INTRODUCTION TO ESTYES International Youth Association EstYES is non-profit, non-political, non-governmental organization which was established in 1991 with the purpose to promote youth and cultural exchanges for better understanding and just world. It is a pioneer organization in the field of youth voluntary service in Estonia. Our objectives * to increase international understanding and solidarity between countries and people; * to promote continues dialogue between young people all over the world; * to enable young people by living and working together to learn from each other, discover the variety of cultures, broaden horizons thus building bridges over differences; * to promote international voluntary service in Estonia as a tool for local development; * to help solution of actual problems in Estonia by means of international voluntary service. Our activities * organize voluntary camps in Estonia and send Estonian volunteers abroad; * send Estonian volunteers to mid- and long-term voluntary services abroad; * host volunteers from abroad on mid- and long-term projects in Estonia; * participate in EVS program as sending, hosting and coordinating organization; * organize and run youth cultural exchanges of different kinds, study visits with various themes for youth foreign groups in Estonia and for Estonians abroad; * take part in conferences, seminars, training abroad and organise those in Estonia. Target groups EstYES works with EstYES works mainly with young people 14 - 30. The majority of them are high school or university students. Young people with fewer opportunities are the group of special consideration of EstYES. However EstYES voluntary projects are as well open to the people of other ages without limits. Our partners From 1994 we have exchanges with branches of SCI (Service Civil International) and from 1995 - with members of Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations, YAP (Youth Action for Peace) and their partner organizations. In 1996 we established cooperation with ICYE (International Christian Youth Exchange). In September 1997 EstYES participated in the creating the Network of East and Central European Voluntary Service Organizations – EASTLINKS. In October 1997 EstYES became a member of Alliance. Currently EstYES is a President of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations. In 2007 EstYES became a member of Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) by UNESCO. Sources of income EstYES income is mainly consists of contributions and subscription fees from the participants of our programs. EstYES also receives grants for the projects from foundations like ASEF, YOUTH Programme, European Youth Foundation, etc. EstYES does not receive any support from the state. INTRODUCTION TO ESTYES INTERNATIONAL WORKCAMPS Although there were few attempts to organize workcamps in Estonia in the very beginning of EstYES existence in 1991-1992 the first real workcamps took place in 1994. There were only 2 of them. In 2008 EstYES plans to host around 25 adult projects + 9 teenage camps, offering places to about 300 international volunteers, and hoping to send similar number of Estonian volunteers abroad. Work Usually our workcamps last about 2 weeks and take place from June to September. The number of international volunteers in the camp varies from 5 to 12. We try to avoid having more than two people of the same nationality in the camp. Usually English is a camp language, but there some (linguistic) camps where common language is German, French and even Spanish. As a rule volunteers have to work 5-7 hours a day 5-6 days a week for the benefit of local community. Hosts provide food and accommodation as well as social and cultural activities in return. Conditions for participation Volunteers should be over 18 years old, except teenage camps where participants are 14-17 years old. For the work with kids the minimum age of volunteers is usually 20. There is no maximum age limit. Usually there are no special skills required from volunteers, except camps dealing with kids. Participants should be motivated to do voluntary work, be ready to meet realities of local life and have enough flexibility to accept it, be tolerant and open for the new experiences. In some camps (usually work with kids) a motivation letter is required from the volunteer. Camp leaders As a rule in the camp there is one leader, whose task is to be a coordinator and the link between participants and the host. Leader participates in daily life equally with volunteers. EstYES does invite camp leaders from abroad. Insurance In Estonian camps insurance is not provided, so volunteers have to bring their own insurance against illness, accident and third party risk. Participants from EU countries should bring EU health insurance form (former E111). Some practical matters For the majority of camps volunteers have to bring sleeping bag, work clothes and gloves, summer clothes and swimming suit, but also warm clothes and rain-gear as weather in Estonia is very changeable and unpredictable. It is vital to have a mosquito cream on project taking place in the country side! Volunteers are also asked to bring information about their country, photos, music, songbooks, games, musical instruments, etc. Meeting point Usually EstYES collects volunteers either at the bus terminal in Tallinn or in the office the day camp begins. Here they meet camp leader and travel together to the camp site. Tallinn Bus Terminal address: Bussijaam, Lastekodu 46 Office address: Wiedemanni 3 Tallinn. Tel: +372 601 3098, 601 3309. Emergency contact +372 50 23 357 - Aleksander Kurushev, Coordinator +372 566 92 604 – Kelli Kaarep, Placement Officer Infosheets Camp details, practical information, travel directions, etc. will be sent to partners 3-4 weeks before beginning of the camp as latest. Useful links: www.visitestonia.com www.ilm.ee www.inyourpocket.com/estonia/en http://www.vm.ee/eng www.einst.ee www.ibs.ee/dict www.gov.ee/en www.tallinn.ee CODE NAME TYPE DATES VOLS FEE EST 01 SPRING in KIIDI MANU 13.04-26.04 9 EST 02 SPRING in SOOMAA MANU/ ENVI 05.05-16.05 6 60 EST 03 DOWN TOWN KIDS I KIDS/ TEACH 13.06-27.06 8 EST 04 VIHASOO KIDS/ TEACH 17.06-29.06 6 EST 05 DOWN TOWN ENG I KIDS/ TEACH 27.06-11.07 8 EST 06 IMASTU DISA/ KIDS 30.06-03.08 5 EST 07 MARJAMAA MANU 01.07-13.07 7 EST 08 KOPU MANU 07.07-20.07 7 + 25 30 EST 09 KOESTI WATERMILL I MANU/ RENO 07.07-20.07 10 EST 10 DOWN TOWN FRA KIDS/ TEACH 11.07-25.07 4 EST 11 DOWN TOWN DEU KIDS/ TEACH 11.07-25.07 4 EST 12 DOWN TOWN ESP KIDS/ TEACH 11.07-25.07 4 EST 13 ADVENTURE CAMP I MANU/ ENVI 14.07-27.07 10 90 EST 14 ZOO I MANU/ ENVI 15.07-26.07 5 50 EST 15 VETSITALL MANU 21.07-03.08 5 EST 16 DOWN TOWN ENG II KIDS/ TEACH 25.07-10.08 8 EST 17 KOESTI WATERMILL II MANU/ RENO 28.07-10.08 10 EST 18 MARJAMAA FESTIVAL MANU/ FEST 28.07-09.08 10 EST 19 MAIDLA MANU/ KIDS 29.07-10.08 8 + 12 EST 20 JARVAMAA CAMP MANU 04.08-17.08 8 + 10 EST 21 DOWN TOWN KIDS II KIDS/ TEACH 08.08-22.08 8 EST 22 ADVENTURE CAMP II MANU/ ENVI 11.08-24.08 10 90 EST 23 CULTURE FACTORY RENO/ FEST 21.08-05.09 8 70 EST 24 ZOO II MANU/ ENVI 20.08-31.08 5 50 EST 25 RISTITEE FARM ENVI 15.09-28.09 10 EST T1 DOWN TOWN ENG I TEEN/ STUDY 29.06-11.07 12 + 25 175 EST T2 SOOMETSA I TEEN/ MANU 01.07-12.07 8 + 8 120 EST T3 PARSTI TEEN/ MANU 02.07-13.07 15 + 30 100 EST T4 DOWN TOWN FRA TEEN/ STUDY 13.07-25.07 6 + 10 175 EST T5 DOWN TOWN DEU TEEN/ STUDY 13.07-25.07 6 + 10 175 EST T6 DOWN TOWN ESP TEEN/ STUDY 13.07-25.07 6 + 10 175 EST T7 KUUSTE MALEV TEEN/ MANU 16.07-27.07 15 + 15 70 EST T8 DOWN TOWN ENG II TEEN/ STUDY 27.07-08.08 12 + 25 175 EST T9 SOOMETSA II TEEN/ MANU 28.07-08.08 8 + 8 120 EST MTV SOOMETSA KIDS 19.05-17.08 1 EST 01 SPRING IN KIIDI VORU 13.04 - 26.04 MANU 9 vols Project The charm of Haanja Uplands in South Estonia lies in its lovely hilly landscape, winding roads and numerous lakes. Most of its ancient villages, special dialect, handicraft, and customs have been preserved until today. The whole area, called Vorumaa, is an area of outstanding beauty. It is famous for its diverse and very well preserved nature. Untouched forests with wildlife, deep valleys, hills, 170 small lakes with extremely clean water, rivers with caves in the steep banks - you can find everything there. With the support of the state and local authorities the eco- and farm sustainable tourism has been developed in this area. Besides promoting the environmental tourism, this initiative supports rural development which is an important issue for Estonia. Estonian Association of Farm Tourism has launched several projects and Kiidi Farm, where the camp takes place, is one of them. This is one of the oldest EstYES local partners which has been hosting more than 10 camps with EstYES in the previous years. Work Various works in the forest: cutting unwanted trees and bushes, burning old tree brunches and brushwood, preparing firewood for heating the farm, laying paths for skiing and hikes and all kind of odd jobs in the farm buildings. Most of the work will be outdoors. There can be also some building/ maintaining works inside when the weather is too rainy. Accommodation In the farmhouse in 2-3-bedded rooms. Sleeping bag is not needed. There is also a common room with fireplace. WC, shower, hot water, & sauna are available. Hosts will prepare meals themselves, however, volunteers may be asked to help the kitchen. Location Kiidi Farm is situated 20 km south of Voru, capital of the County. It has a population of 15 000 people and lies about 250 km south-east of Tallinn, very close to the Latvian and Russian borders. The closest village to Kiidi Farm is Rouge (3km) with a population of about 1000 people. More information about Estonia www.visitestonia.com, South-Estonia www.werro.ee, www.southestonia.info and Kiidi Farm www.kiidi.ee Terminal Airport, harbour, bus or train station in Tallinn; bus to Voru. Leisure time There are many possibilities for leisure time, especially for those who love nature: acquaintance with nature sights in the area, hiking, canoeing, etc. Excursions to the historical sites of the County of Voru are planned as well. It might be possible to go to Latvia, which is just 30 km away, for a short trip. Volunteers will have a very good chance to get in close contact with the local people, to experience local traditions and learn some customs like enjoying hot Estonian sauna! The dates of the camp coincide with important National Day called Juripaev celebrated on 23.04. On this day in 1343 the ancestors of Estonians began mighty uprising against the landlords. The volunteers will have a possibility to take part in the festivities celebrating this remarkable for Estonia day. EST 02 SPRING in SOOMAA PARNU 05.05 - 16.05 ENVI 6 vols Project The camp will take place in Soomaa National Park. Soomaa means huge bogs, rivers that flood over its banks now and then, flood pains that extend on riversides, wooded in flowers, and forests that surround all this. Soomaa National Park was established in 1993 in order to protect large mires, floodplain meadows and forests in Estonia, and to preserve and present cultural lore characteristic to this area. The total national park area is 37 117 ha. 524 species of vascular plants, 172 species of birds and 46 species of mammals have been found in Soomaa. Lots of them are protected and belong to the Estonian Red Data Book. On more than two thirds of the national park territory any management activity is forbidden. There is possible to enjoy the charm of wildlife on different nature trails. For more information visit www.soomaa.com Taking part in this camp you help preservation works in Soomaa National Park and make the Park more enjoyable for future visitors! Work