Archaeological
excavations at the Iberian fortress Turo de Montgros
El Brull, Osona
June 29 - July 13, 2013
Volunteer project: The project takes place in the Turò de Montgròs, an Iberian fortress located in the Montseny Natural Park. The objectives of the project are to excavate and help maintain the archeological site and at the same time learn about and appreciate the richness of the natural environment.
Volunteers will be involved in:
- Excavation and extraction of land to expose various sectors of the
fortress;
- Drawing different stratigraphic sections and preparing files on the
retrieved objects;
- Cleaning, sifting and classifying the objects that have been found;
- Maintenance tasks in the forest surroundings of the archeological
site.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will have a wide range of free time activities in the afternoon and in the evening. The aim is to improve group relationships and venture into the area of human values. There will be an opportunity to visit the region and appreciate the rich nature of the Montseny Nature Park. The volunteers will also produce articles and files about these visits.
Accommodation: In tents on a camping site provided by the council next to the archeological site.
Location: Montgròs – El Brull (Osona)
Nearest airport: Barcelona (BCN)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Environmental
restoration of the Ripoll river
Sabadell, Vallès Occidental
June 30 - July 14, 2013
Volunteer project: The volunteer project takes place in Sabadell with the objective to conserve and improve the natural spaces of the Ripoll river and its surroundings. It is also an opportunity to make an impact on the population of Sabadell towards environmental protection and awareness.
The volunteer's main task will be restoration and maintenance of the river’s natural habitat so that its natural fauna can reclaim it. This will also involve maintaining the areas free of invasive plants and continuing the work started in previous years. The group will also help with the maintenance and repair works on the hostel and sports area of the recreation park Basses de Sant Oleguer. They will also take part in activities with associations from the region and explore local traditions such as the “castellers” (a cultural phenomenon particular to Catalonia, consisting of building human towers).
Language: English
Free time activities: There will be a wide range of
afternoon, evening and night activities that aim to improve cooperation
and understanding among the participants in the group. They will also
get to know and participate in activities organized by local people.
These leisure activities aim to promote intercultural understanding,
peace and sustainability. The activities will be adapted to the
expectations and interests of the group.
There will be a day visit to Barcelona and a two day excursion with
trekking to Montserrat.
Accommodation: In Moli de San Oleguer hostel. The dormitories are of 4-6 beds with plenty of common bathrooms and showers and the meals are catered for. There is also a swimming pool that the volunteers can use.
Location: Alberg del Moli de Sant Oleguer (Sabadell).
Nearest airport: Barcelona (BCN)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Reconstruction of the ancient Iberian citadel of
Calafell
Calafell, Baix Penedés
July 2 - July 16, 2013
Volunteer project: The Iberian Citadel of Calafell is an archaeological site which shows how the life of a community of the Iron Age was. During the year 2007-2008, the site was closed to the public in order to reformulate a new museum project based on experimental archeology. This new project aims to place the archaeological site as a point of reference in the European framework of this kind of outdoor museums and at the same time aims to make the Ciutadella a pioneer in the experimental research of the Iberian world. The volunteers in this workcamp will learn about Iberian history, architecture and antic ways of building with earth.
Volunteers will participate in the reconstruction of the archaeological site, working on different tasks such as restoring the roof, the ledges and more generally, the indoor and outdoor rehabilitation of the site. The organization will provide technical and historical content about antic construction with earth. Volunteers will put into practice these ancient methodologies during the project.
Language: English
Free time activities: Games, trips to the beach,
excursions to Tarragona (visiting the Roman part) and Barcelona (the
Gothic part), workshops (relaxation, handicrafts, etc.), intercultural
evenings, activities with the youngsters of the town (sports,
castellers, etc.).
This project has a special focus on heritage preservation and activities
related to Catalan World Heritage, such as castellers (human towers) and
an excursion to the Roman part of Tarragona.
Accommodation: In the gym of the high school of Calafell. Mattresses will be provided. You need to bring a sleeping bag.
Location: Calafell
Nearest airport: El Prat, Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Archeological excavations at the prehistoric cave
Can Sadurni
Begues, Baix Llobregat
July 7 - July 21, 2013
Volunteer project: This is an archeological project which will take place in the Cave Can Sadurni in the town of Begues. Volunteers will work in the excavations of various sectors of the cave of Can Sadurni. They will have the opportunity to discover other excavations and the beautiful region of Garraf.
The general objectives of the project include learning the main
techniques of archaeological excavation, awareness about the importance
of excavations, to analyze, interpret and define hypotheses concerning
the prehistory and history.
During the workcamp, the volunteers will:
- Do excavation and extraction activities, explore various sectors of
the Can Sadurni cave.
- Participate in drawing stratigraphic sections and write data of the
found pieces, recover some heritage elements of dry stone from the
surroundings of Mas Can Sadurni.
