Please note that due to the coronavirus situation we can’t guarantee that the camps can be organized as planned, or there might be some changes and conditions on participation (read more about how to take Covid-19 into consideration at the camps). We will contact all volunteers who have been accepted to the camps 4 weeks before the beginning of their camp to confirm the camp can take place and if there are any changes or special conditions to participation. Please don’t make any travel plans or reservations that can’t be changed or cancelled before that. You can also read KVT’s policy regarding the coronavirus for more information.

Read more about applying to camps in Finland.

FI-KVT 4.1 FOOD NOT BOMBS 28.6.-9.7.2021

Number of Volunteers: 10 

Description: Food Not Bombs is an international campaign that works in hundreds of cities around the world. Food Not Bombs is trying to inspire the public to participate in changing society by helping in a concrete way. The idea of the campaign is to focus our resources on solving problems like hunger, homelessness and poverty while seeking an end to war, continuous rearmament and the destruction of the environment. It works by giving out vegetarian meals in public places to anyone in need. The campaign is closely connected to food waste issues too and much of the cooking is done with donated food.

Type of Work: During the camp meal sharing events around Helsinki will be organized. The volunteer tasks include cooking the meals, taking it to the place of the event, giving it out and cleaning up afterwards. Other tasks include participating in the PR of the meal sharing events and collecting food donations. No special skills are needed.

Study Theme: There will be discussions on the history and ideology of the Food Not Bombs campaign, nonviolence, vegetarianism and social problems in Finland.

Accommodation: Volunteers will live at the Peace Station in Helsinki where many peace organisations reside. The accommodation is simple and a sleeping bag is required as volunteers will sleep on mattresses in a shared space. There are bathrooms, kitchen, shower and sauna for the volunteers to use. The food will be mainly the same that is offered in the events around town. All the food is vegetarian.

Language: English 

Requirements: Extra motivation letter is required. Volunteers should express why they are interested in the camp and what they could benefit from participating in it. Volunteers should be interested in antimilitarism, nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution. 

Location: Helsinki 

Notes: The accommodation facilities and the nature of the work might be challenging for a person with physical disabilities, but their participation is still welcome. Families can apply to the camp if the lack of privacy in accommodation is not a problem.

FI-KVT 13.1 TRADITIONS, NATURE AND GARDENING IN ÄIJÄLÄ 4.7.-17.7.2021

Number of Volunteers: 10 / CAMP IS FULL

Description: The house of Äijälä is situated near Jyväskylä in Central Finland. The community’s aim is to provide people with disabilities temporary accommodation, daytime activities and support in their everyday life management. The community works with organic gardening and it has a charming old farmhouse which has been renovated to be a community center bringing together people with and without disabilities. Äijälä also offers supportive work activities for long-term unemployed people and preserves traditional Finnish culture and working methods. Äijälä has been hosting KVT workcamps since 1980.

Type of Work: The volunteers are going to help and assist disabled people who are participating on the summer camp in Äijälä. Volunteers will help the disabled participants in the daily activities doing traditional crafts, some household chores and kitchen work. Work will be done together with the residents and other workers of the community. Volunteers also participate in organising games and other fun activities with the residents.

Study Theme: Friendship and co-operation across social borders; volunteers and disabled people working together.

Accommodation: In shared rooms in a 200-year-old wooden farmhouse, the main building of the farm. The camp is suitable for families if the kids can keep up with the work. Volunteers with disabilities are welcome too, but should be aware that moving around the house or garden can require some assistance (there are e.g. doorsteps and sand&grass in the garden).

Language: English

Location: Jyskä, 5km from Jyväskylä center

FI-KVT 10.1 ENVIRONMENTAL WORK AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES 1.-14.8.2021

No of volunteers: 10

Introduction: Get your hands dirty in the fight against invasive species! The plant Impatiens glandulifer was originally introduced for gardens, but it has spread widely and is competing with indigenous species now in many areas. The volunteers will join the local efforts in fighting the invasive plant and at the same time get to know the Finnish countryside, it’s people and the nature.

Type of Work: Volunteers will participate in the weeding and cutting down of the plants. The work will be physical and done outside, so volunteers should be prepared with suitable clothes for working outside (rain coats and boots). If weather conditions get especially bad then volunteers will do some indoors work.

Study Theme: Getting to know the local nature and culture

Accommodation:

Volunteers will be housed in a local youth center in a shared space. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags and mattress. Toilets and kitchen will be available at the youth center, but for showers volunteers will get access to the local swimming hall which is located next to the youth center. In the evenings and free days volunteers will cook for themselves.
There is a possibility to go swimming or hiking in the nearby areas and visit Kauhajoki town.

Language: English

Location: Kauhajoki in South Ostrobothnia region in Western Finland.

Note: The camp is not suitable for people with disabilities or families with kids due to the physical nature of the work.