The summer volunteer programme: Solidarity work camps in Europe

What are the solidarity work camps?

Every year from June to October, certain European groups host volunteers aged 18 and over for stays lasting between one week and two months.

  • The aim

    The aim of the solidarity work camp is to enable young people to discover the values of the Emmaus Movement and the people involved in it.
    In addition, it is also the chance for men and women from different backgrounds to get to know one another. Over the course of a summer, the young people have the chance to see the world and society from a different angle.

  • The life in a solidarity work camps

    / During their stay, European volunteers are integrated into the group and take part in its daily life – they get involved in the activities: collecting, salvaging, recycling and selling goods and the life  of the community depending on their skills: eating with the companions and cleaning duties…

    The volunteers enjoy a truly original experience, being considered as full members of the community. This also means that they must respect the community’s rules and the companions’ working hours.

    / The host groups put on activities, meetings and discussions during the volunteers’ free time (evenings and weekends). The volunteers have the opportunity to express themselves and share their points of view with the permanent members of the group.

    Moreover, an evaluation session is sometimes held before volunteers leave the group. This enables each of the participants (the young people but also the companions and the community leaders) to take stock of the experience with a view to improving it in the future.

    To fund the community and to contribute to local, regional, national and international solidarity initiatives constitute the work of the volunteers. By “helping to help others”, the volunteers become aware of the importance of their actions and of their participation in the life of the movement.

  • Practical information

    The hosting group covers all of the costs incurred by the presence of the young volunteers (accommodation, food and accident insurance).

    However, volunteers are asked to cover their travel expenses (to and from the group) and any medical or other personal costs.

    Choose the work camp that suits you, by consulting the schedule below with information provided per country.

    Then get in touch with the relevant contact person for details of the work camp chosen.

  • Work camps for every taste

    Please note: conditions at certain camps may be more difficult than others.

    – If you have special skills to offer in building, carpentry, masonry, painting, electrical work, plumbing etc., let us know what they are!

    – If you are keen and willing to take part in the activities proposed and discover the Emmaus movement… Register now, you will be working to your own abilities, there is work for everyone!

Many European groups – in countries such as Italy, Bosnia, France, Romania and Belgium – hold summer camps. Choose your destination for this year and view reports from previous years!

Countries hosting work camps

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