- Carry out the washing, classification and inventory, related to the
archaeological material (pottery, metal, animals) found during the
excavation.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will have a wide range
of afternoon activities and games that aim to improve the group
relationships and enter into the area of human values.
There will be the
opportunity to visit the region and take the most of its rich culture:
overnight excursion to Garraf Natural Park, trip to Barcelona (one-day visit),
theatre play
open to the entire population of Begues (the last evening, a play will
be done to represent the historical aspects of the cave from the
findings), farewell party with the technical team and mayors.
Accommodation: In the sports centre of the village school, mattresses are provided. The meals are catered for and there’s the municipal swimming pool available.
Location: Begues (Garraf)
Nearest airport: El Prat, Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Help
in the organization and running of the International Music Festival of
Cantonigros
Vic, Osona
July 11 - July 25, 2013
Volunteer project: The Music festival of Cantonigròs is
a great event which attracts around 2.000 people, both audience and
participants to enjoy traditional music and dances. During this
festival, musicians from 30 different countries are performing, so it is
a great intercultural experience!
The international volunteers will be involved in the technical
organization of the festival and will have the opportunity to discover
the Catalan popular culture from the shared experiences between
volunteers, organizers of the festival and performers. The Festival has
been organized since 1983. Bands, choral groups, and folk dances participate
in the festival, and it is now part of the European Festivals Association.
Volunteers will work before, during and after the festival. The
technical tasks are:
- Assembly and dismantling of the structures, facilities and area of the festival
- Support for the festival's services (shop, kitchen, etc.)
- Support in logistics
- Controlling the access to the events during the festival.
The working hours are flexible, and depend on the arrival of the
festival participants and the logistics.
Special requirements: Motivation letter is required with application.
Language: English
Free time activities: At the beginning of the project, the festival will have not started yet. The participants will have time to get to know each other, and the organizers will explain to the participants their tasks during the festival. You will get to know the surroundings and the area with the help of the locals. Excursions and visits to nearby villages (Cantonigròs, Tavertet, Rupit) will be irganised. There will be also leisure time activities, where the volunteers will learn different games, workshops in order to promote group cohesion, motivation, cultural exchange among participants, discussions.
Accommodation: Camping space provided by the Council of Vic (an old monastery).
Location: Cantonigròs is a village situated at the top of a mountain at a height of 1.000 metres, in the region of Osona (Vic is the main city) in the centre of Catalunya, and 100 km far from the city of Barcelona (south) and the French border (north).
Nearest airport: Barcelona or Girona
Age range: 18 - 25 years old
Recovery of the archaeological heritage of
Peramola
Peramola, Alt Urgell
July 14 - July 28, 2013
Volunteer project: In the town of Peramola, there are about 15 prehistoric sites and it's important to recover the prehistoric archaeological heritage. The international workcamp is part of a long-term project supported by the City of Peramola, local teachers and the Regional Council of Alt Urgell. Apart from the technical tasks, the volunteers will discover and enjoy community life with local people through workshops and activities in the afternoon and evening. The village of Peramola has a population of 300, and an international volunteer project can be a very positive experience, both for the participants to learn and live in a rural area, but also for the people to interact with volunteers from around the world.
The volunteers will be surveying and mapping the sites using GPS, map, and other instruments. They will also work on the database and interpretation of the objects found in the sites.
Language: English
Free time activities: Workshops on “Gegants i Bastoners” (a cultural tradition of Catalonia), a trip to Pedro dels Quatre Batlles, visit to Barcelona, visit to the Dinosaur Museum of Coll de n Argo, Gymkhana in the town, exchange with local associations, participation in a rural conference.
Accommodation: Fonda's farmhouse of Peramola, rooms with beds for 3-4 people. You will need a sleeping bag.
Location: Peramola, Alt Urgell
Nearest airport: Barcelona or Girona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration, awareness and cultural activities in fire devastated areas of
Central Catalonia
Pinos, Solsonès
July 14 - July 28, 2013
Volunteer project: After the devastating fire in Central Catalonia and Solsonès in 1998, a great damage was caused. This social and environmental project was born in order to restore the area affected by the fire and spread awareness about care of the local environment.
The project takes places in Pinos, and involves manual tasks as well as help with the summer activities of the children of Ardevol, participation in a popular dinner and discovering local activities - all that intended to help the participants understand better the reality of rural life.
The volunteers will work on the ancient sanctuary and geographical centre “Rosa dels Vents” on maintenance, reconstruction and cleaning tasks. They will also organize activities with the children of Ardèvol, and participate in excursions to explore the natural surroundings and truly understand the rural way of life.
Language: English
Free time activities: Excursion to Pedro dels Quatre Batlles, multicultural dinner, visit to Barcelona, visit to a farmer’s house, visit to Solsona & Market, football match with local youth, archeology workshop, visit to Ardèvol.
