TIME: Sport activities, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, bird watching, etc. Excursion around island will be offered by locals. During camp there will be local celebration of St Olav’s day. This is a very good camp for nature and sea lovers!
ACCOMMODATION: In the school building in the rooms on the mattresses on the floor. Please bring your sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available. Breakfasts will be prepared by volunteers, lunches and dinners will be served in local cantina.
REQUIREMENTS: This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. It is hard to provide diverse vegetarian and lactose free food on the island.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus to Rohukula and ferry to Vormsi.
EST 20 Vilsandi National Park / Saaremaa 09.08 - 22.08.2010 LOCATION: Kihelkonna Parish with its 845 inhabitants locates in North-West Saaremaa, which is the biggest island of Estonia. The biggest village, also called Kihelkonna (about 500 inhabitants), is 33 km west from the island’s capital Kuressaare. The area is rich of the variety of plant and animal species. Grey seals as well as many protected birds live in the area. Kihelkonna parish is special also for its old architecture and heritage sites. One of the oldest churches in Estonia - Kihelkonna Mihkli church from 13th of century - and Loona manor house from 17th of century to name a few.
Vilsandi National Park consists of almost 100 little islands, altogether 180 km². This nature park was created in 1910 and is therefore the oldest in the Baltics.
WORK: This is a very special camp held for the first time. It will take place on the biggest island of Estonia - Saaremaa. The whole island is special for its unique nature and historical and cultural heritage sites. The famous trademarks are juniper stands, windmills, sweet-sour bread and home made beer.
The current project will take place in North-West Saaremaa in Kihelkonna parish. Vilsandi National Park locates in the area and can be characterized by pelagian climate, variety of birds and richness of flora and fauna. This camp is therefore perfect for nature lovers. The work of this camp will emphasize mainly on the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of Vilsandi National Park and also the beginning of Estonian as well as Baltic nature protection program. Many cultural and environmental activities will be held. In this camp the volunteers will get in close contact with Estonian nature and culture. They will know more about Estonian environmental protection and spend two weeks in a very beautiful location.
The main part of the work is connected to the celebrations of Vilsandi National Park’s 100 year anniversary. Volunteers will help with the preparation, the running and the afterwards cleaning of the celebrations. The help is needed with the setting up of the photo exhibition. During the celebrations volunteers will hand out food for 150 – 250 people, check the tickets, etc. Volunteers will also help with organisation of concerts and movie events. Other part of the work will include cleaning and tidying up of the area of old manor house Loona and its park, which is the centre and information point of the whole Vilsandi National Park. There will be some light renovation jobs, creation of herb garden, building of stone fence, etc. The days will be very different as there might be more work during the celebrations and less in some other days. Of course there will be days off for which some hikes and excursions are planned: hike to Harilaid peninsula, boat trips in the archipelago, moonlight trip, etc.
FREE TIME: There will be days off for which some hikes and excursions are planned: hike to Harilaid peninsula, boat trips in the archipelago, moonlight trip, etc.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will sleep inside the building of Loona manor house on the mattresses on the floor or on hay! Showers and toilets are available as well as sauna! Please bring a sleeping bag and towel.
Meals will be prepared in manor house kitchen by the staff and by volunteers themselves. It’s also possible to prepare some meals in a special summer kitchen on the open fire. The products used for cooking will be local.
REQUIREMENTS: This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants and hay.
WORKCAMP FEE: As EstYES did not get funds to support your participation in this camp neither from the state nor from the private sponsors, you are asked to contribute 60,00 Euro towards costs of board and lodging, local transport and the leisure program. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn, bus/flight to Kuressaare.
EST 21 Jarvamaa Camp / Paide 09.08 - 22.08.2010 LOCATION: Paide, the capital of Jarva County, lies in Central-Estonia, halfway from Tallinn to Tartu, where the main road turns to Viljandi. Distance from Tallinn is 90 km, from Tartu -100 km, from Viljandi - 70 km.