Spring works in the garden - in Karukose Farm, where volunteers will stay, there is a large apple garden. Another job is cleaning of the nature trails. Karuskose Farm is situated in the middle of National Park, crossroads of several Nature Study Trails. Work will be mainly outdoors. The working days are 6-7 hours long. The programme is the following: 5 of May – arrival, pick up, accommodation, introduction 6-9 of May - four days of ecological work on different activities in the garden, in the woods 10 of May - Visitor Center of Soomaa National park; walking on the nature trails of Soomaa 11 of May - canoeing trip on the rivers of Soomaa, traditional Estonian smoke sauna  12-15 of May - four days of ecological work. 15 of May - evening Farewell Party 16 of May - transfer to public buses and train station. Accommodation In the rooms of Karuskose farmhouse, 2 persons in one room. Sleeping bags are needed. Washing in sauna - a special floating (!) sauna is available. There is a dry ecological toilet. Volunteers have to prepare meals themselves from the food given by the hosts. Please note the conditions are rather simple. So you should enjoy being close to nature and have a sprit of adventure to stay in the camp. Location Soomaa National Park is situated in South-West of Estonia. National Park lies on two Counties – Parnumaa and Viljandimaa. Nearest towns are Viljandi and Parnu. More information on www.viljandi.ee, www.parnu.ee.You can find Karuskose on www.soomaa.com/?id=117&lang=est Terminal Airport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn, train to Tori or bus to Joesuu; then transfer by minivan arranged by hosts. Special requirements No special skills are needed. Volunteers should love nature and be adventurous enough. English is the camp language. Volunteers have to bring their sleeping bags, working clothes and gloves. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities – walking and hiking in National Park, canoeing, making bonfire, having sauna parties, etc. If you love the nature – this is a place for you to be! Additional excursions to Viljandi and Parnu can be done by volunteers in their free time. Participation fee As EstYES does not have funds to support your participation in this camp neither from the state nor from private sponsors, you are asked to contribute 60 Euro towards cost of board and lodging, local transport and the program. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp. EST 03 DOWN TOWN KIDS I TALLINN 13.06- 27.06 KIDS/ TEACH 8 vols EST 21 DOWN TOWN KIDS II TALLINN 08.08- 22.08 KIDS/ TEACH 8 vols Project This project is organized for local children by the language school “In Down-Town” and non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite”. The project’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to children through alternative language studies. Answering kids need to practice their knowledge of English, the project helps them to study national customs and traditions, develop their multicultural thinking and tolerance. Thus the idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local kids helping the school to fulfil the project’s aim. Work Activating participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through teaching and playing the games and music popular in the English speaking countries and the countries the volunteers represent; training kids to perform pieces of amateur drama; preparing intellectual and sport games for them as well as guided discussions on excursions round the places of interest; actions for peace and nature protection; leading and supporting kids in their work on the team projects within the discussed topics such as “Healthy body, healthy spirit”, “Good habits”, “My small home in the big world”, “War and peace”, etc.; preparing and leading the kid teams’ presentations on English speaking countries and the countries the camp participants are from. Each day of the camp program will have a special theme and a related activity. Volunteers along with local coordinators are responsible for the program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program and the young participants. The volunteers will work in pairs in the smaller groups along with local camp leaders. The age of youngsters is 10-12. The total number of kids is around 30. Most of kids are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Tallinn. Accommodation In the class rooms of the school which is situated in the very centre of Tallinn. Toilets and showers are available. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have breakfasts and dinners at their accommodation, lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city. Location Camp will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbour in Tallinn. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with kids. Experience in work with children is an advantage. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, symbols of your country, posters, maps, music, etc. typical for your country. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. Please add a motivation letter. The good level of English is required. The minimum age of vols is 20. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides good opportunity to experience vivid local life of the Estonian capital in summer. EST 04 VIHASOO LOKSA 17.06- 29.06 KIDS 6 vols Project The group of young teachers from Tallinn’s schools runs children’s camp in Vihasoo for 15 years. Its main aim is to give school children possibility of active and meaningful summer vacations. The camp is situated in the Lahemaa National Park. Such location brings children closer to unspoiled nature and gives them an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Estonian national heritage richly presented in the area. Each summer period of the camp has its own theme. The topic for this year is «Tour around the world» and the aim is to introduce the diversity of cultures and languages to children of Estonia helping their integration into modern world. To achieve the aim Vihasoo camp invites international volunteers to join it as animators. Each day of the camp will have a programm completed by local coordinators and the volunteers will be helping to realize it. All your exciting and creative ideas of activities are welcomed. Most of children are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Estonia. Work Activating children making their vacation more exciting. It will be done through the games, drama, sport, common discussions. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. Volunteer will work in the partnership with professional local educators, youth leaders and youth workers. The staff of the camp is about 25 people. There is going to be around 70-100 children aged 7-15. Accommodation In the separate house with other staff members in 4-6-bedded rooms. Volunteers will eat together with children and staff in the canteen. Showers, dry toiltets and sauna are available. Location Vihasoo is tiny village laying in the picturesque Lahemaa National Park. Surrounded by forest, close to the sea, it is the ideal place for summer vacations. The nearest town (7km) is Vosu, spa town with about 1000 inhabitants which multiplies in summer. Distance from Tallinn is 70 km. Terminal Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn, specially arranged car to Vihasoo. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with kids. The work demands 24-hours commitment and it can be pretty hard sometimes. Weekends are not necessarily free. Experience in work with children is an advantage. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. All exciting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. English, Russian and Estonian are the camp languages. Leisure time Plenty of possibilities: hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sports, games. Excursions to the places of interest in the Lahemaa National Park as well as one day excursion to Tallinn are foreseen. Volunteers will have unique chance to join Mid-Summer festivities on night from 23 to 24 of June, which is actually the largest celebration in Estonia. EST 05 DOWN TOWN ENG I TALLINN 27.06 - 11.07 KIDS/ TEACH 8 vols EST 16 DOWN TOWN ENG II TALLINN 25.07 - 08.08 KIDS/ TEACH 8 vols Project This camp is organized for teenagers by the language school “In Down Town” and non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite”. The school’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to youth through language studies, meetings, visits, direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians’ integration into modern world. The main idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local youth helping the school to realize its aim. Work Activating teenage participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through the games popular in the countries volunteers represent, drama, sports, excursions, common discussions, actions for peace and nature protection, etc. Each day of the camp program will have a special theme and related activity. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program. The age of youngsters is 14-17. Besides local kids 12 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp. In total it is going to be around 40 children. Most of local teenagers are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community. Accommodation In the class rooms of the school which is situated in the very centre of Tallinn. Toilets and showers are available. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have breakfasts and dinners in their accommodation, lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city. Location Camp will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Some experience in work with children is an advantage. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, symbols of your country, posters, maps, music, etc. typical for your country. We expect active volunteers with the good knowledge of history and culture of their country and ability to present it. The good level of English is required. The minimum age of volunteers is 20. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life. EST 06 IMASTU TAPA 30.06 - 03.08 KIDS/ DISA 5 vols Project Imastu is an institution for mentally handicapped children and youngsters. It caters for over 100 kids and young adults aged 5 to 26 with severe mental and genetic deceases. Most of them are orphans. Youngsters are divided in to 5 family groups where they live under supervision of staff. Children attend a special school arranged for them in Imastu. Since 1994 Imastu has been hosting international workcamps in summer and since 1999 - long-term volunteers to assist staff with daily work, bringing new ideas and approaches to the daily routine. In summer the volunteers are particularly needed to support staff and assist work with kids, especially in July-August when it is possible to offer more diverse outdoor activities for kids. Work Looking after the children, helping staff in teaching them basic skills, feeding children, playing with them, arranging their outings, assisting in all other required activities. Each volunteer will work in the own family groups. Volunteers will work under supervision and with assistance of local staff 30-35 hours a week, 2 days a week are free. Accommodation In the Institution in 2-bedded rooms. Beds and linens are provided. You do not have to bring sleeping bag, unless you want to travel in your free time. Shower and toilet is in the corridor, shared with the staff. You will eat together with the staff in local canteen or in your family groups. Possibility to make own food is limited. Location Imastu is a very tiny village. It lies 90km east from Tallinn and 25 km west from Rakvere, administrative center of the area. The nearest city is Tapa (3km), large railway junction with about 10 000 inhabitants. Useful links: www.tapa.ee and www.visitestonia.com for general information about the country. Terminal Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn; train or bus to Tapa. Special requirements You have to be really motivated and committed to the work with physically and mentally disable children. Some previous experience or special knowledge is an advantage. Motivation letter is required. Although English is a camp language, some knowledge of Estonian or Russian will make communication with locals easier. Leisure time Imastu is laying in a picturesque landscape: fields, forests, lakes and unspoiled nature. It is the ideal region for hiking and cycling tours. There are good possibilities for horse riding and fishing right in Imastu. Excursions to places of interest in Tallinn, Rakvere (est.1226), Lahemaa National Park as well as trips to the seaside (30km from Imastu) are foreseen. EST 07 MARJAMAA 01.07- 13.07 MANU 7 vols Project It became a good tradition for EstYES to organize international workcamps in co-operation with Marjamaa Community, which is the largest community of Estonia. It lies on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu, and it is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage: ancient settlement in Varbola, XIII century church in Marjamaa, chapel in Haimre, numerous German manor houses of XVIII-XIX centuries, etc. Local authorities see in the international camps an important tool for local development - not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction multicultural dimension to the population of local communities in the country. The camp will take place in the village of Marjamaa, the centre of the community. The task of the camp is to assist local authorities’ maintenance plan. Work The work will be mainly concentrated around historical church in Marjamaa – at the graveyard and the park around it. The work is simple: clearing and tiding up, mowing grass, cutting bushes, planting flowers, repairing dry stone wall, etc. Another proposed work is managing green public areas in the village under the supervision of Community Gardener. The work will be mainly outdoors. In case of rainy weather some odd jobs in Community House and local Gymnasium may be proposed. . Accomodation: Volunteers will stay in the premises of the Community House of Marjamaa right in the centre of village, sleeping on the mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available and it will be possible to try Estonian sauna. Volunteers will be eating in the school canteena and local pubs. The possibility of making own food is limited. Location Marjamaa is a village with about 4 000 inhabitants on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu. Distance from Marjamaa to Tallinn is 70 km. Being an administrative centre of community, Marjamaa has several shops, department store, culture house, cinema, several pubs, night disco club, etc. Larger city nearby is Rapla (25km), an administrative centre of the county, with a population of about 10 000 people. Marjamaa has good connection to Tallinn, Parnu, Haapsalu. More information on www.marjamaa.ee and www.raplamaa.ee Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus to Marjamaa. Special requirements Please bring sleeping bag and pillow, working clothes and gloves. English is the camp language. Leisure time Sport activities at the school stadium, swimming in the local swimming pool, hiking, excursions to the ancient settlement in Varbola, Sillaotsa Farm Museum and other places of interest of the area. Attending activities of the local youth centre. It is possible to use free days to go to Haapsalu or Parnu - Estonian popular spa towns, very lively in summer. EST 08 KOPU VILJANDI 07.07- 20.07 MANU 7 int + 25 locals Project Kopu village is a centre of Community of Kopu, one of the smallest in Estonia with total population of around one thousand people. International workcamps have been taken place there since 2001. During past summers volunteers helped to build sport facilities for local school, cleaned up the school park, and did some renovation jobs in the old graveyard – maintaining fences, painting and cutting bushes. Besides practical help, the volunteers made a significant impact on community life providing new dynamics, intercultural exchange and international contacts to local youth. Inspired by years of experience Kopu Community authorities decided to continue hosting international camps and invite international volunteers this summer again. This year international camp will be combined with the national teenage workcamp taking place in Kopu at the same time. Work Kopu School occupies old German manor house and it is surrounded by the large park. There will be various jobs in the school park and inside the school building. The work is mainly cleaning and tidying up of the park as well as other objects of local importance of the community. Also preparing woods for the school for heating in winter period and, if weather will be dry, some hay making. Work will be mostly outdoors. Volunteers will be working along side with local youngsters of the national workcamp. The work will last only 4-5 hours a day from 9 to till lunch. After lunch there will be various activities together with local youngsters and free time for the group own activities. The age of local young people is 15-20. Accommodation: In the Kopu school sport facilities. There is WiFi connection in the house. Vounteers will sleep on the mattresses. Mattresses are provided, but please bring your sleeping bags. Toilets and showers are available. Meals will be prepared by kitchen staff and served in the school cantine. Location Kopu village lies about 20 km to the west from Viljandi, an administrative centre of the county with population of 22 000 people. Distance from Tallinn is 180 km. The area is very beautiful - hilly with many small lakes and rivers and a lot of forest with wild nature. Here begins Soomaa National Park – a very popular place for hikes and canoe trips. More information on www.visitestonia.com, www.viljandi.ee, www.soomaa.ee . Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus to Viljandi; local bus to Kopu. Special requirements No special skills are needed. Tools for the work will be provided. Please bring sleeping bag, working clothes and gloves. English and Estonian are the camp languages. It is important that the volunteers will follow the rules and schedules of the national camp. Volunteers age is 18 - 22. Leisure time Sport activities at accommodation site, competitions, swimming, barbeque, hiking in Soomaa National Park, biking in the area. Local community festival on the last day of the camp. Trip to Viljandi, the capital of County, visit to Tartu - second largest city in Estonia and the University centre, or to Parnu, very lively spa town on the sea side can be done by volunteers in their free time Participation fee Due to the lack of own resourses we are forced to ask extra fee of 30 Euro to cover costs linked to free time activities and local travel costs. It has to be paid by every participant upon arrival to the camp. EST 09 KOESTI WATERMILL I VILJANDI 07.07 – 20.07 MANU/ RENO 10 vol EST 17 KOESTI WATERMILL II VILJANDI 28.07 – 09.08 MANU/ RENO 10 vol Project The aim of this camp is to help renovation of the historical watermill Koesti. This watermill dating from the end of 18th century is an important object of heritage protection for local community. The oldest part of the building existing at present was built in the second half of 19th century. In 1930 the watermill was made two-storied and on the river side the engineering for producing electric power was built. After the Second World War several changes have been made there. Today association managing the watermill put a lot of effort into developing it into a hydroelectric plant. It is planned to start the alternative electricity generating in 2008. This is a very important step for the local community which goes along with the general plan to raise production use of energy from alternative sources in Estonia. At present such generating alternative energy projects have not been developed in Estonia yet to the noticeable extend, therefore Koesti Watermill is an important initiative which has to be supported. Work The work will include cleaning up the banks of Koesti creek and clearing up the green areas. You will also help with different renovation works at the watermill. Volunteers will be working 6-7 hours per day and 5 days for week under supervision of local technical leaders. Accommodation The accommodation facilities will be quite simple: you will stay in the mill house in camp beds. Please bring your own sleeping bag! Toilets are available. Please note that the shower will be a self-made “summer shower”, which means that there will not be any hot water. But you will have a good chance to try Estonian sauna at the weekend! Volunteers will prepare meals themselves from the food provided by hosts using cooking facilities of the house. Location The project is located at the border of Viljandi, a town situated in South Estonia on Sakala Upland. Town of Viljandi with its 20,000 inhabitants is an independent unit of local authority and the centre of the county. As a culture town it is well known for its valued Culture Academy, Ugala Drama Theatre and the famous international Folk Music Festival (http://www.folk.ee/ ) held yearly at the end of July. Viljandi lies 160 km from Tallinn, 98 km from Parnu and 80 km from Tartu. More information about Viljandi on www.viljandi.ee/?id=506 and www.viljandimaa.ee/turismiinfo/?lg=eng Terminal Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus and train to Viljandi. Special requirements This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. Be prepared for physical work. Please note rather simple washing facilities in this camp. Please bring your sleeping bag and working clothes with you. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the town where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. You can spend time at Viljandi Lake and go swimming, of course. In the weekend trips to Tartu or Parnu are possible. EST 10 DOWN TOWN FRA TALLINN 11.07- 25.07 KIDS/ TEACH 4 vols Project This camp is organized for teenagers by the language school “In Down Town” and non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite”. The school’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to youth through language studies, meetings, visits, direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians’ integration into modern world. The main idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local youth helping school to realize its aim. French is the language of this camp. Work Activating teenage participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through the games popular in the countries you represent, drama, sports, excursions, common discussions, actions for peace and nature protection, etc. Each day of the camp program will have a special theme and related activity. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program. The age of youngsters is 14-17. Besides local kids 8 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp. It is going to be around 20 children in total. Most of local teenagers are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Tallinn. NB! Since there will be German and Spanish speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this French one some joined activities for both camps (e.g. sport competitions, parties, etc.) are foreseen. Accommodation In the class rooms of the school which is situated in the every centre of Tallinn. Toilets and showers are available. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have breakfasts and dinners in their accommodation, lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Some experience in work with children is an advantage. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, symbols of your country, posters, maps, music, etc. typical for your country and be ready to present it. Good level of French is required for this camp. Minimum age of volunteers is 20. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for any taste: sightseeing & museums, festivals and concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life. EST 11 DOWN TOWN DEU TALLINN 11.07- 25.07 KIDS/ TEACH 4 vols Project This camp is organized for teenagers by the language school “In Down Town” and non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite”. The school’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to youth through language studies, meetings, visits, direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians’ integration into modern world. The main idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local youth helping school to realize its aim. The camp language is German. Work Activating teenage participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through the games popular in the countries you represent, drama, sports, excursions, common discussions, actions for peace and nature protection, etc. Each day of the camp program will have a special theme and related activity. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program. The age of youngsters is 14-17. Besides local kids 8 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp. It is going to be around 20 children in total. Most of local teenagers are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Tallinn. NB! Since there will be the French and Spanish speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this German one some joined activities for both camps (e.g. sport competitions, parties, etc.) are foreseen. Accommodation In the class rooms of the school which is situated in the very centre of Tallinn. Toilets and showers are available. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have breakfasts and dinners in their accommodation, lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Some experience in work with children is an advantage. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, symbols of your country, posters, maps, music, etc. typical for your country and be ready to present it. Good level of German is requested for this camp. Minimum age of volunteers is 20 Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life. EST 12 DOWN TOWN ESP TALLINN 11.07- 25.07 KIDS/ TEACH 4 vols Project This camp is organized for teenagers by the language school “In Down Town” and non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite”. The school’s aim is to introduce the diversity of world cultures to youth through language studies, meetings, visits, direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians’ integration into modern world. The main idea of the camp is to provide meaningful summer activities for local youth helping school to realize its aim. The language of the camp is Spanish. Work Activating teenage participants of the school’s summer camp and providing cross-cultural learning experience for them. It will be done through the games popular in the countries you represent, drama, sports, excursions, common discussions, actions for peace and nature protection, etc. Each day of the camp program will have a special theme and related activity. Volunteers along with local coordinators will be responsible for the whole program of the camp. The work can be pretty hard, involving long working hours some days, requiring high commitment and responsibility for the camp program. The age of youngsters is 14-17. Besides local kids 6 teenage participants from abroad are expected to join this camp. It is going to be around 15 children in total. Most of local teenagers are Russian-speaking from Russian minority community of Tallinn. NB! Since there will be German and French speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this Spanish one some joined activities for both camps (e.g. sport competitions, parties, etc.) are foreseen. Accommodation In the class rooms of the school which is situated in the every centre of Tallinn. Toilets and showers are available. Please bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers will have breakfasts and dinners in their accommodation, lunches will be organized for whole camp in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn. Special requirements You have to be really motivated to work with teenagers. Some experience in work with children is an advantage. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcomed. Please bring some materials, postcards, symbols of your country, posters, maps, music, etc. typical for your country and be ready to present it. Good level of Spanish is required for this camp. Minimum age of volunteers is 20. Leisure time There are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities as camp will take place in the capital where one can find attractions for any taste: sightseeing & museums, festivals and concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience the local life. EST 13 ADVENTURE CAMP I POLVA 14.07 - 27.07  MANU/ ENVI 10 vols EST 22 ADVENTURE CAMP II POLVA 11.08 - 24.08  MANU/ ENVI 10 vols Project This is a special camp for those who love adventures and are ready for unexpected situations, want to do something useful and learn something new, encounter Estonian nature and make new friends. It will take place in the Polva County in the village Polgaste, the area known for its outstanding beauty and well-preserved uncultivated nature. The idea of the camp is to encounter Estonian nature and learn how to live in harmony with it. The volunteers are invited to stay in the old watermill owned by the group of friends, who plan to use this rustic place as an alternative training and a kind of meditation centre. Activity There will be one or two approximately 25-30 km one-day-long hikes to introduce you the surrounding as well as few shorter ones. Even more hikes can be organised on your request! The local host will provide you with information about herbs, plants, berries and mushrooms of this area and ways people can use it. Also teach you fishing trout from the river, hiking in the forest, surviving in the wild nature, etc. But do not expect formal lectures and exercises. The idea of the camp is learning from each other in easy relaxing and fun way. Your own contribution is appreciated! Exact activities plan depends on weather conditions. Work Beside hiking and adventure the volunteers are expected to work approximately 4-5 hours some of the days. Work can be quite physical – various construction/ renovation works in the old watermill and odd jobs in the forest, weir and at the riverside. Accommodation Volunteers will live in the big old watermill, which is quite rustic without special comfort: dry toilet, washing in the river. Sometimes volunteers can use sauna at neighbours. Volunteers will prepare meals themselves in the kitchen or on the open fire outside. Meals will be really simple. Food will be bought in the shop and from local farmers. You have to bring sleeping bag and mat. Location Polgaste village lies in South-Estonia. Nearest towns are Polva (15 km), Võru (20 km) and Otepaa (27 km). South-Estonia is known above all for is natural richness. You will find picturesque forests and low hills varied with rivers, creeks and beautiful lakes, several national parks and reserves. From the architectural side churches, manor houses and ancient castles are certainly worth mentioning. But the greatest richness of South-Estonia is its kind and hospitable people who despite of all difficulties manage to keep their traditions. More on www.southestonia.info, www.polvamaale.ee, http://loodus.polvamaa.ee. Terminal Airport, harbour, bus & train station in Tallinn, bus to Kanepi. Special requirements Volunteers have to be flexible, adventurous and be ready to give up some comfort. You have to be in a good physical shape and be ready for hard work and long hikes. You should be interested in nature and environment protection. Note: it is hard to provide vegetarian and lactose free food. Camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to hay or cats. Leisure time Sport activities, wu-shu swimming, fishing, etc. Visit to Polva Local Life Museum. Excursions to the nearest bigger towns Voru and Varska as well as tour to North of Estonia are foreseen. Participation fee Since EstYES does not receive funds to support your participation in the camp neither from the state nor from private sponcors, you are asked to contribute 90 Euro towards cost of board and lodging, local transport and the program. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp. EST 14 ZOO I TALLINN 15.07- 26.07 MANU/ENVI 5 vols EST 24 ZOO II TALLINN 20.08- 31.08 MANU/ENVI 5 vols Project The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy adopted in 2005 puts the emphasis on wildlife conservation as one of the highest priorities for the zoos around the world. Once offering only public entertainment, the zoos today must take the role of wildlife conservation centres, breeding endangered species and supporting their recovery in the wild. Tallinn Zoo (http://www.loomaaed.ee) participates in a numerous conservation projects, playing a leading role in the reintroduction project of the European mink (Mustela lutreola). It has also provided specimens for the reintroduction of the Black vulture. Tallinn Zoo introduces the public to a variety of animals and conveys information about wildlife through interpretative signs and boards, interactive devices, printed handouts and media representations. From autumn through spring classes for young animal lovers - schoolchildren of different age are regularly conducted in the Zoo So far Tallinn Zoo has been a partner of EstYES for the local voluntary actions. In the development of our cooperation the first international workcamp was be held in Tallinn Zoo in summer 2007. Following its success this year we introduce two camps there. Tallinn Zoo was first open on the 25th of August 1939, which means that during the second shift of the camp it will celebrate its 69th anniversary. Work The work mainly consists of doing various gardening jobs in the green areas of the large zoo territory: clearing and tiding up, mowing grass, cutting bushes, planting flowers. There might be as well small renovation works and various odd jobs outdoors. In case of rainy weather alternative work indoors will be found. The work is planned as 7-8 hours a day. NB! Work does not include direct contact with the animals Accomodation: Volunteers will stay in the residential area of Tallinn in the EstYES apartment, where long-term EVS volunteers are usually accommodated. It takes about 20 min by bus to get from there to the city centre and about 40-50 min to get to the Zoo from there. Volunteers will have two rooms, equipped kitchen, shower rooms and toilet at their disposal. They will sleep on mattresses on the floor and in beds. Please bring your sleeping bags! Volunteers have to prepare their own meals for breakfasts and dinners. Lunches will be taken together with the Zoo gardening staff at the working place. Volunteers will use public transport to go to work; the tickets will be provided by EstYES. Location Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, the largest city with 400 000 inhabitants and nearly as many tourists during summer. You can get a lot of information on Tallinn on www.tallinn.ee or www.visitestonia.com. Zoo is situated to the west from the city centre, about 15-20 min by public transport. Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbour in Tallinn. Special requirements No special skills required but you have to be ready for physical work. This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to hay. Tools will be provided, just take your working clothes and gloves and a sleeping bag! The camp language is English. Leisure time Besides that volunteers will get well acquainted with the zoo and its inhabitants, there are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities since camp will take place in the capital, where one can find attractions for any taste: sightseeing & museums, festivals and concerts, live music, pubs, etc. Participation fee As EstYES does not have funds to support your participation in this camp neither from the state nor from the private sponsors, you are asked to contribute 50 Euro towards cost of board and lodging, local transport and the program. The fee has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp. EST 15 VETSITALL HIIUMAA 21.07- 03.08 MANU 5 vols Project Hiiumaa –according to the Nordic sagas emerged from the Baltic Sea as a small islet more than 10,000 years ago. The island of Hiiumaa was first mentioned in historical documents as a deserted island called Dageida in 1228. The first inhabitants settled down at the end of the 13th century. Hiiumaa now is the second biggest island of Estonia: its area is 965 sq. km, population around 11 000. It has many historical and nature sights, and there are kind people known for their hospitality and good sense of humour. Vetsitall is a tourist farm established on the site of old stables built in 1843. It is situated on the small island Kassari (19 sq. km) which is linked to Hiiumaa. Vetsitall provides accommodation, camping, catering, excursions, etc. promoting eco-tourism, keeping national heritage and cultural traditions and introducing it to the World. The area provides a lot of possibilities for eco-tourism - with its beautiful sand dunes, pine woods and the high coastal junipers Kassari Island is ideal for hiking, picnics, camping, sunbathing and swimming. Kaina Bay between Kassari and Kaina and the numerous islets form a bird sanctuary with 70 different species - ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers. More information on http://www.vetsitall.ee/eng/tutvustus.php For the number of years EstYES has been supporting the movement of tourist eco-farms in the rural areas of Estonia by means of workcamps. And this camp works for the same idea. It gives a great chance to experience everyday Estonian country life on the beautiful island of Hiiumaa! Work The work will mainly include cleaning and tidying up of the area of the farm, mowing grass, assisting tourist farm with various seasonal works at the camping, kitchen end even in the pub. For some days volunteers may be asked to work in the local museum. The working day is 6-7 hours. One day a week is free but not necessarily on weekend. Accommodation In the camping houses of Vetsitall, where volunteers will have 2 rooms. Toilet, hot water, sauna is available. Meals will be served in the local pub. Location Hiiumaa Island lies in the Baltic Sea west of Tallinn, 22 km from the mainland. Vetsitall is located near to seashore on Kassari Island. The nearest town Kaina is about 10km away. See map on www.vetsitall.ee/eng/kaart.php# More information on www.hiiumaa.ee Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus to Rohukula and ferry to Hiiumaa. Special requirements This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. Note: it is not easy to provide diverse vegetarian and lactose free food on the island. Leisure time Sport activities sunbathing, swimming, hiking, birds watching, etc. Very good camp for nature lovers! It is possible to get acquainted with the different farm work. Excursion around the island is planned. Life music, dancing and parties in the local pub on weekends. Participants can join Estonian folk dances parties which are run every weekend in Vetsitall. EST 18 MARJAMAA FESTIVAL 28.07- 09.08 MANU/ FEST 10 vols Project It became a good tradition for EstYES to organize international workcamps in co-operation with Marjamaa Community, which is the largest community of Estonia. It lies on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu, and it is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage: ancient settlement in Varbola, XIII century church in Marjamaa, chapel in Haimre, numerous German manor houses of XVIII-XIX centuries, etc. Local authorities see in the international camps an important tool for local development - not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction multicultural dimension to the population of local communities in the country. The camp will take place in the village of Marjamaa, the centre of the community. The task of the camp is to assist local authorities’ maintenance plan. Work Clearing and tiding up, mowing grass, cutting bushes, various odd jobs in- and outdoors. This work may take place not only in Marjamaa but also in other smaller villages of the community. There will be international Marjamaa Folklore Festival and Days of the Village on 30.07-03.08, so volunteers will be asked to help it out doing various practical jobs. It is also expected that volunteers will contribute to the festival by introducing their national culture, music, even food and dinks to the locals as well as organizing games and activities for local children. Accomodation: Volunteers will stay in the premises of the Community House of Marjamaa right in the centre of village, sleeping on the mattresses. Please bring a sleeping bag. Toilets and showers are available and it will be possible to try Estonian sauna. Volunteers will be eating in the school canteena and local pubs. The possibility of making own food is limited. Location Marjamaa is a village with about 4 000 inhabitants on the half way between Tallinn and Parnu. Distance from Marjamaa to Tallinn is 70 km. Being an administrative centre of community, Marjamaa has several shops, department store, culture house, cinema, several pubs, night disco club, etc. Larger city nearby is Rapla (25km), an administrative centre of the county, with a population of about 10 000 people. Marjamaa has good connection to Tallinn, Parnu, Haapsalu. More information on www.marjamaa.ee and www.raplamaa.ee Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus to Marjamaa. Special requirements Please bring sleeping bag and pillow, working clothes and gloves. It will be great if you could think about your contribution to the festival and bring some materials, music, games as well as national food/ drinks for it. If you can present folk songs or dances from your country or teach others it you really should not hesitate to do it :) English is the camp language. Leisure time Sport activities at the school stadium, swimming in the local swimming pool, hiking, excursions to the ancient settlement in Varbola, Sillaotsa Farm Museum and other places of interest of the area. It is possible to use free days to go to Haapsalu or Parnu - Estonian popular spa towns, very lively in summer. Meetings with other camps taking place at the same time can be organized. During camp there will be international Marjamaa Folklore Festival ad Days of the Village where volunteers can join diverse activities and parties with the participants and locals. EST 19 MAIDLA RAPLA 29.07- 10.08 MANU/ KIDS 8 int+12 locals Project Maidla is an orphanage, which was established over 50 year ago on the site of the old German manor house. It caters for 40 youngsters aged 3 to 18. Children attend school, gymnasium or professional school in the county. The aim of the institution is to take care of children, create good conditions for their living there, ensure necessary medical and psychological treatment, organize free time activities for them and finally, prepare them for the independent life in future. Besides the manor houses and the park, which occupies 3 ha, Maidla has also a garden, which supplies institution with vegetables. Naturally there is a lot of practical work to do there, especially in summer, and assistance of international volunteers will be appreciated. Although many children will be away for the whole period of camp living in the “support families”, those staying in Maidla will join volunteers for work and leisure. Work Maintenance works in the park and on the territory of institution, possibly light renovation and painting work in the building, preparing and piling up fire woods for heating in winter and other odd jobs outdoors and indoors. Another task of the camp will be to activate youngsters of Maidla involving them to the practical work, running a leisure time program for them, organizing games and sport activities, introducing volunteers’ home countries and cultures, providing practice of English language, etc. There will be around 15 young people aged 5 to 17 in Maidla at the time of the camp. Accomodation: Volunteers will stay in the separate house, which is normally occupied by the eldest children. They will have 2-3 bedded rooms, shower, toilet, washing mashine. Sauna is available as well. Meals will be prepared by volunteers themselves in the instituton’s kitchen from the food provided by the institution. Location Maidla is a tiny village, which lies 10 km east from Rapla, an administrative centre of the county with 7 000 inhabitants. Distance from Tallinn is about 60 km. Area around has a lot of small rivers and lakes as well as forests with wild life – nice place for hikes, swimming, enjoying nature. More information on www.raplamaa.ee Terminal Airport, harbour, bus & train stations in Tallinn; bus & train to Rapla; bus to Maidla. Special requirements No special requirements. Tools will be provided. Please bring working clothes and gloves. It would be very helpful if you could bring games, songs popular in your countries, ideas for activities with children, anything you can use for work with kids and teenagers of Maidla. Your previous experience in work with kids is an advantage. English is the camp language. Leisure time: Various joined activities with Maidla youngsters. Hikes in the forest. Sport activities using institution’s facilities. Excursions and visits to the places of interest in the area. Trip to the seaside in Parnu can be organised. It is possible to visit other workcamps taking place the same time in this region. Besides during this time of year, there will be various cultural events in Rapla and neighbour villages (like Marjamaa Folk Festival) which is possible to attend. EST 20 JARVAMAA CAMP PAIDE 04.08 - 17.08 MANU 8 int + 10 locals Project Jarvamaa - Jarva County lies in the very centre of Estonia, it covers area of 2700 km2 and has a total population of about 40 000 people. This area is known for he rich history, which left a lot of objects of historical and cultural heritage, as well as for its beautiful nature with hills, forests, springs, rivers and lakes. The idea of the camp, held for the second time in cooperation with local authorities, is to assist their maintenance plan. Another important aim of the camp is introduction of multiculturalism and offering intercultural exchange to local young people of this rural area, who will be very much involved to the camp. Work The work will include cleaning up the banks of Navesti River and Lake Eistvere and tidying up green areas. The first week the camp will be spent in the Imavere community. The