Accommodation: Pinós social centre. All services provided. Sleeping bag needed.
Location: Pinos, Solsonès
Nearest airport: Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Archaeological
excavations at the medieval Castle of Montsoriu
Arbucies, La Selva
July 15 - July 29, 2013
Volunteer project: The castle of Montsoriu is an example of original gothic architecture in Catalonia. The Arbucies Youth Council has been working for its restoration for several years now, as a means to give value to its local heritage.
The international volunteers will be involved in archaeological excavation in the area of the castle Montsoriu and subsequent cleaning and sorting, guided by archaeologists. The work will consist of moving earth, rocks and rubble to clean the space and lower the ground level to the original floor of the castle. In the process, the participants can find archaeological ceramic, metal, glass or architectural objects. There will be also tasks of cleaning and classification of the remains found during excavations. It is a heavy work but very rewarding and encouraging teamwork. The volunteers will be always guided by professional archaeologists.
On weekends, the group will move to Arbucies and one Saturday there will be an excursion to the coast.
Language: English
Free time activities: The group leaders will offer various leisure activities in the afternoons and evenings and are always open to volunteers' ideas and proposals. Possible free time activities are visists to the castle, information talks, workshops, history, cultural exchange, gastronomy, astronomy ... Two trips are planned to the villages of Breda and Tossa.
Accommodation: In a room with bunk beds in the castle during the week. On weekends, the accommodation will be in a municipal building in Arbucies. It is a dance hall at the municipal sports center but does not have beds, so we ask participants to bring sleeping bags and mattresses.
Location: Arbúcies, province of Girona. Montsoriu Castle is located in the Natural Park of Montseny, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and very near to the Costa Brava. It is a unique example of the military medieval architecture in Catalonia.
Nearest airport: Girona or Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Help
bring an ancient village back to life
Aulàs, Pallars Jussà
July 17 - July 31, 2013
Volunteer project: The volunteer project takes place in Aulàs, an ancient village in the Pre-Pyrenees of Catalonia that had been abandoned and has been recently repopulated. There has been an effort of the population to restore and preserve its natural and historic heritage.
The international volunteers will be working together with the local people to reconstruct the ancient stone structures of the village. Another task will be clearing and maintaining the Noguera Pallaresa river and its surroundings. The group will also help with the promotion of the village to neighboring communities and local tourism.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will have a wide range
of leisure time activities. One of the key objectives is the
intercultural exchange between the volunteers and the population of
Aulàs.
There will be an opportunity to visit the region and appreciate the most
of its rich nature, making a two-day excursion to the Montsec and a
visit to the town of Tremp.
Accommodation: In tents on a camping site provided by the council, next to the village.
Location: Aulàs is an isolated village, ideal for mountain and nature lovers! The closest town is Tremp, the capital of the comarca of the Pallars Jussà.
Nearest airport: Lleida or Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Improving the environment in the medieval town of Algerri
Algerri, Noguera
July 17 - July 31, 2013
Volunteer project: This project aims to improve the environment of the town of Algerri, and will involve the local population. Volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the region and the Catalan culture.
The work consists of cleaning up garbage and plant debris from
public areas of Algerri. The work is focused on two areas of Algerri:
the surroundings of the chapel and the stream that crosses the village.
The work will be done together with the local people of the
village.
- The first area is within the village, a park area next to the chapel
that is currently in a bad state and damaged. This area will be cleaned
and arranged so that the local people can enjoy it after the project.
-The second point is the work around the stream that crosses the village
and serves as a drain when there are heavy rains. People took the habit
to throw garbage in it. The cleaning of the stream will encourage the
inhabitants to change this habit.
There will be also workshops on recycling paper and an ecological event.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will visit beautiful places in the region. There will also be integration events such as a welcoming dinner party, visit with local guides, popular games, chats with locals, games with children, and a lot more.
Accommodation: In a municipal building. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses. There will be access to the swimming pool, where the showers are located.
Location: Algerri (Lleida), in a rural area of Catalunya. Its inhabitants are called "algerrians". It is located in the Noguera Baixa region. This region occupies a large extension of light ground, closed to the North by the Pyrenees. The area is crossed by the Segre River. It seems like this place had been created in order to delight the foot walking lovers, due to its nature and beauty.
Nearest airport: Barcelona (BCN)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Wetland
restoration in La Selva
Sils, La Selva
July 21 - August 4, 2013
Volunteer project: This project aims to recuperate the wetlands of Sils that have been reduced in size during the last decades because of the use of land for agriculture and pasture. Now there has been a campaign in the area for recovery of its rich flora and fauna, educating the population on its environmental importance and the economic impact of protecting their natural resources.