WORK: Jarvamaa - Jarva County lies in the very centre of Estonia, it covers area of 2700 km2 and has a total population of about 40 000 people. This area is known for he rich history, which left a lot of objects of historical and cultural heritage, as well as for its beautiful nature with hills, forests, springs, rivers and lakes. The idea of the camp, held in cooperation with local authorities, is to assist their general maintenance plan. Another important aim of the camp is introduction of multiculturalism and offering intercultural exchange to local young people of this rural area, who will be involved to the project. Finally, participants are expected to pass strong message about voluntary service to the local youth.
The work will include landscaping, clearing and tidying up green areas and objects of local importance in villages and towns of Jarvamaa County. Volunteers will be working 5 -7 hours per day and 5 days for week under supervision of local technical leaders. Work is mainly physical and outdoors. Local young people will be joining international volunteers for work and leisure.
FREE TIME: Swimming in the local lakes and rivers, hiking, playing ball games with local youth, partying. Minivan will be offered for the excursions to the sites nearby. It is planned to visit Estonian Diary Museum and sawmill in Imavere, Põltsama Castle as well as towns of Põltsamaa, Paide and Viljandi. This camp is absolutely suitable for people who can enjoy the rural life and want to learn more about history and culture of Estonia staying in the heart of it!
ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation will be changing since the work will be done in different places, mainly in the villages of Ambla, Albu, Jarva Jaani and town of Paide. Usually volunteers will stay in the school, kindergarten, youth centre buildings on the mattresses. Please bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Toilets and showers are available, as well as kitchen with necessary equipment for cooking. Volunteers will have to make some of the meals (e.g. breakfasts on their own) while the rest of the meals will be cooked and served by the locals.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers should be interested in rural life, be ready to participate in the discussions about rural development with the local young people. It will be appreciated if the volunteers can tell about national voluntary schemes and youth work for the benefit of the local development in their own countries. As the work can be quite physical sometimes, the volunteers have to be in a good physical shape.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn, local bus from Tallinn to Paide. Transfer from Paide to the camp first venue will be organised.
EST 22 Family Camp at Kiidi Farm 16.08 - 29.08.2010 LOCATION: The charm of Haanja Uplands in South Estonia lies in its lovely hilly landscape, winding roads and numerous lakes. Most of its ancient villages, special dialect, handicraft, and customs have been preserved until today. The whole area, called Vorumaa, is an area of outstanding beauty. It is famous for its diverse and very well preserved nature. Untouched forests with wildlife, deep valleys, hills, 170 small lakes with extremely clean water, rivers with caves in the steep banks - you can find everything there. Kiidi Farm is situated 15 km south of Voru, capital of the County, which has a population of 17 000 people and lies about 250 km south-east of Tallinn, very close to the Latvian and Russian borders. The closest village to Kiidi Farm is Rouge (3km) with a population of less than 1000 people.
WORK: EstYES promotes camps where parents and children can participate together. The idea is to create a sort of temporary community where adults and children can share the idea of voluntary activity for the benefit of rural area. The schedule of the camp allows adults to act as volunteers like in any other voluntary camp (4-5 hours a day for practical tasks). Meanwhile children “work” as well, in the sense that they take part in the activities helping parents and sharing easy tasks with them. Local organisers supported by parents care about the children during the working activities, providing snacks, proposing games, etc. In the daily free time and in the days off group excursions will be suggested by the local hosts. Parents can join the camp in pair or alone with their children. The age of children is 3 to 13. Some English is necessary for parents in order to communicate among them and with the campleader. This camp follows positive experience of last two years.
It is a long tradition for EstYES to organize international workcamps in co-operation with Kiidi Farm located in the Voru County in the South of Estonia. With the support of the state and local authorities the eco- and farm sustainable tourism has been developed in this area. Besides promoting the environmental tourism, this initiative supports rural development, which is an important issue for Estonia. Estonian Association of Farm Tourism has launched several projects, and Kiidi Farm, where the camp takes place, is one of them. It is run by the large Piho family with 8 kids of different age.
Various works in the forest: cutting unwanted trees and bushes, burning old tree brunches and brushwood, preparing firewood for heating the farm; also diverse odd jobs in the farm buildings as well as general household work. Most of the work will be outdoors. There can be also some light maintaining works indoors if weather is too rainy. The work will be usually 4-5 hours a day, the rest of the time will be spend to get acquainted with the area, its natural and historical sites as well as with local people. Some local families will join the camp for work and leisure.