second week volunteers will work in the town of Turi, where they will do some landscaping and general maintenance on the objects of local importance. Volunteers will be working 5-7 hours per day and 5 days for week under supervision of local technical leaders. Local young people will be joining international volunteers for work and leisure. Accommodation In the school building in the class rooms on the mattresses. Please bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Toilets and showers are available, as well as kitchen with necessary equipment for cooking. Volunteers will have to make some of the meals (e.g. breakfasts on their own) while the rest of the meals will be cooked and served by the locals. Location Imavere village lies in central-Estonia, halfway from Tallinn to Tartu, where the main road turns to Viljandi. Distance from Tallinn is 120 km, from Tartu -70 km, from Viljandi - 40 km. Larger cities nearby are Poltsamaa (10 km) and Paide, the capital of Jarva County (20 km). More information on www.jarva.ee , www.visitestonia.com Terminal Airport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn, local bus from Tallinn to Poltsamaa or Paide. Transfer from Poltsamaa or Paide to Imavere will be offered. Special requirements No special requirements, except being ready for physical work. Please bring working clothes and gloves as well as sleeping bags. Your interest towards history and contemporary life of local communities will be rewarded and appreciated. Leisure time Swimming in the local lakes and rivers, hiking. Bikes will be offered for excursions to the sites nearby and minibus for longer trips. It is planned to visit ostrich farm, Estonian Diary Museum and sawmill in Imavere, Põltsama Castle as well as towns of Põltsamaa, Paide and Viljandi. This camp is absolutely suitable for people who like the rural life and want to learn more about history and culture of Estonia staying in its heart. EST 23 CULTURE FACTORY TALLINN 19.08 - 02.09 RENO/ FEST 8 vols Project In the buildings of a former Soviet rubber plant Polymer NGO Culture Factory is developing an environment for workshops for artists and musicians, cultural events, youth activities etc. The former industrial spaces are being renovated for new uses as exhibition and concert halls, dancing, theatre and visual arts studios, cultural, youth and leisure activities. This year Culture Factory in cooperation with EstYES invites international volunteers to help renovation works in the former factory continuing its transformation into alternative cultural centre as well as to meeting artists, get experience with various workshops and help preparing and running annual alternative art festival. The Culture Factory is a partner of the international Trans Europe Halles Network, an organisation uniting similar centres all over Europe. More information on www.teh.net and www.kultuuritehas.ee Work As the factory buildings have stood derelict for years, lots of cleaning-up has to be done. Be ready for the hard and dirty work! It will be some renovation works, painting, fixing windows, cleaning, etc. but also jobs linked to the festival - like preparation/ decoration of the rooms, putting exhibitions, transporting stuff, etc. The work will normally last 6-7 hours a day. Accommodation Volunteers will live in the factory building in a studio, where they will have a big room for living and equipped kitchen for preparing own meals. Toilets and showers are available in the factory. Beds, mattresses and linens will be provided, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags. Location Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. You can get a lot of information on Tallinn on www.tallinn.ee and www.visitestonia.com . The Culture Factory is situated quite in the centre of Tallinn within walking distance (20 min) to mediaeval old town, museums, pubs with intensive nightlife, etc. Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn. Special requirements There are no special requirements. Tools will be provided. Please bring working clothes and gloves. Camp language is English. Leisure time On site volunteers are welcome to take part in the festival and get acquainted with the work of artists and artisans. During the camp Culture Factory will run the traditional festival, so a lot of cultural activities and parties are foreseen: art, performances, music, etc. Besides, there are a lot of possibilities for leisure time activities since camp takes place in the capital where one can find attractions for all tastes: sightseeing and museums, festivals, concerts, live music, pubs, etc. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonian artists. Participation fee Since EstYES (neither its camp partner NGO Culture Factory) does not receive sufficient financial support for this camp from municipality nor from private sources we have to charge participants an extra fee of 70 Euro. It has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp, and it is to cover costs of materials as well as some cultural activities. EST 25 RISTITEE FARM HIIUMAA 15.09- 28.09 ENVI 10 vols Project Hiiumaa according to the Nordic sagas emerged from the Baltic Sea as a small islet more than 10,000 years ago. The island of Hiiumaa was first mentioned in historical documents as a deserted island called Dageida in 1228. The first inhabitants settled down at the end of the 13th century. Hiiumaa now is the second biggest island of Estonia: its area is 965 sq. km, population around 12 000. It has many historical and nature sights, and there are kind people known for their hospitality and good sense of humor. Ristitee farm is situated on the small island Kassari (19 sq. km) which is linked to Hiiumaa. The farm has about 40 horses and it specializes in eco-tourism in Kassari and horse riding for tourists. Indeed the area provides a lot of possibilities for this - with its beautiful sand dunes, pine woods and the high coastal junipers Kassari Island is ideal for hiking, picnics, camping, sunbathing and swimming. Kaina Bay between Kassari and Kaina and the numerous islets form a bird sanctuary with 70 different species - ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers. The idea of the camp is to assist the protection of one of the environmental objects - coastal meadows, which are unique in Europe. Give hand to Kassari people and have the great chance to experience everyday Estonian country life on the beautiful island of Hiiumaa! Work Volunteers will be mainly working on preserving coastal meadows. This work will include cleaning and tidying up, cutting unwanted grass and bushes, deleting plants not typical for the meadows. This is an outdoors work in the very wet area. In addition there can be some odd jobs in the farm, especially in the apple garden. The working day is 6-7 hours. One day a week is free but not necessarily on weekend. Accommodation In the separate house on the sleeping mats. Volunteers have to bring sleeping bags. Toilet, hot water, sauna is available. Volunteers will have to prepare meals themselves however with the help of locals. Location Hiiumaa Island lies in the Baltic Sea west of Tallinn, 22 km from the mainland. Ristitee farm is situated on the seashore very close to the forest. The nearest village is 10km away. Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train station in Tallinn; bus to Rohukula and ferry to Hiiumaa. Special requirements This camp is not suitable for volunteers allergic to different plants or hay. Note: it is hard to provide diverse vegetarian and lactose free food on the island. Volunteers have to bring rubber boots, waterproof clothes and pocket torch. Volunteers aged over 35 are especially welcome! Leisure time Sunbathing and swimming, hiking, birds watching, etc. Very good camp for nature lovers! Excursion around the island is planned. Since Ristitee is also a horse farm you will get the possibility to exercise horse riding. EST T1 DOWN TOWN ENG I TALLINN 29.06 - 11.07 TEEN/STUDY 12 int+25 local EST T8 DOWN TOWN ENG II TALLINN 27.07- 08.08 TEEN/STUDY 12 int+25 local Project International language camp is organized by the language school “In Down Town”, non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” (ALPS) and youth exchange association EstYES. The camp is aimed to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the teenagers aged 14 -17 through language studies and direct contact with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians to integrate into modern world. At the same time this camp gives foreign participants a great chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience local life staying in the local host families. Program Camp program includes visits to museums, sightseeing in the Estonian capital, meetings with organizations, social games and performances in the open air, actions for peace and nature protection, talks and discussions at the round table. Each day of the camp has its own theme and a special activity. To activate teenagers and run the program there will be 8 international volunteers and members of local school staff. Accommodation In the apartments of the host families in Tallinn. Participants will have breakfasts and dinners in their host families, lunches – all together in the city. Location Camp will take place in Tallinn - the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by families at the point of arrival is possible upon request. Special requirements We will welcome all interesting ideas for the program and your active participation in it. English is a camp language. The age of participants is 14 - 17. Participation fee Unlike the traditional camp there will be no work but linguistic studies and informal educational activities. Besides regular costs for board, lodging, domestic transport, materials, etc. the program involves extra expenses for excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS does not receive any financial support for this camp from municipality or any private sources to make camp happened we have to charge the participation fee of 175 Euro, which has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp. EST T2 SOOMETSA I PARNU 01.07- 12.07 ENVI/ TEEN 8 int + 8 locals EST T9 SOOMETSA II PARNU 28.07- 08.08 ENVI/ TEEN 8 int + 8 locals Project The camp will take place in tiny Soometsa village of Parnu County. Local community sees in the international camps an important tool for local development – not just in terms of work done by the volunteers but mainly for introduction of multiculturalism to the population of small places in rural area through intercultural exchange and international contacts given to local youth. This project is organized by the initiative of NGO Soometsa Village Association for the children and youth of Soometsa. The project’s aim is bring fresh ideas into the life of a small village and contribute to the local development by creating facilities for the leisure time of local youth. A side idea of the camp is to give local youngsters the opportunity to learn and practice English in a non-formal way and friendly atmosphere meeting their peers from abroad. Most of those kids have very little chance to meet foreigners, so they have an actual need to discover new cultures and try a new way of communication. International volunteers coming to such a small village will promote intercultural exchange and help the local people to broaden their horizons. Work The general theme of the camp is Environment. Volunteers will help creation of nature trail in the nature reserve putting pointers and stands, making benches, preparing maps, etc. Another work is to help general cleaning and tidying up of the area around Community House. A group of local youngsters will be sharing work and leisure with the international group of volunteers. Accommodation Volunteers will live in the Community House. It has toilet, shower and equipped kitchen. Volunteers will have to cook themselves from ingredients provided by community. It will be possible to try famous Estonian sauna. Special requirements No special requirements. Please bring working clothes and gloves. The age of vols is 14-16 for the first shift and 16-18 for the second one. Location Haedemeeste area, where Soometsa is situated, is distinctive Estonian biogeographical region of bogs, holding a big variety of valuable nature species. Soometsa is surrounded by Rannametsa-Soometsa nature reserves. www.luitemaa.eoy.ee/main_eng.htm Soometsa is actually a group of farm houses. It is 7 km long, has only 150 inhabitants mostly farmers. It is located in the Pärnu County, lying 25 km to the South from the Estonian „summer capital“ - the city of Parnu, famous as the most delightful of resorts, featuring various attractions especially during summer season. More information about Soometsa is on www.soometsa.