Environmental Advent & Red cross in Reykjavík

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to share and learn on Environmental issues while at the same time assist in fundraising for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

How aware are we of our environment? What are our priorities in life? Do we value our possessions or our relationships? Why? How has the humanity reached a state of no return? Why didn't we prevent it? These and many more questions will be the focus of the project training sessions.

SEEDS coordinators will prepare different topics, workshops, visits and activities related to the issues of the project. The schedule may include workshops/sessions on sustainable development, the environment; carbon emissions, organic farming, the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and renewable energy sources (focus on Iceland's hydroelectric and geothermal energy).

During this process we will organize visits with environmental interest such as going to the recycle centres of Reykjavik (SORPA) or a geothermal power plant.

Apart from the environmental workshops, volunteers will join the festive atmosphere during 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. We will help in the preparation by putting up the chocolate stations, decorating the tables, making the chocolate and taking it to the different stations around the city. At the end, we will assist in taking down the stations and leaving the areas clean.

Volunteers will also work with the Salvation Army helping them with fundraising among other tasks.

Volunteers with artistic skills, such as singing, juggling, playing music are encouraged to apply for this camp as they will have the chance to perform during the chocolate hand-out and help to create a nice and friendly atmosphere.

ACCOMMODATION SEEDS volunteers will stay in a house in down town Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with only one shower and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions. Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The population of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”.  There is more to Reykjavík 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 December you can see the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

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 180 (Euros). Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Tours and excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) can be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and in the winter it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm winter clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats as part of the project takes place outside.

Age: 18+