Germany: ESC: Two Weeks Volunteering in the Bavarian Forest at our Farm-Community.

About the local hosting organization

Vedischer Tempel & Kuhschutz e.V. is an ancient Vedic temple and a farm community with a motto of 'simple living, high thinking'. We are actively promoting the idea of living in harmony with nature and ecological awareness. Cow protection, self-sufficiency and ecological agriculture play an important role here. We are also a well-known touristic point - called Simhachalam or Lion Temple - with our Guest House with 7 rooms and a library (in 2019 we hosted 408 guests) and a kitchen, where we cook every day for around 40 people and on the weekends for up to 80. We are visited by approximately 2000 visitors and guests from all over Europe and other parts of the world every year. We have also close relations with the Asian minority community in this part of Germany. Since 1979 we have hosted hundreds of youth volunteers from Europe and all over the world via Woofers and WorkAway contributing to our project. Since 2013 we have been actively taking part in various EU Erasmus+ projects: youth exchanges, job shadowing, youth worker meetings and EVS / ESC. Every year we hold regular festivals, courses and seminars, actively engaging the youth of our organization as well as of local communities. In 2019 during one of our major festivals which extended over 5 days, we hosted around 600 guests. Every summer we organize kids camps with increasing number of families taking part, lately we have been organizing two camps of different age groups. The children and the youth of the community are engaged in regular kids’ programs, theater performances etc. as organized by the members of the organization. In September 2019 we organized a youth exchange “Healthy & Happy You(th)” with 30 participants from four different EU countries: Germany, Spain, Lithuania and Slovenia, which was very successful and which culminated in an Open Day event, prepared by the youth, where we were visited by around 150 guests from the local community. We are active in the following areas: * Promotion of the idea of living in harmony with nature, ecological awareness and standards, aiming towards general benefit and integrating the whole region in the world's flows. * The awareness and understanding among the public to wake up for the positive change for greater peace, tolerance, cooperation, responsibility, the renewal of the value system and against modern diseases (stress, addiction, depression, etc.). * Promoting the spirit of togetherness, respecting and accepting diversities through co-existence of individuals in multinational, multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment. * Organizing local festivals, panel discussions, courses, seminars, expert counseling, concerts and theater performances, movie projections and video materials related to the area of activities of the Association. * Engagement in the field of education covering the area of: ecology, healthy lifestyle and nutrition, development of psychological, physical and social skills, general culture, alternative medical treatments, physiotherapy, sports and yoga. etc., through: seminars, workshops, presentations, media presentations and campaigns, educational programmes for schools and universities and similar. * Printing bulletins, brochures, billboards and similar, including promoting literature, which is advocating healthy lifestyle and nutrition, as well as different alternative approaches related to improvement of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life. * Exchange of experiences with the Associations, foundations, non-government and international organizations pursuing equal or similar goals, both within the country and abroad. We would like to host volunteers (irrespective of belief, religion or race) who are interested in areas of personal growth/ development, creativity, culture, social and humanitarian work, healthy lifestyles, spirituality, community building and development, agriculture, self-sustainability and ecology.

Presentation of the programme

This volunteering experience takes place within a farm and Bhakti yoga community, offering a hands-on introduction to sustainable living and community-based work. Volunteers engage in a variety of activities, including garden cultivation, kitchen support, and diverse Festival Preparation tasks such. A central focus of the program is contributing to the self-sufficiency of a vibrant young community of approximately 30 people. Participants gain practical experience in various group activities. Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative by developing their own small projects and contributing ideas, supported by experienced environmental practitioners.

About the accomodation

Accommodations consist of shared rooms with shared toilets located on site. Meals, comprising a diverse selection of fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes, will be served three times daily. Transportation arrangements will be supported by our project manager and organizational teams. Our aim is to assist volunteers with their arrival and departure, alleviating any stress associated with planning their journeys and providing the proper accommodation and food that ensures a satisfying experience based on each individual's needs.

About the leisure activities

The training aligns closely with the description provided above. While the volunteering activity offers opportunities for learning, enjoyment and social interaction, its also fosters social engagement in and outside the hosting community along with self-development and facilitating a deeper, more introspective experience akin to growth and being an more mature active member of the society. Constant reflection and assessment on the learning process is supported during and after the program. At least one day will endorse engagement in the Jandelsbrunn village.

Requirements

The Participant profile: Participants should be aged between 18 and 30 residing in one of the ESC countries covered by the program. The programme is open to individuals of all genders and beliefs. It is particularly suited for young people who are motivated to gain new experiences, develop personally, and explore opportunities for growth in an multicultural international volunteering environment. Feel free to direct any questions directly on [email protected]: 05/09/2026 20:00