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Parnu; local bus to Soometsa. Leisure time The camp provides an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience local life. Possible activities to do: sport, games, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, hiking (Soometsa is a beautiful nature resource), excursions to the places of interest of the area. Visit to Parnu, famous spa town, a summer capital of Estonia, is foreseen. Participation fee Due to the lack of financial support for this project a participation fee of 120 Euro is requested from the volunteers to cover the costs of board and lodging, leisure time activities as well as administrative and pedagogical costs. It has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp. EST T3 PARSTI VILJANDI 02.07- 13.07 MANU 15 int + 30 locals Project This project will take place in Parsti Community. Local authorities see the international camps an important tool for local development – not only in terms of work done by volunteers but mainly for introduction of multiculturalism to the population of small places in the rural areas through intercultural exchange and international contacts given to local youth. That is why international volunteers will be working and living along with the group of local youth, who will share work and leisure with volunteers. The practical side of this camp, organized in cooperation with Parsti administration is to help tiding up the schools parks and take care of historical and cultural objects of Parsti Community. Work The work will be mostly outdoors and last 3-5 hours a day. The work will be mainly tidying up the schools park and maintaining of some historical and cultural sites of Parsti Community - renovating fences, painting, cutting bushes, etc. Some seasonal work in the park is possible. The rest of the day will be filled in by diverse activities like excursions, visits, games, sport, etc. This part will be run as an adventure type of camp with some survival practices organised together with the Estonian Defense League. A group of local youth will join international volunteers to share work, camp life and leisure with them. Accommodation Volunteers will stay in the large tents. You have to bring sleeping bags, mattress and warm clothes, tents will be provided. If nights will be cold there will be heating inside the tents. Toilets and showers will be available outdoors. Meals will be served outside, however the volunteers will be asked to help out with the cleaning. For some evening barbeque is planned. Location Parsti Community is situated in South-Estonia on the western part of the Sakala upland bordering on the Viljandi town in the east. It has the total area of 210 sq km and the population of 3600 people, who live in 26 villages and the market town of Ramsi. The territory of the community is bisected by ancient Raudna Valley & the Raudna River. Large forests are situated in the western part of the area; fields and grasslands lie on the fertile moraine plain originated from the glacial era. More info on www.visitestonia.com, www.viljandimaa.ee, www.viljandi.ee. Terminal Airport, harbor, bus & train stations Tallinn; bus & train to Viljandi; local bus to Kulmallika. Special requirements No special skills are needed. Tools for the work will be provided. Please bring sleeping bags, mattress, warm clothes, working clothes and gloves. English is the camp language. The age of volunteers is 14-17. Leisure time Joined activities with local youngsters of the camp – swimming, hiking, sunbathing, sports, games and excursions to the places of interest of the area. Participation fee Due to the lack of financial support for this project a participation fee of 100 Euro is requested from the volunteers to cover costs of board and lodging, leisure time activities as well as administrative and pedagogical costs. It has to be paid by volunteers upon arrival to the camp. EST T4 DOWN TOWN FRA TALLINN 13.07- 25.07 TEEN/ STUDY 6 int+10 local Project An international language camp is organized by the language school “In Down Town”, non-profit association “Alternative Language programs Satellite” and youth exchange association EstYES. The camp is aimed to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the teenagers aged 14 -17 through language studies and direct contact with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians to integrate into the modern world. At the same time this camp gives foreign participants a good chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience the local life staying in the local host families. The language of this camp is French. Program Camp program includes visits to museums and sightseeing of the Estonian capital, meetings with organizations, social games and performances in the open air, actions to protect peace and environment, talks and discussions at the round table. Each day of the camp has its own theme and a special activity. To activate teenagers there will be 4 international volunteers and members of the school staff. NB! Since there will be German and Spanish speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this French one some joined activities for both camps like sport competitions, parties, etc. are foreseen. Accommodation In the apartments of host families in Tallinn. Participants will have breakfasts and dinners in the host families, lunches – all together in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by host families at the point of arrival is possible upon request. Special requirements We will welcome all interesting ideas for the program and your active participation in it. Since French is a camp language, relatively good knowledge of spoken French is required in this camp. The age of participants is 14 - 17. Participation fee Unlike the traditional camp there will be no work but linguistic studies and informal educational activities. Besides regular costs for board, lodging, domestic transport, materials, etc. the program involves extra expenses for excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS does not receive any financial support for this camp from municipality or any private sources to make camp happened we have to charge the participation fee of 175 Euro, which has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp. EST T5 DOWN TOWN DEU TALLINN 13.07- 25.07 TEEN/ STUDY 6 int+10 local Project An international language camp is organized by the language school “In Down Town”, non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” and youth exchange association EstYES. The camp is aimed to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the teenagers aged 14 -17 through language studies and direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians to integrate into the modern world. At the same time this camp gives foreign participants a good chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience local life staying in the local host families. The language of this camp is German. Program Camp program includes visits to museums and sightseeing of the Estonian capital, meetings with organizations, social games and performances in the open air, actions to protect peace and environment, talks and discussions at the round table. Each day of the camp has its own theme and a special activity. To activate teenagers there will be 4 international volunteers and members of the school staff. NB! Since there will be French and Spanish speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this German one some joined activities for both camps like sport competitions, parties, etc. are foreseen. Accommodation In the apartments of the host families in Tallinn. Participants will have breakfast and dinner in the host families, lunch – all together in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by host families at the arrival point is possible upon request. Special requirements We will welcome all interesting ideas for the program and your active participation in it. Since German is a camp language, relatively good level of spoken German is required. The age of participants is 14 - 17. Participation fee Unlike the traditional camp there will be no work but linguistic studies and informal educational activities. Besides regular costs for board, lodging, domestic transport, materials, etc. the program involves extra expenses for excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS does not receive any financial support for this camp from municipality or any private sources to make camp happened we have to charge the participation fee of 175 Euro, which has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp. EST T6 DOWN TOWN ESP TALLINN 13.07- 25.07 TEEN/ STUDY 6 int +10 local Project An international language camp is organized by the language school “In Down Town”, non-profit association “Alternative Language Programs Satellite” and youth exchange association EstYES. The camp is aimed to introduce the diversity of world cultures to the teenagers aged 14 -17 through language studies and direct contacts with young people from abroad in the hope to help young Estonians to integrate into the modern world. At the same time this camp gives foreign participants a good chance to meet youngsters of Estonia and experience local life staying in the local host families. The language of this camp is Spanish. Program Camp program includes visits to museums and sightseeing of the Estonian capital, meetings with organizations, social games and performances in the open air, actions to protect peace and environment, talks and discussions at the round table. Each day of the camp has its own theme and a special activity. To activate teenagers there will be 4 international volunteers and members of the school staff. NB! Since there will be French and German speaking camps taking place In Down Town School at the same time with this Spanish one some joined activities for both camps like sport competitions, parties, etc. are foreseen. Accommodation In the apartments of the host families in Tallinn. Participants will have breakfast and dinner in the host families, lunch – all together in the city. Location Camp takes place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. More information on www.tallinn.ee Terminal Airport, bus & train station, harbor in Tallinn. Pick up by host families at the arrival point is possible upon request. Special requirements We will welcome all interesting ideas for the program and your active participation in it. Since Spanish is a camp language, relatively good level of spoken Spanish is required. The age of participants is 14 - 17. Participation fee Unlike the traditional camp there will be no work but linguistic studies and informal educational activities. Besides regular costs for board, lodging, domestic transport, materials, etc. the program involves extra expenses for excursions, visits, cultural activities and general administration. Since neither EstYES nor its camp partner ALPS does not receive any financial support for this camp from municipality or any private sources to make camp happened we have to charge the participation fee of 175 Euro, which has to be paid by participants upon arrival to the camp. EST T7 KUUSTE MALEV TARTU 16.07- 27.07 MANU 15 int +15 locals Project This camp will take place in South-Estonia in Tartu County. The global aim of this project is to restore the old tradition of summer students’ work camps (called “Malev” in Estonian), which where really popular in 70s and 80s in Estonia. Those years thousands of school students during their summer vacations went voluntarily to the countryside to help farmers to do seasonal works and to spend their free time in a meaningful way in the great atmosphere of adventure and friendship. Nowadays some youth organisations are trying to re-introduce old tradition, and the camp in Kuuste is one of such attempts. The participation of international volunteers is seen as an innovative and attractive element aimed to introduce multiculturalism to the youth through intercultural exchange and contacts local youth will get working alongside with international volunteers. Living and working together is the best way to learn about each other! Work Mainly manual work around cultural & historical objects: cleaning up the historical school park, maintaining fences, painting, cutting bushes around old school house. International volunteers will work and live together with local youngsters aged 15-18. Working time will be after breakfast till lunchtime. After lunch there will be various sport and culture activities for the group. The work takes place from 17th to 24th of July. On 25th and 26th of July there will be a reunion of 7 local camps (Malevs) of Tartu County in Lahte. It will gather around 200 young people for the sport and music competitions, big party and fun. Accommodation Accommodation will be in the Kuuste school house. Please bring sleeping bag and mat. Toilet and showers are available. Meals will be prepared 3 times a day by kitchen stuff. Location Tartu County lies between two big lakes – Lake Peipsi and Lake Vortsjarv. County capital Tartu is university town with 100 000 inhabitants. More information on www.tartumaa.ee, www.visitestonia.com, http://turism.tartumaa.ee Kuuste, where the camp takes place, lies 17km from Tartu. Terminal Airport, harbor, bus or train station in Tallinn; bus to Tartu. Special requirements No special skills are needed. Tools for the work will be provided. Please bring sleeping bag, working clothes and gloves. English is the camp language. The age of volunteers is 15-17. Leisure time After the work there will be games, discussions, brainstorming, culture and sport activities, hikes, theme parties, dance parties etc. Besides all organized activities there is enough space for your ideas. There will be also an excursion around South-Estonia. Some culture events and festivals are being held in Tartu at the same time with the camp and visits to Tartu are foreseen. The big reunion of 7 camps with contests, sport, music, parties will be held in Lahte on 25th -26th of July. Partiicpation fee To cover administrative and pedagogical costs as well as the costs for leisure time activities of this camp participation fee of 70 Euro is requested from volunteers. It has to be paid upon arrival to the camp. GENERAL REGULATION FOR HOSTING TEENAGERS IN THE CAMPS IN ESTONIA Accommodation is usually separate for boys and girls, 5-8 people in the room. Washing in shower does not have to be provided every day, but 2-3 times a week, however in reality it can be available on request every day. The standard of accommodation and facilities are controlled by sanitary service. It has to be accepted for each camp before it starts. Food is normally given 3-4 times a day. There are special rules concerning food for children (amount of calories, nutrition, diversity, etc). Kitchen facilities and quality of food is regular checked by sanitary service. Pick up service on arrival can be arranged upon request either by host families, where teenage participants stay, or by EstYES staff. In latter case we may have to charge modest contribution to cover costs of going to airport/ bus station/ terminal in the harbour. Each child has to present medical certificate to be accepted to the camp. In case of any decease additional information form parents is requested. If child has to take any medicine and brings it to the camp, it is kept by doctor or educator and given to child according to his needs. In case of serious illness, which cannot be treated at the camp, child is sent home. There must be a doctor in the camp available 24 hours a day. It is obligatory to have health insurance by foreign participants. Safety: the camp director and leaders have the responsibility for safety of children. There are certain restrictions concerning swimming, going alone from the camp, doing sport. Camp staff passes training and exams on first aid and fire situation. There is fire fighting equipment in the camp. Fire safety is checked by fire fighting authorities. Going out of the camp without adult is usually a matter of internal regulation of each camp and it takes into account the general situation, camp location, surrounding, etc. According to national legislation it is not allowed for teenagers to stay out after 22.00 without accompanying adults. If parents during camp visit want to take child for a walk they write voucher to the camp administration to take out the responsibility for child from administration to themselves. The number of leaders is counted as one per 10-12 kids. The educator is always an adult with pedagogical education. All leaders have to pass special training by Ministry of Education, make exam and get certificate, which is valid for 5 years. After this period they have to make new course and exam. There is also additional training on behalf of the camp. Swimming is allowed only under supervision of adults: one adult in the water, another on shore and in the groups of 7-10 people. Normally swimming should last 7-12 min depending on age of children and water temperature. For leisure time activities general discipline rules apply. The main idea is that games, exercises, etc. should not disturb or endanger other participants. Practically there should be always an adult with the group for the supervision. Working hours does not exceed 3-6 hours a day. Physically demanding work is not allowed. Camp organisers provide safety during work, explaining the rules and monitoring it. Smoking is prohibited in the camps. It is not allowed for those under 18 by Estonian law. Consuming of any alcohol is strictly prohibited in the camps. It is not allowed for those under 18 by Estonian law. Any drugs are strictly prohibited in the camps and by the Estonian law. All this is not only the question of legal responsibility of educator, but the matter of national legislation and administrative regulation, and in case of the violation of these rules the criminal or administrative responsibility may be applied to teenage participant! EST MTV SOOMETSA MTV PARNU 19.05 - 17.08 KIDS 1 vol Project This project is organized for the children and youth of Soometsa village by the initiative and with the support of Parnu County Regional Development Centre The project’s aim is bring fresh ideas into the life of a village and contribute to the local development by managing interactive functioning youth-room in the new Community House, suggesting and running various summer activites for the local kids, giving them an opportunity to learn and practice English in a non-formal way and friendly atmosphere. Most of those kids have little possibility to meet foreigners before, so they have an actual need to discover new cultures and try a new way of communication. The mission of the international volunteer coming to such a small village is to promote cultural exchanges and help the local people to broaden their horizons. Work The volunteer is expected to help running the youth-room in the Soometsa Community House and to organise summer activities for local youth and children. There are about 30 children and youngsters with whom the volunteer are supposed to work with while the parents are at work during the day time. There are two age groups – kids under 11 and between 12 and 16. It is challenging task to communicate with the kids as their English may be not good enough, but take it positively and be creative! Possible activities to do: sport, games, other outdoor activities, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, hiking (Soometsa is a beautiful nature resource), excursions, initiating non-formal language courses (maybe a Conversation club with interactive communication). The latter can be actually mutual, if volunteer is interested to learn some Estonian! There is also some manual work to do like maintaining a sport ground close to the Community House. As there will be two teenage workcamps in July and August with 8 international and 8 local participants MTV volunteer is also expected to become a coordinator of these camps. Board & lodging Volunteer will have a room in the Community House. It also has toilet, shower and fully equipped kitchen, where volunteer will cook using the ingredients provided by local community. Sleeping bag is needed. Special requirements Good knowledge of English and high motivation to work with children is required. Previous experience in project management and organizational skills is an asset. All interesting ideas of activities for kids, games etc. are welcome. You should be ready to live in a very small place in the country side and do physical work time to time. It will be really appreciated if volunteer is a non-smoker. Volunteer will be working in close contacts with the kids, so (s)he is kindly asked not to drink alcohol in the Community House. The minimum age is 20. Location Hademeeste area is distinctive Estonian bio-geographical region of bogs, holding a big variety of valuable nature species. Soometsa is surrounded by Rannametsa-Soometsa nature reserves. www.luitemaa.eoy.ee/main_eng.htm Soometsa village is a group of farm houses, laying in the 7 km long area, located in the Hademeeste parish of Parnu County www.aboutromania.com/EstoniaMap.gif It lies 25 km to south from the Estonian summer capital city Parnu, which is famous as the most delightful of resorts, featuring various attractions especially during summer season. The total population of Soometsa community is 150. The inhabitants are mostly farmers. NB! The village is a long way from the municipality centre and there are no services, shops, school, etc. there. More information about Soometsa on www.soometsa.ee Terminal Airport, bus or train station, harbor in Tallinn; bus to Pärnu; local bus to Soometsa. Leisure time This project provides excellent opportunity to establish contacts with young Estonians and to experience vivid local life during three summer months. You might wish to visit Tallinn (about 2 hours from Parnu by bus) some days which could be connected with Medieval Market in Old Town of Tallinn 10-13 July and the Beer Summer Festival 2-6 July (www.ollesummer.ee) or other events. For more information about traveling in Estonia, please, check www.turismiweb.ee/en/, www.maaturism.ee/new/index.php?keel=eng, www.visitestonia.com