SEEDS 016. Construction & Manual work by Mount Esja

PROJECT: This is the second year that SEEDS volunteers support this project in Kjalarnes. Our hosts are developing a holistic and permaculture skill centre aimed towards improving people’s connection with nature and themselves.  They offer courses, workshops, retreats, ceremonies and events related to permaculture and alternative lifestyle.  Under the mountain Esja they offer people a path in which to meet themselves in a unique way within “the arms” of this magical mountain.

Previous volunteer groups assisted with the project of transforming some Reykjavík buses into small cabin units. This Up-cycling project was a great success and is a core part of their mission to inspire humanity towards an environmental state of consciousness in a playful, creative manner.

The project that now lies ahead is part of offering experiences that allow for transformation and wellness. The volunteers will help create an Icelandic style Sweat Lodge, a traditional style turf and rock building that people sit within and experience the heat from rocks (heated on fire) and steam as water is poured on those rocks.

No previous experience is needed but some carpentry skills or experience on earth work to create the rock and turf walls may be helpful. In any case there will be a chief carpenter and team leader. 

This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers with passion, interest and stamina to be a part of the development of this unique centre and to get to know the ideology behind it. The project is mostly using natural materials or reusing/repurposing old ones to build up the centre and to beautify the surrounding environment.

SEEDS volunteers may also help to beautify the surroundings of the farm by landscaping, laying turf, picking up trash and working on paths to protect the area from unnecessary passage and harm. Volunteers might also do some renovation tasks, such as painting. 

Volunteers need motivation to work outdoors in changeable weather conditions. As most of the project happens outdoors, volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities (as) planned.  

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms or in the repurposed buses. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions in the shared accommodation. 

Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. 

Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. 

LOCATION: The old farm in Kjalarnes is located about 30 minutes away from the capital Reykjavik with all its attractions. From the location you can walk to the beach or up the mountain, go horseback riding, find Hot Springs, Lava fields, waterfalls and Þingvellir, one of our finest National parks lies within an hour drive.  Mosfellsbær, the nearest town, has an excellent thermal pool with a sauna, gym and jacuzzi hot tubs, a golf course, craft shops and food shops.

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 EUR 200 (Euros). The fee can be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transport from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day).

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 15 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Some excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore, Reykjanes, the Hot River Hike or Snæfellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares if there is additional free time after the camp work or during the weekends. 

It may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.