The volunteers will be cleaning the wetlands from invasive species, maintaining them in good condition, putting barriers for animals and cleaning the pathways. The team will also take part in the research and identification of local fauna and flora.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will visit Sils and other local villages. There will be activities related to environmental studies, exploring and nature orientation. There will also be different intercultural activities, getting to know each other games, workshops, etc.
Accommodation: In a hall of the local municipality.
Location: Sils – La Selva
Nearest airport: Girona or Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 25 years old
Restoration of the ruins of the ancient Iscle
Castle
Vidreres, Girona
July 28 - August 11, 2013
Volunteer project: The Iscle Castle is situated in Vidreres, a town from the XII century. The castle is a historical patrimony of big importance in Catalonia, that has been abandoned for many years. There is the will to recover the castle in order to re-establish its value as it has played a great historical role in the past. The project aims to establish intercultural relations among international volunteers and locals from Vidreres by organizing several cultural and popular events.
The process of recovery of the castle and the chapel of St. Iscle is divided into full archaeological excavation, its restoration and rehabilitation and its subsequent management and public promotion. The international team of volunteers will help with restoration activities at the remaining parts of the castle. Participants will be provided with the necessary tools and our archaeologists will explain the basic techniques about ruins restoration.
Language: English
Free time activities: Cultural excursions (Girona, Barcelona, Lloret de Mar and Costa Brava ...), sports and arts, etc.
Accommodation: In the Salvador Espriu School. The accommodation is held in a big tent with bunk beds. Meals will be served at the school canteen and prepared by professional cook.
Location: Vidreres, La Selva (Girona), near the Costa Brava. Its limits go this way: on the North it borders with Caldes de Malavella, on the East side with Tossa de Mar, with Lloret de Mar on the south and on the west are Maçanet de la Selva and Sils. Vidreres, because of its proximity to Lloret de Mar, has become a very touristic town.
Nearest airport: Girona (GRO)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Segre
River cleanup and habitat restoration
Balaguer, La Noguera
August 1 - August 15, 2013
Volunteer project: This project aims to improve the environment of the town of Balaguer, and will involve the local population. Volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the region and the Catalan culture.
The work will be cleaning the area around river Segre where it passes through the town- The tasks will be to remove garbage and restore the vegetation, as well as taking out weeds and trimming the trees.
Language: English
Free time activities: Volunteers will visit Balaguer and its market and the city of Lleida. There will also be a three-day excursion through Mont-Roig. There will be integration moments as a welcoming dinner party, visit with local guides, popular games, communication games, evenings and night games, chats, games with children, and a lot more.
Accommodation: In a space of the local school. Mattresses will be provided. There will be access to the town’s swimming pool.
Location: Balaguer– La Noguera
Nearest airport: Barcelona
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration and preservation of the Castle of
Sant Ferran
Figueres, Girona
August 15 - August 29, 2013
Volunteer project: The Sant Ferran Castle (Castell de Sant Ferran) is situated on a hill in Figueres at the end of Pujada del Castell. It is a large military fortress built in the 18th century under the orders of several military engineers. Sant Ferran Castle is one of the most important monuments in Catalonia because of its majestic size and history.
The international volunteer project aims to highlight the importance of fortifications such as Sant Ferran in the context of its period and nowadays. The volunteers will be involved in: collecting ruins of the walls, clearing and cleaning of various moats, repainting halls, cleaning of stairs and paths, cleaning and adjusting the mine tunnels. The work will be done in the mornings.
Special requirements:
Volunteers must be able to ride a bike.
Language: English
Free time activities: Talks on dry stone construction, nature and environment. Visits to Llanca, Sant Ferran Castle, Dali Museum. Weekend excursion with kayak.
Accommodation: In one of the rooms of the castle.
Location: Figueres, Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona. The town is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dali.
Nearest airport: Girona (GRO)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Reviving the traditions of Catalonia
Vilajuïga, Alt Empordà
September 1 - September 15, 2013
Volunteer project: Catalonia has a long tradition and history regarding the wine. The project aims to show the process of wine from the plant to the table. It will also show the modus vivendi of the area through agriculture and stockbreeding, paths and dry stone houses.
The volunteers will take part in the recovery of vineyards, olive trees and pastures; cleaning paths; restoration of dry stone cabins; maintenance of gardens in the town. The work will be in the mornings.
Special requirements:
Volunteers must be able to ride a bike.
Language: English
Free time activities: There will be a number of activities to help you get to know the local area and its environment and heritage: cultural visits, workshops, etc. There will be a weekend excursion to Cap de Creus and Cadaques, and a day visit to Figueres and the Dalí museum.
Accommodation: In a cultural and sports center with tents and portable showers. The municipal swimming pool is available and close by for the volunteers to enjoy.
Location: Vilajuïga, Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona
Nearest airport: Girona (GRO)
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
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