NIG (Germany) Camp program 2009 Who we are, what we do... NIG was founded in December 1990 by a group of enthusiastic students of the University of Rostock. It is a non-profit making organization, with its own director who chooses the camp-leaders and is responsible for the preparation of workcamps. We began in 1990 with three workcamps in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and a handful of volunteers for workcamps abroad. Since then, we have expanded our activities: Every year we organize about 20 workcamps and bilateral youth meetings. We are able to send more than 2000 volunteers to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and North America. NIG does not work alone, as it has close contacts with organizations in more than 40 countries around the world. Within the last few years NIG has accomplished several things together with numerous friends, supporters, sponsors and volunteers, and thus gained a good reputation. Our aim... ...is to support important and urgent work in cases where local financial, material, and personal means are not sufficient. The workcamps deal with environmental and nature protection, construction and renovation work, archaeology, kids, cultural and art projects. There are also workcamps that aim to preserve of historical monuments and buildings. In these camps the volunteers work on Jewish graveyards and in former concentration camps, and thus gain a deeper insight into historical aspects. Beside the voluntary work that is of benefit to the public, we want to bring young people from all over the world together and offer them the chance to learn from other countries and people, and learn of their problems. Tolerance, openness, and living together in solidarity should not remain empty words. What we wish for... is that volunteers are open-minded, enterprising and tolerant. Our expectations are that they are able to work responsibly and also that they will bring their own ideas to the camps. The camps... Every year, we organize about 20 workcamps and youth meetings in our country. In a workcamp you are in a group of 10 to 15 young people from different nations between 16 and 27. A workcamp lasts 2 or 3 weeks. The camp-language is usually English. Your work is voluntary and of benefit for the public. You will become “cosmopolitan’’ because after participating in a workcamp you will have friends from all over the world. You will work five days a week, a total of 30 hours. You are obliged to work because the towns, institutions, and authorities with whom we cooperate with, are counting on your help. Your work is unpaid, but accommodation and food is free. The accommodation is in school dormitories, student hostels or tents. Please bring a sleeping bag, as well as working clothes and shoes with you. There will be many leisure time activities, events, meetings and excursions in which you can take part. Trips, for instance to Berlin, are also possible. We want you to bring in your own ideas. If you want to take part in a camp... The program of our workcamps is published in March. If you find an appropriate workcamp, please fill out the volunteer exchange form and send it to our office. If it is not possible to take part in the camp that you wish to, you should write down alternatives. You also have to cover all costs for travelling to and from the workcamp site. You should inquire early to take advantage of discount fares. Insurance... In our camps you are covered by insurance in case of accidents and/or illness. This insurance does not cover eye-glasses, dental treatment or cars. Please check your own insurance coverage abroad before coming. We advise that you buy insurance with a private health insurance company that covers transportation home in case of necessity (available at travel agencies). You may also think about insurance for your baggage. Registration fee... We do not charge our partner organisations. The location... The NIG-office is situated in Rostock, the biggest historical hanseatic city with about 200.000 residents, in the northern part of the former GDR. Rostock was founded in 13th century and is a city with many faces, surrounded by a beautiful landscape. It is worth seeing in every season. Rostock is well-known for its interesting architecture: merchant houses, beautiful churches and remains of old city-walls and gates give evidence of the city’s former power and wealth. Ship building and maritime trade have always been important for Rostock. Ferry lines connect the city with other countries. Rostock is also famous for its University (founded in 1419). There are many interesting events for young people and students. You can go to the cabaret, concerts, student clubs and discos, theatres or cinemas. The former fishing village, Warnemuende, which became part of the growing city, is situated where the river Warnow flows into the Baltic Sea. There is a wonderful beach and excellent opportunities for swimming and relaxing. Our workcamps are mainly located in the federal country of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, to which Rostock also belongs. This area is well- known for its old traditional towns and villages, and for its thousand lakes, islands and natural resorts. . For further information please visit the website www.rostock.de (also available in English). Advantages of taking part in a workcamp... 1. You only pay your travel expenses. Accommodation and food are free. 2. We may certify your participation as practical training. 3. You are able to help and to solve urgent problems in the region of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. In the social field, we care especially for kids and handicapped people. Young people who plan to work in a social profession can find valuable experience here. 4. You will meet other young people and take part in real team work, which leaves lasting impressions. That is why many volunteers like to come again. 