Work & Fun in the South

WORK/PROJECT: This project gives SEEDS volunteers again the opportunity to live and work in beautiful surroundings in Úlfljótsvatn in cooperation with our host, the Icelandic Girls and Boys Scouts Association.

The project offers diverse tasks and various experiences for SEEDS volunteers. Volunteers will beautify the surroundings by cleaning up the area, carry out some planting and gardening activities as well and possibly make and maintain walking paths.

Depending on the advance of the project, volunteers might do other possible tasks, like checking up and repairing old fences and light maintenance work in the huts, such as panting.

The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to do the diverse tasks connected with the project.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a local hut, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The area has a well equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The Úlfljótsvatn Scout Center is about 50 km to the east from the capital, Reykjavík. The land is originally a farmland and a property of the city of Reykjavik. The scouts in Iceland have rented a piece of the land for over 60 years. Úlfljótsvatn has been for decades the centre for outdoor activities, leader training and summer camp for scouts and guides in Iceland.

The nature is beautiful and outdoor activities are many with a nature trail, adventure trail and a water safari. Thousands of trees have been planted near the centre in the last 15 years. There is a climbing and abseiling tower in the area. Fishing is good in the lake and there are canoes, kayaks, rowing boats at the centre. Today’s most popular boats are 4 persons pedal boats. At the centre there is a 10m high outdoor climbing wall. It is used both for practice and fun in abseiling and climbing.

The camp is located about 26 km from Þingvellir, which literally means "Parliament Plains". At Þingvellir the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine.

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).

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a special shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp which includes the Golden circle excursion. This excursion will be organised on the first day of the camp and it is included in the fee of the project. Departure time will be at 9:00 in the morning.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic krónas and it includes the transportation from Reykjavík to Úlfljótsvatn and back (on the first and last day of the camp), and the Golden Circle excursion.

The camp is located in a place of beautiful surroundings with countless walking and hiking opportunities. Volunteers can also use the kayaks in the lake. Excursions (Blue Lagoon or South Shore) can be organised at discount fares for SEEDS volunteers.

The work can be physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Volunteers should be prepared for cold or rainy weather since the work takes place outdoors. Volunteers have to bring good shoes and clothes, including hats and gloves.

18+