FREE TIME: There are many possibilities for leisure time, especially for those who love nature: acquaintance with nature sights in the area, hiking, swimming, etc. Excursions to the historical sites of the County of Voru are planned as well. Volunteers will have a very good chance to get in close contact with the local people, experience local traditions and learn some customs like hot Estonian sauna!
ACCOMMODATION: In the farmhouse in 2-4-bedded rooms. WC, shower, hot water, & sauna are available. Hosts will prepare meals themselves, however, participants will be asked to help out in the kitchen.
REQUIREMENTS: The camp is open for families with their children aged 3 to 13. Parents can come in pairs or alone. English is the camp language.
WORKCAMP FEE: As EstYES does not receive funds to support your participation in this camp neither from the state nor from private sponcors, you are asked to contribute towards cost of board and lodging, local transport, leisure time program, etc. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp and it is 60,00 Euro for every adult and every child.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus or train station in Tallinn; bus to Voru.
EST 23 Karepa Herb Garden 1 / Kunda 10.07 - 23.07.2010 EST 24 Karepa Herb Garden 2 / Kunda 03.08 - 16.08.2010 EST 25 Karepa Herb Garden 3 / Kunda 27.08 - 09.09.2010 LOCATION: Karepa is a very tiny village (no church, no shop, no night life)) situated in a beautiful place on the sea side (about 300m from the sea) in Vihula community of Lääne-Virumaa County in North-Estonia. This area borders to the Lahemaa National Park. Nearest towns – Kunda 10 km, Rakvere 35 km, Narva 100 km, Tallinn 110 km.
WORK: The camp will take place in Vihula Community in Karepa village at tourist farm, which is specialised on growing medicinal herbs, seasonings and unusual (for Estonia) vegetables. Besides growing herbs Karepa Farm offers to visitors trips to the nature to see and explore medicinal herbs and lectures:
- The history and legends of medicinal herbs;
- Medicinal herbs and seasonings that should be in everyday use;
- How to pick and dry herbs and make tinctures and ointments;
- The use of plants in cosmetics and body care, in sauna, etc;
- Healthy diets
The farm is run by Katrin and Verner Luke, who would like to introduce their activities and „green philosophy“ to the international participants and ask them to give a hand in the seasonal work.
All work will be mainly outdoors: picking up the herbs in the garden and forest, collecting berries and mushrooms in the forest, also sorting, drying and packing the herbs and some odd jobs on the farm. There will be some study part about medicinal herbs and the use of it. Work will be 7 hours every day – in the morning and in the evening with the longer break in the afternoon. Durng two weeks there will be one day off. There is no formal group leader - the host Katrin Luke is responsible for the camp.
FREE TIME: There plenty of possibilities for leisure time: swimming in the sea, sunbathing, hiking in the picturesque area of Lahemaa National Park, etc. Volunteers can visit different historical and cultural places of interest in the area. One day of the camp is reserved for excursions in the Lahemaa National Park. There is no extra fee in this camp, however it will be appreciated if the volunteers could contribute towards the transportation and other costs related to the leisure activities.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in the rooms of the farm house. The house is typical Estonian country house. It is possible to stay in the tent in the garden as well. Luxurious facilities cannot be provided, but shower with hot water and dry toilet is available. There is washing machine as well. Please note: hosts have chicken, cats and dog. Food will be simple - homemade Estonian country food from the farm. And a lot of herbal tea, of course! Vegetarian food is possible only on the request. Volunteers will be asked to help preparing meals and cleaning up. You are very welcome to introduce your national cuisine!
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers should be strongly interested in nature, herbs and healthy life style and respect hosts way of living. You have to be ready to adapt to the simple conditions of the common life in the country side of Estonia. Smoking and drinking alcohol is not allowed in this camp! Camp language is English.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn, bus to Rakvere or Kunda.
EST 26 Pariisi Eglish / Rakvere 17.07 - 26.07.2010 LOCATION: Camp takes place in Pariisi village, about 100 km from Tallinn the capital of Estonia. Nearest towns are Rakvere (20km) and Tapa (15km). The picturesque area around the camp with many hills, streams, rivers and lakes is very suitable for hikes and bicycle tours. Famous Lahemaa National Park is about 20 km from the camp.