5. Last but not least you are given the chance to experience different regions, people, and traditions. International Workcamps Code Name/Location Dates Type Age No vols NIG 01 Roebel 09.03. - 22.03. HIST/YOUTH 18-27 10 NIG 02 Upahl-Lenzen I 06.07. - 19.07. ENVI 18-27 10 NIG 03 Graal-Mueritz 13.07. - 02.08. ENVI 18-27 10 NIG 04 Rostock I 13.07. - 02.08. ENVI /RENO 18-27 10 NIG 05 Schmarsow to be confirmed YOUTH/EDU 18-27 10 NIG 06 Ravensbrueck 13.07. - 26.07. HIST/LANG 18-27 10 NIG 07 Teterow I 20.07. - 02.08. ENVI 18-27 10 NIG 08 Upahl-Lenzen II20.07. - 02.08. ENVI 18-27 10 NIG 09 Rostock II 27.07. - 16.08. LANG/YOUTH 18-27 10 NIG 10 Teterow II 03.08. - 16.08. ENVI 18-27 10 NIG 11 Lohmen 03.08. - 23.08. ARTS/YOUTH 18-27 10 NIG 12 Huenfeld to be confirmed ENVI /RENO 18-27 15 NIG 13 Barth 14.08. - 28.08. HIST 18-27 20 NIG 14 Peenemuende I 31.08. - 13.09. HIST 18-27 10 NIG 15 Peenemuende II 31.08. - 13.09 ENVI 18-27 10 NIG01 Roebel 09.03.09 - 22.03.09 HIST/YOUTH vols: 10 Location: The town Roebel was already in the 13th century an important place between the towns Schwerin and Havelberg and has nowadays about 6000 inhabitants. The town Roebel is near the Mueritz which is Germany’s biggest lake. Roebel is well-known and appreciated beyond the borders of Germany for its sailing competitions, water sports and as government approved health resort. Inspiring trails lead hikers and cyclists away from Roebel/Mueritz, along old oak trees and Megalithic gravesites to the typical mansions of this region. In Roebel you can find the Mueritz-Therme, an indoor-swimming-pool opened all year through. For further information about Roebel please refer to the websites www.roebel-mueritz.de (also available in English) or www.stadt-roebel.de. Work: The participants will continue the tasks of last year’s camp. You will take part in securing and documenting of the area of the external concentration camp Ravensbrueck. Moreover you will help with clearing work at a Jewish cemetery and at a former ammunition factory. And vols will visit schools to have talks with the local youth. For this vols are asked to prepare some information about school systems in their home country. The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Nearest train station: Waren/Mueritz Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in a house called Jugendbegegnungsstaette Engelscherhof. Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes, motivation and good humour. NIG02 Upahl-Lenzen I 06.07.09 - 19.07.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: The volunteers will work in a nature reserve which consists of two main lakes Upahl and Lenzen. The total size of this area is approximately 520ha. Consequently many different kinds of birds, plants and other animals can be found. The volunteers will stay in Lohmen, a small village. Lohmen has about 850 inhabitants and was founded approximately around 12th century. For further information about Lohmen visit www.lohmen.de (only available in German). Work: This workcamp is for nature lovers as the work will be mainly outdoors. Around the natural reserve there is a lot of work. Since it’s not possible to use common agricultural techniques, vols have to do everything manually. Moreover all meadows around have to be cut and following the grass have to be put aside. Aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through your contribution. In the meadow every spring grow rare flowers like orchids that need light and space that in case of not attending wouldn’t be available. Typical for the region are salt and orchid meadows. This project will be done in cooperation with environmental agency of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Nearest train station: Guestrow - vols will be picked up Nearest airport: Berlin or Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a school Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking and will do it together Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, hiking… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour. NIG03 Graal-Mueritz 13.07.09 – 02.08.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: Graal-Mueritz is certainly the most beautiful seaside resorts of Mecklenburg / Western Pomerania and has about 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) of fine beach. The Baltic Sea, being near the old hanseatic city of Rostock and the peninsula "Fischland-Darß-Zingst" and being surrounded by a large forest called "Rostocker Heide" - this is what makes Graal-Mueritz so special to its almost 4,000 residents. Graal-Mueritz is well-known for its special climate. The mix of fresh air from the sea and from the forest enables the city to offer rehabilitation, recreation, and prophylaxis of respiratory, circulatory, and skin-realated disturbances. For further information about Graal-Mueritz visit the website www.graal-mueritz.de (this site is also available in English). The natural reserve Großes Ribnitzer Moor, a fen, is located in the east of Graal-Mueritz. Work: This camp is for nature lovers. The work will be mainly outdoors. Volunteers will help to protect rare vegetation in the fen Großes Ribnitzer Moor. There are lanes to be fixed and barriers to install. In that way the participants will give gentle tourism the possibility to experience the beauty of this special landscape but without destroying it. Nearest train station: Graal-Mueritz Nearest airport: Berlin or Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in a Youth Club Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming,... Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour. NIG04 Rostock I 13.07.09 - 02.08.09 RENO/ENVI vols: 10 Location: The Hanseatic city of Rostock, founded in 13th century is with 200.000 residents the largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It sprawls over both sides of the Warnow and enjoys a thriving overseas trade with Scandinavia through its large port facility. It is also a city of great importance where the volunteers will among other things encounter several buildings of historical and cultural value. Due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea and to the river Warnow Rostock is usually crowded with tourists. Opportunities for leisure activities are among other things to go swimming in the sea, to go canoeing and to do trips to big German metropolis like Berlin and Hamburg. Rostock is shaped through the university and the students who create a vivid and modern atmosphere. For further information about the city of Rostock please refer to the website www.rostock.de (also available in English). Work: In this camp you will work on the ground of a canoe club. Your tasks will be gardening in the surroundings of the boathouse, repairing and cleaning. The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest train station: Rostock Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in bungalows nearby the boathouse Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour NIG05 Schmarsow not confirmed yet YOUTH/EDU vols: 10 Location: Schmarsow is a quite small and friendly village close to Demmin with just 300 residents. It is located in the federal state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and reached its peak in the period of the Hanseatic league. For this reason several old buildings date back to the Middle Ages. You can find there a huge manor house built in the 18th century as well as a church from 1400. There are three rivers in Demmin creating a fascinating and beautiful landscape. For spare time activities several excursions are planned, there is the opportunity to go swimming, canoeing and on bike-tours. Work: At the beginning of the workcamp you will help and master to build an outdoor bread oven in the way of traditional construction. Furthermore the participants give attention to questions of healthy alimentation. For example you will discuss which food is healthy and how is it possible to stay fit. You will put that into practise while cooking with the participants together. Therefore everybody is asked for bringing along cooking recipes from the home country. At the end of the camp all recipes are combined into an international cooking book. Nearest train station: Demmin Nearest airport: Berlin or Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in the vicarage. Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking and will do it together. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, canoeing,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour. NIG06 Ravensbrueck 13.07.09 - 26.07.09 HIST/LANG vols: 10 Location: Ravensbrueck has approximately 10.000 inhabitants and is located in northern Germany, close to Fuerstenberg (about 70 kilometres north of Berlin). The landscape is dominated by many small and big lakes that create a wonderful scenery. Fuerstenberg is also known for its sad role in the World War II. In 1938/39 the Nazi regime built the largest concentration camp for women in Ravensbrueck. Website concentration camp www.ravensbrueck.de (available in German, English, French, Polish and Italian). Work: The main goal of this camp is to work with the history of the concentration camp Ravensbrueck. Therefore the volunteers will do research in the library, in multimedia files as well as in local archives. There will be texts to translate in different languages. By doing this the volunteers will be given the opportunity to learn a lot of interesting things about the history of Ravensbrueck. Good knowledge of the German language is necessary! The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest train station: Fuerstenberg Nearest airport: Berlin Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a youth hostel Food: Full board is. There will be someone cooking for you. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, canoeing, etc. Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, motivation and good humour Remarks: German skills are advantageous NIG07 Teterow I 20.07.09 - 02.08.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: Teterow with the suburbs of Pampow, Niendorf, Teschow has about 10,000 residents. It is a small town in the heart of the charming area known as "Mecklenburgish Switzerland". On all sides, the countryside rises and merges into forested ranges of hills. Besides the historical town centre with its marketplace, town hall and church, two medieval town gates and numerous historical buildings, visitors and tourists will find many interesting sights and destinations for excursions in Teterow and surroundings. For further information please visit www.teterow.de (also available in English and Swedish). Work: This camp is for nature lovers. The volunteers will work in a nature reserve on a peninsula close to the city Teterow, called Sauerwerder and situated in the lake Teterow. Interesting to see is the NABU station. There you will learn know many different kinds of birds, plants and other animals. Since it’s not possible to use common agricultural techniques, vols have to do everything manually. Aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through a contribution of you. It is necessary to bring work cloth! The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest train station: Teterow Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a bungalow in Sauerwerder. Food: Full board is included, but meals have to be prepared by vols Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, swimming, short trips to nearby towns…etc. Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour NIG08 Upahl-Lenzen II 20.07.09 - 02.08.