March 30, 2023
Date: 11 - 21 August
Age: 18 - 99
Description: The focus of the project's organisation, Saarela's cultural association, is inclusion and social responsibility, as well as the revival of traditional handicrafts and art. The association organises many cultural activities, from art exhibitions to music events and various workshops. The village association organizes this work camp in the Lehtoniemi Garden (www.lehtoniemipuutarha.eu), which is at the center of these events and offers people a place of community and things to do together during the summers, as well as beautiful surroundings to enjoy some peace and calmness.
Type of Work: Volunteers will assist with organizing events like jazz concerts and summer cafes. Another mission is meeting local retired people and helping them in their daily routines. The third central theme is to participate in gardening work and some small renovation in the area. The aim is, by meeting the locals, to provide knowledge and understanding of the traditional living style in the countryside: how it used to be and how is it nowadays for people who decided to stay. Traditional handicrafts and art inspired by them play a big role in the village's community and volunteers will get an opportunity to learn about them in different workshops.
Study Theme: North-Savonian culture, sustainable living, and relationship with nature; local traditions & handicrafts; social work; introduction to inclusion and retired person’s life in Finland
Accommodation: In shared rooms (1-3 persons) and in tents. Toilets and showers are in the main house, and also a possibility to wash your laundry. The camp is suitable for families if the kids can keep up with the work (14+ years). Meals are mainly based on local, organic ingredients, volunteers will also participate in collecting some of the ingredients from the forests and the garden (berries, veggies, etc.). Volunteers will participate in cooking and will learn some food preservation. Note: Please note that the host has two dogs, in case you are allergic.