WORK: Do you want to spend two weeks working with kids in the village of Paris in Estonia? Then this camp is for you! The camp is organized for kids and teenagers by the Association of Teachers of English in Estonia. The main aim of the camp is to provide intensive experience of learning and practicing of English language for kids and teenagers outside school curriculum using facilities of children camp Pariisi. The camp program includes games and activities, performances in the open air, hikes, excursions and visits, talks and discussions in the working groups. The language of the camp is English – although the name Pariisi might provoke another expectation!
Activating kids and teenagers, providing cross-cultural learning experience for them as well as English language environment. It will be done through the games, drama, sport activities, excursions, discussions, etc. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program.
Age of kids is 10-15. There is going to be around 50 teenage participants in the camp.
ACCOMMODATION: Camp has two buildings with 2-5 bedded rooms. Volunteers will stay in the own room. Beds are provided, but please bring your sleeping bag. Toilets, showers and sauna are available. There is a hall for performances, open air stage, swimming pool, sport facilities for ball games, table tennis, bicycles, etc. Volunteers and participants will have their meals in the local café.
REQUIREMENTS: The minimum age of volunteers is 19. Good level of English, also a Motivation Letter is required!!! You should be really motivated to work with kids and teenagers. Previous experience is an asset. All ideas of activities for youngsters, games etc. are welcomed.
FREE TIME: There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities: swimming, hiking, sports, horse riding, etc. Excursions to Lahemaa National Park and Rakvere are foreseen.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Rakvere or Tapa.
EST 27 City Language Camp 1 / Tallinn 07.06 - 19.06.2010 EST 28 City Language Camp 2 / Tallinn 16.08 - 28.08.2010 LOCATION: Camp will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
WORK: This camp is organized for teenagers by Kesklinna Gymnasium of Tallinn as part of the proposed summer activities for its pupils. One of the important aims of the Gymnasium is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to youth and provide them with good practices in multicultural communication and language studies using learning-by-doing method with meetings, visits, actions, direct contacts with youth from abroad to help young Estonians’ integration into modern world. Thus the main idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local youth helping the school to realize its aim.
Activating local teenage participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through the games popular in the countries volunteers represent, theatre, excursions, discussions, actions, etc. Each day of the camp will have lessons in the gymnasium premises and program of outdoor activities with a special theme of the day. Volunteers along with local educators will be responsible for the realization of the camp program. The work may be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days and requiring commitment and responsibility for the camp program. You will stay with kids from 9.00 to 16.00 and spend 1-2 extra hours to prepare next day activities. The age of youngsters is 10-14 on the first shift and 14-17 on the second one. In total there is going to be upto 20 children in every shift. Volunteers will work in the smaller groups. Most of local teenagers are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Tallinn.
ACCOMMODATION: In the furnished apartments in the residential area of Tallinn, about 15-20 min by bus to the city centre. Travel cards will be provided. Volunteers will stay in a shared room. Please bring our sleeping bag. Toilet, showers and kitchen is available. Volunteers will have their breakfasts and dinners at the place of accommodation; lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city.
REQUIREMENTS: You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Experience in work with children is an advantage. Your ideas on activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. We ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, maps, symbols of your country, music, popular national games, etc. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability and wish to present it to others. A good level of English is required. The minimum age of volunteers is 19. Please add a motivation letter.
FREE TIME: There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: museums, festivals, concerts, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with local young people and to experience daily life in summer Tallinn.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn.
EST T1 Kopu / Viljandi 05.07 - 17.07.2010 LOCATION: Kopu village lies about 20 km to the west from Viljandi, an administrative centre of the county with population of 22 000 people. Distance from Tallinn is 180 km. The area is very beautiful - hilly with many small lakes and rivers and a lot of forest with wild nature. Here begins Soomaa National Park – a very popular place for hikes and canoe trips.
WORK: Kopu village is a centre of Community of Kopu, one of the smallest in Estonia with total population of around one thousand people. International workcamps have been taken place there since 2001. During past summers volunteers helped to build sport facilities for local school, cleaned up the school park, and did some renovation jobs at the old graveyard. Besides practical help, the volunteers made a significant impact on community life bringing new dynamics, intercultural exchange and international contacts to local youth. Inspired by the years of experience Kopu Community authorities decided to continue hosting international camps and invite international volunteers this summer again. This year international camp will be combined with the national teenage work- and leisure camp taking place in Kopu at the same time.