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: The volunteers will work in a nature reserve which consists of two main lakes Upahl and Lenzen. The total size of this area is approximately 520ha. Consequently many different kinds of birds, plants and other animals can be found. The volunteers will stay in Lohmen, a small village. Lohmen has about 850 inhabitants and was founded approximately around 12th century. For further information about Lohmen visit www.lohmen.de (only available in German). Work: This workcamp is for nature lovers as the work will be mainly outdoors. Around the natural reserve there is a lot of work. Since it’s not possible to use common agricultural techniques, vols have to do everything manually. Moreover all meadows around have to be cut and following the grass have to be put aside. Aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through your contribution. In the meadow every spring grow rare flowers like orchids that need light and space that in case of not attending wouldn’t be available. Typical for the region are salt and orchid meadows. This project will be done in cooperation with environmental agency of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Nearest train station: Guestrow - vols will be picked up Nearest airport: Berlin or Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a school Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking and will do it together Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, canoeing … Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gumboot + gloves, motivation and good humour. NIG09 Rostock II 27.07.09 - 16.08.09 LANG/YOUTH vols: 10 Location: The Hanseatic city of Rostock, founded in 13th century is with 200.000 residents the largest city in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It sprawls over both sides of the Warnow and enjoys a thriving overseas trade with Scandinavia through its large port facility. It is also a city of great importance where the volunteers will among other things encounter several buildings of historical and cultural value. Due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea and to the river Warnow Rostock is usually crowded with tourists. Opportunities for leisure activities are among other things to go swimming in the sea, to go canoeing and to do trips to big German metropolis like Berlin and Hamburg. Rostock is shaped through the university and the students who create a vivid and modern atmosphere. For further information about the city of Rostock please refer to the website www.rostock.de (also available in English). Work: The volunteers from different nationalities will assist those interested (for example high school or university students) to improve their language skills in languages such as English, Spanish, French, and others. On top of that the volunteers will naturally have the opportunity to spend their leisure time with those students. The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest train station: Rostock Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a house Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour NIG10 Teterow II 03.08.09 - 16.08.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: Teterow with the suburbs of Pampow, Niendorf, Teschow has about 10,000 residents. It is a small town in the heart of the charming area known as "Mecklenburgish Switzerland". On all sides, the countryside rises and merges into forested ranges of hills. Besides the historical town center with its marketplace, town hall and church, two medieval town gates and numerous historical buildings, visitors and tourists will find many interesting sights and destinations for excursions in Teterow and surroundings. For further information please visit www.teterow.de (also available in English and Swedish). Work: This camp is for nature lovers. The volunteers will work in a nature reserve on a peninsula close to the city Teterow, called Sauerwerder and situated in the lake Teterow. Interesting to see is the NABU station. There you will learn know many different kinds of birds, plants and other animals. Since it’s not possible to use common agricultural techniques, vols have to do everything manually. Aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through a contribution of you. It is necessary to bring work cloth! The exact tasks that will be undertaken will vary and volunteers are expected to be flexible in the work they do and be prepared to participate in all of the tasks fully. Nearest train station: Teterow Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a bungalow in Sauerwerder. Food: Full board is included, but meals have to be prepared by vols Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, swimming, short trips to nearby towns…etc. Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour NIG11 Lohmen 03.08.09 - 23.08.09 ARTS/YOUTH vols: 10 Location: Lohmen has about 850 inhabitants and was founded approximately around 12th century. For further information about Lohmen visit www.lohmen.de (only available in German). THE WORK: The summer camp in Lohmen is for volunteers who like theatre. At the beginning all participants of the camp invent together a play, so everyone`s creativity is required. Local people will be also involved in the organisation and performance of the play. The volunteers will perform the play in surrounded locations to support and upgrade the culture. The volunteers are asked for bringing music, costumes, literature etc. with them. Nearest train station: Guestrow - vols will be picked up Nearest airport: Berlin or Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying together in a school Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking and will do it together Leisure Time Activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, canoeing,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes, motivation and good humour NIG12 Huenfeld not confirmed yet YOUTH/RENO vols: 15 Location: Huenfeld is a town with over 16.000 inhabitants. It is situated in the federal state of Hesse and is also the heart of Germany and Europe. Huenfeld was founded in the 8th century. It is small but full of culture. You can find the Monastery St. Bonifatius, the Castle Mackenzell and a beautiful City-Hall. Huenfeld is surrounded by lovely valleys, forests and basalt mountains. The biosphere reserve Rhoen is nearby. It is about 16 km away from Fulda, the next bigger city. For more information visit the website www.huenfeld.de. It is also available in English. Work: As last years this Camp will be arranged in cooperation with the commune of Huenfeld. Volunteers will continue to prepare the arrangement and the playground of a kindergarden. There will be also construction work on the building of the kindergarden. Furthermore visits of youth centres are planned, where volunteers will give the youngsters impressions of their home countries and teach their languages. Nearest train station: Huenfeld Nearest airport: Frankfurt/Main Accommodation: The participants will be accommodated in a house called “Jugendgaestehaus” Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming, ... Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour NIG13 Barth 14.08.09 – 28.08.09 HIST vols: 20 Location: Barth is a town in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 9000 inhabitants. It is situated at a lagoon of the Baltic Sea at the opposite side of the Darss peninsula. With its old medieval buildings, alleyways and the little harbour Barth is a beautiful starting point for many visitors to explore the Darss peninsula with its beautiful coast and sea. Work: HIST During the time of the Nazi regime there were a lot of crimes against humanity. A prison camp and a concentration camp were located in Barth. The association of DOK built up a pathway of memory and established an exhibition which helps to document and to keep in mind. In this camp volunteers together with youngsters and contemporary witnesses will speak about that time. Furthermore volunteers will look after and maintain the pathway of memory. Nearest train station: Barth Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in tents. Food: Food is already included but the volunteers will be responsible for the cooking. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, short trips to nearby towns, swimming,… Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes, gloves, motivation and good humour. Remarks: This Camp will be arranged in cooperation with a Bible Study Centre NIG14 Peenemuende 31.08.09 - 13.09.09 HIST vols: 10 Location: Peenemuende is located in the northern part of the island Usedom. On the island volunteers will find an impressive landscape with steep coastlines, forests, swamps, marshland, and last but not least, charming fishing spots. From 1936 until 1989 the region was restricted (for army use only), therefore the nature in the surroundings has developed undisturbed. Looking back in history Peenemuende participated in the development of the V-Rockets and today there is a memorial as well as a technical historical information centre reminding us of it. Short trips with sailing boats to other islands in the Baltic Sea are planned. Work: The volunteers will give continuity to the work done in the former concentration and prisoners of war camps. They will work on the area of an external camp of the former women’s concentration camp Ravensbrueck where women had to work under extreme conditions. The actual duties will consist in securing the area, measuring, digging burial sites and also to prove by documents all the work done. Surfaces of still existing roads, walls and squares have to be cleaned from vegetation and rubbish. This work will be done in cooperation with the local monument administration. Nearest train station: Peenemuende Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in trailers at a youth hostel. Food: Full board is included, which means there will be someone cooking for the participants. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, swimming, short trips to nearby towns…etc. Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour. NIG15 Peenemuende 31.08.09 - 13.09.09 ENVI vols: 10 Location: Peenemuende is located in the northern part of the island Usedom. On the island volunteers will find an impressive landscape with steep coastlines, forests, swamps, marshland, and last but not least, charming fishing spots. From 1936 until 1989 the region was restricted (for army use only), therefore the nature in the surroundings has developed undisturbed. Looking back in history Peenemuende participated in the development of the V-Rockets and today there is a memorial as well as a technical historical information centre reminding us of it. Short trips with sailing boats to other islands in the Baltic Sea are planned. Work: This workcamp is for nature lovers as the work will be mainly outdoors. The volunteers will work in a nature park on an island named Usedom located in the Baltic Sea. Typical for the region are salt and orchid meadows. Around the natural reserve there is a lot of work. Since it’s not possible to use common agricultural techniques, vols have to do everything manually. Moreover all meadows around have to be cut and following the grass have to be put aside. Aim of this project is to help to protect this unique reserve through your contribution. Nearest train station: Peenemuende Nearest airports: Berlin and Hamburg Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in trailers at a youth hostel. Food: Full board is included, which means there will be someone cooking for the participants. Leisure time activities: Excursions are planned, swimming, short trips to nearby towns…etc. Further requirements: Please bring a sleeping bag, a mattress pad, work clothes + gloves, motivation and good humour