Volunteer Spirit Association

About the local hosting organizationWorldwide Friends (WF), was founded in 2001 as a non-profit organization promoting nature and peace-oriented activities for volunteers wanting to spend some time in Iceland. Our main theme for this year is to give education about the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations and to clean the whole coastline of Iceland. The main activities that we offer are workcamps, seminars, local events, and exchange programs suitable both for young people and adults.

Presentation of the programmeOur host is a non-profit organization called the NLFI Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is a part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where Worldwide Friends volunteers work most of the time. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses, weeding, planting and harvesting vegetables, such as tomats, and cucumbers; Making tea made out of Icelandic herbs. The work will also include Weed control and amp; Gardening. Environmental work on the property (Renovation when needed). The agriculture that is practiced in the center is organic/bio.Main Activities, but not limited to are; Agriculture: cultivating soil; planting; raising, and harvesting crops. Horticulture: growing fruits, vegetables, and plants. Renovation around the property when needed. During winter the work might include snowplowing.The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly. Volunteers should bring clothes appropriate for outdoor work, but also clothes for working inside the warm greenhouses. Working hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a coffee break in the morning and a lunch break.

Local accommodationVolunteers will be staying in the house of The Natural Health Association in HveragerE(i. The house is within the medical compound and has 5 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and a common areaVolunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. Watching machine availableFood is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits and amp; vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options.

About the project locationHveragerE(i is known for having great areas for hiking, including the hot river in Reykjadalur. We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre ( the form of introduction is up to you Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs. Golden Circle is Included in the camp feeThis workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues, and intercultural learning.The area around the house is also great for hiking. Plan ahead, share your travel plans, stay on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Don t go for high and steep mountains without a professional guide.

Extra info about the projectThe first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day. The minibus will be at the meeting point in Reykjavik on the first day of the workcamp in the morning and arrive again at the Meeting point / BSI station in Reykjavik in the evening on the last day of the workcamp.Remember that you must arrange for your stay in Iceland before and after the work camp.

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