Kopu School occupies old German manor house and it is surrounded by the large park. There will be various jobs in the school park and around the school building. The work is mainly clearing and tidying up of the park as well as other objects of local importance of the community. One of possible jobs is preparing woods for the school heating in winter period. Work will be mostly outdoors. Volunteers will be working along side with local youngsters of the national camp. The work will last only 4 hours a day from 9 to till lunch. After lunch there will be various activities together with local youngsters and free time for the group own activities. The age of local young people is 12-18.
FREE TIME: Sport activities at accommodation site, competitions, swimming, barbeque, hiking in Soomaa National Park, biking in the area, visits to the places of interest in the area. Trip to Viljandi, the capital of County, visit to Tartu - second largest city in Estonia and the University centre, or to Parnu, lively spa town on the sea side can be done by volunteers in their free time.
ACCOMMODATION: In the Kopu school sport facilities. Vounteers will sleep on the mattresses. Mattresses are provided, but please bring your sleeping bags. Toilets and showers are available. Meals will be prepared by kitchen staff and served in the school cantine.
REQUIREMENTS: No special skills are needed. Tools for the work will be provided. Please bring sleeping bag, working clothes and gloves. English and Estonian are the camp languages. It is important that the volunteers follow the rules and schedules of the national camp (e.g. they have to be back at accommodation by 21:00, from 23:00 is a repose, etc). The age of participants is 15-17.
WORKCAMP FEE: Due to difficult economic situation this year and the lack of financial support for the project from local community the participation fee of 90,00 Euro is requested from volunteers to cover the costs of board, leisure time activities as well as administrative and pedagogical costs. This fee is different from sending organisation fee paid at home, and it has to be paid by volunteers on arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, harbor, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus to Viljandi; local bus to Kopu.
EST T2 Down Town Coutry / Viljandi 11.07 - 21.07.2010 LOCATION: The camp will take place in Vaibla near Viljandi, big town situated in South Estonia on Sakala Upland. Viljandi lies 160 km from Tallinn, 100 km from Parnu and 80 km from Tartu.
WORK: This project is organized for teenagers by the non-profit educational association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” within its annual activities on multicultural issues. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the youth and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication by means of alternative English language practice which includes project work, games, handicrafts, meetings, discussions, direct contact to young people from abroad. The project gets the teens of 14 to 17 years old familiar with customs and traditions of the participating countries. At the same time this camp gives foreign participants a great chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience local life living all together in one place as one family. This shift of the camp will be organised in the countryside, in the village of Vaibla near Viljandi town in the South of Estonia where one can enjoy a picturesque landscape of forests, meadows and lakes. Staying in an international team of young people from all over the world, away from the big cities, doing the things together will become a lifetime experience that will bring you a new vision of yourself and a lot of new friends from different countries. The common theme for all Down-Town camps 2010 is CARE - What do we really care of today? What is there in our minds? Do we care of anything at all?
The shift is called AVATAR, and the key word is ALTERNATIVES. Camp program includes presentations, social and sport games, performances in the open air, handicrafts sessions, talks and discussions at the round table, team projects etc. Each day of the camp will have a country presentation, a subject to discuss and a related activity, and party/ disco in the evening. To activate teenagers and run the program there will be 8 international volunteers and members of a local school staff. NB! Documentary film about the Down-Town camps is going to be shot during this shift.
ACCOMMODATION: Teenagers will stay in the shared rooms for 4-8 persons of the same camp house as the volunteers and local staff one. Toilets and showers are of common use. You do NOT need a sleeping bag, but please bring your own towels. Meals are provided in the camp house's canteen.
REQUIREMENTS: We will welcome any ideas to improve the program and your active participation in it. English is a camp language. The age of participants is 14 – 17. As you will be requested to make your country presentation, we ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, maps, symbols of your country or region, music or popular national games etc typical for your country which can be used by you during your country presentation. Also it will be just great if you can bring any traditional food to present during intercultural evenings.
