Christmas Environmentally aware in Reykjavík

PROJECT:  The Environmentally Aware learning camp will allow you to learn about global & local environmental issues through theory and practice. If you are concerned, for example, about climate change, waste management, animal protection, sustainable solutions & other environmental topics then this project is for you. Local Icelandic environmental issues as well as issues from the participants’ countries will be addressed.

Please note this project is a learning/sharing camp, in which everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience, and not a standard workcamp. The main focus of this camp is to learn about different aspects of environmental issues through a selection of workshops. Topics may include issues like renewable energy, food waste, and sustainable practices such as collaborative consumption and veganism. The over 2 million tourists coming to Iceland every year leave a mark on the country. This camp will help you to be an environmentally aware traveller & consumer.

Participants also get the chance to visit local projects focused on the environment, such as a visit to a local recycling centre whereby a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained.

SEEDS participants may also get a chance to improve the local environment through hands-on activities, the camp may include a day or two of voluntary service but in some cases it will not be possible, as the weather does not always allow activities to take place outdoors. Apart from the camp tasks and workshops, participants may join the festive atmosphere during Christmas and if possible some days by handing out hot chocolate in the city centre as a way of fundraising for non-for-profit projects of the Icelandic Red Cross.

This is a camp that combines learning, sharing, exploring Reykjavík, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about environmental issues in their home country with the group.

ACCOMMODATION:  SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions.

Participants will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

We will receive food supplies and the group will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international dinner.

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides.

Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is more than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, geothermal park, lakes, mountains and many more.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee is EUR 300 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day of the camp). Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on December 9 at SEEDS Office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp.

Some excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South Shore, Northern lights/Aurora Borealis or Reykjanes) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after the workshops and sessions of the camp. We also offer some local  leisure activities such as the cinema and the flea market.

Weather may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as part of the project takes place outside.