WORKCAMP FEE: Unlike the traditional volunteering camp this is a study camp and there will be mostly informal educational activities and alternative language practice. The camp program implementation involves costs for board, lodging, domestic transport and materials as well as cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS receives any financial support for this camp from state or municipality, to make the camp happened we have to charge the local participation fee of 190,00 Euro which is different from your sending organization fee paid at home, and it has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Viljanidi; specially arranged transport to Vaibla village.
EST T3 Down Town English / Tallinn 25.07 - 06.08.2010 LOCATION: Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, country’s largest city with 400 000 inhabitants and nearly as many tourists during summer.
WORK: International language camp is organized for teenagers by non-profit educational association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” within its annual activities on multicultural issues. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the youth and provide them with good practices in intercultural communication by means of alternative English language practice which includes meetings, visits, direct contact to young people from abroad. The project gets 14 to 17 years old teens familiar with national traditions of the countries from all over the world, encourages them to develop their global thinking and individual initiative, tolerance and resistance to xenophobia and ethnic hatred. At the same time camp gives foreign participants a great chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience local life staying in the host families. The common theme for all Down-Town camps 2010 is CARE - What do we really care of today? What is there in our minds? Do we care of anything at all?
The shift is called ROBOTS, and the key word is REVOLUTION. Camp program includes sightseeing in Estonian capital, visits to museums, meetings with organizations, social and sport games, performances in the open air, actions for peace and nature protection, discussions at the round table, presentations of the countries camp participants and volunteers represent, team projects etc. Each day of the camp will have a country presentation, a subject to learn or discuss and a related activity. Teenagers will stay in the camp activities zone from 10.00 to 17.00 There is one day off in the camp and at least one day of travel outside Tallinn. The day off is spent in the host family. Camp activities will take place in a learning centre situated in the centre of the city. To activate teenagers and run the program there will be 8 international volunteers and members of a local school staff. NB! This year a documentary film about the Down-Town camps is going to be shot.
ACCOMMODATION: In the apartments of the host families in Tallinn and suburbs. Travel cards or pick up will be provided. Participants will stay in a separate or shared room. You do NOT need a sleeping bag. Participants will have breakfasts and dinners in their host families, lunches – all together in the city.
REQUIREMENTS: We will welcome any ideas to improve the program and your active participation in it. English is a camp language. The age of participants is 14 – 17. As you will be requested to make your country presentation, we ask you to bring some materials: postcards, posters, maps, symbols of your country or region, music or popular national games etc typical for your country or region which can be used by you during your country presentation.
WORKCAMP FEE: Unlike the traditional voluntary camp there will be mostly informal educational activities and alternative language practice; some work may occur only during camp actions. Camp program implementation involves costs for board, lodging, domestic transport and materials as well as expenses for excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS receives any financial support for this camp from state or municipality, to make the camp happened we have to charge participation fee of 180,00 Euro which is different from your sending organization fee paid at home, and has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by families at the point of arrival is possible upon request.
EST T4 Soometsa Parnu 29.07 - 09.08.2010 LOCATION: Haedemeeste area, where Soometsa is situated, is distinctive Estonian biogeographical region of bogs, holding a big variety of valuable nature species. Soometsa is surrounded by Rannametsa-Soometsa nature reserves. Soometsa is actually a group of farm houses. It is 7 km long, has only 150 inhabitants mostly farmers. It is located in the Pärnu County, lying 25 km to the South from the Estonian „summer capital“ - the city of Parnu, famous as the most delightful of resorts, featuring various attractions especially during summer season.
WORK: The camp will take place in tiny Soometsa village of Parnu County. Local community sees in the international camps an important tool for local development – not just in terms of work done by the volunteers but mainly for introduction of multiculturalism to the population of small places in rural area through intercultural exchange and international contacts given to local youth. This project is organized by the initiative of NGO Soometsa Village Association for the children and youth of Soometsa. The project’s aim is bring fresh ideas into the life of a small village and contribute to the local development by facilitating leisure time of local youth. Important idea of the camp is to give local youngsters the opportunity to learn and practice English in a non-formal way and friendly atmosphere meeting their peers from abroad. Most of those kids have a little chance to meet foreigners, so they have an actual need to discover new cultures and try a new way of communication. International volunteers coming to such a small village will promote intercultural exchange and help the local people to broaden their horizons.
Volunteers will help general cleaning, tidying up, gardening and landscaping the area around the village Community House. A group of local youngsters will be sharing work and leisure with the international group of volunteers. The study theme of the camp will be Democracy and Equal Opportunities. There will be workshops and discussions on the theme of the camp, also several trips to visit youth organisations and institutions of the County of Parnumaa are planned.
FREE TIME: The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience local life. Possible activities to do: sport, games, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, hiking (Soometsa is a beautiful nature resource), excursions to the places of interest of the area. Visit to Parnu, famous spa town, a summer capital of Estonia, is foreseen.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will live in the Community House. It has toilet, shower and equipped kitchen. Volunteers will have to cook themselves from ingredients provided by community. It will be possible to try famous Estonian sauna.
REQUIREMENTS: Please bring working clothes and gloves. The age of vols is 15-17. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs is absolutely prohibited in the camp.
WORKCAMP FEE: Due to the lack of financial support for this project a participation fee of 150,00 Euro is requested from the volunteers to cover the costs of board and lodging, local trips, study programme, leisure time activities as well as administrative and pedagogical costs. This fee is different from your sending organization fee paid at home and it has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Parnu; local bus to Soometsa.
LOCATION: Nõva is one of 11 municipalities of Läänemaa with about 400 inhabitants, located on the seaside 80 km west from capital of Estonia Tallinn and 40 km north from Haapsalu, famous spa town with many histoirical and cultural sites.
WORK: This camp is organized for teenagers by youth sport club Lukas-Basket which has been running national youth camps for 11 years. This year they will host international teenage camps on the seaside in the West of Estonia in Läänemaa County in the municipality of Nõva. Beautiful nature, numerous historical places, nealy 200 year long tradition of a health resort and unique cultural events are the treasures of the County. Nõva with warm sea, white sand, wild mushroom and berry crops, several lakes, cobble stone road and many places of interest is ideal place for leisure. The aims of Nõva camp is to give young people possibility to have active, healthy and meaningful summer vacations with different sport adventures, to enjoy unspoiled nature and to learn how to live in harmony with it, but also to explore and realize own capacities. The program will include windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, paintball, different sport games - football, rugby, volleyball, athletics, eco-hiking, riding a bicycle (trips to places of interest), going with scooters, waterskiing, fishing, table tennis, etc. We say “NO” to passive life, we say “YES” to active, healthy life – this is the main message of the camp! Besides, camp gives possibility for intensive contacts between local youth and their peers from abroad, showing youngsters the diversity of world cultures, broadening their horizons and encouraging active communication through games and activities. The area of the camp is about 3 hectares and it can host about 50 children on one shift. The age of local participants is 13-20. Local teenagers are mainly Russian-speaking presenting minority communities of Estonia.
In the programme there is windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, paintball, different sport games - football, rugby, volleyball, athletics, eco-hiking, bicycle trips in the area, going with scooters, waterskiing, fishing, table tennis, etc. Sea excursions to the smaller islands such as Osmussar, bus excursion to Haapsalu to see famous Episcopal Castle and other sights are planned as well. It all be done togethers with teenagers from the club and experienced instructors.
ACCOMMODATION: In the military and tourist tents near to local school (50m) on the seaside. Sleeping bag and mat are needed. All facilities, like showers, toilets are provided in the school. There is possibility to try Estonian sauna. Food will be prepared by professional cook in the camp`s military kitchen.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants have to be sporty and a good physical shape. Please inform us beforehand about allergies or dietary requirements you have. Please bring sleeping bag and mat, wind and waterproof clothers, goods shoes, warm and summer clothes. The age of participants is 16-19. Smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs is absolutely prohibited in the camp. Camp languages are English and Russian.
WORKCAMP FEE: Unlike the “normal” camp there will be no traditional work. Nevertheless participants will be provided with board, lodging, local transportation and all equipment, necessary to realize camp program. Obviously, program involves extra costs for excursions, trips out, visits, sport activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its local camp partner, does not receive sufficient financial support for this camp from municipality or private sources, to make camp happened we have to charge participation fee of 300,00 Euro, which has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp.
TERMINAL: Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn; specially arranged bus to Nõva.
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