Questions and answers about volunteer camps

What do I need to know about volunteer camps?

The SCI camps are hosted by a local project partner that develops a project according to the needs of the territory and its population. The local project partner organises the camps in collaboration with the branches and partners of the SCI network.

There are volunteer camps with many different themes: choose the ones that motivate you the most!

The volunteer camp is divided into three parts: the work part, the study part and the leisure hours.

The group of volunteers is heterogeneous (we try not to have more than 2 people per origin), and is coordinated by a local volunteer.

Who can participate?

• People from the age of 16 and without a maximum age residing in Switzerland. From the age of 16 you can participate in camps in Switzerland, Europe and North-America. To participate in camps in the so-called Global South you must be at least 18 years.
• Children and young people under the age of 16 can participate accompanied by their legal guardians in family camps.
• There are volunteer camps adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Do I need to speak English?

In most of the SCI volunteer camps, English is the communication language for the camp. But this is not the case in all of the volunteer camps, so check the camp language carefully in the camp description.

Even if you do not need to have a perfect English level, we highly recommend at least to have a basic knowledge, because it will allow you to understand e.g. work instructions and to communicate with other volunteers and the project partner. Be honest with yourself, and be aware that there are of course different ways to communicate!

Can I go with my children?

Yes! There are family-friendly volunteer camps! It is always explained in the camp description. Make sure of the minimum age allowed for each camp, because it may change. You can also filter in the volunteer camp search engine by selecting the option “Open for Children” under “Misc.” to see the available volunteer camps for children. 

Can I take part in a volunteer camp if I have a disability?

Yes! There are volunteer camps that are specifically accessible to people in wheelchairs. Further details are always provided in the description of the volunteer camp. You can use the ‘Misc.’ section of the volunteer camp search engine to select the ‘Open to people in wheelchairs’ option and filter for available volunteer camps. If you have any further requirements or questions, we’re always here to help.

Can I participate in a volunteer camp if I am under the age of 18?

Yes, but not in all of them. In the volunteer camp search engine you must choose “Misc.” and then “International volunteers under 18” option to see the available camps. You will need the authorization of your legal guardians, and you will also have to attend the pre-departure training.

Do I have to attend a previous training?

If you are a minor, it is mandatory that you participate in a pre-departure training from SCI. The pre-departure training is also compulsory for people joining volunteer camps or LTV projects in the so-called Global South.

SCI Switzerland offers around 2 trainings per year (in spring and in autumn). Find all the information here.

How do I find my volunteer camp?

You can use our volunteer camp search engine. It is possible to filter the camps by dates, country, subject matter, etc. Or you can contact us with your ideas and we will help you!

I want to do a camp in summer, why can’t I find a volunteer camp?

The search engine shows you all the volunteer camps available. It is a constantly evolving database, every day volunteer camps that are full disappear and new volunteer camps appear as they are published and become available. If you want to join volunteer camps in summer, keep in mind that around March/April  the camps are published on the search engine and that earlier you might find only a few options.

Can I join two (or more) volunteer camps?

Yes, you can. But you will have to fill two (or more) separate application forms in the volunteer camp database. Keep in mind that you only have to pay the membership fee once a year (so this amount will be deducted from the price in the second and all the following volunteer camp in the same year)!

Can I go with a friend?

We advise you to participate alone in a camp, as we observed that the lived experience and openness towards the group is much better. If you still want to participate in a volunteer camp together with another person, we advise you to make the request as soon as possible. You can send us a mail and explain us that you would like to do it together and specify it also in your application forms. You should also keep in mind that the process could take longer and that in the end it is up to the hosting organization, whether they accept both of you or not.

Do I need previous experience? 

No, you usually only need motivation! But there are some specific volunteer camps where special knowledge or skills are requested. If it is the case, you will find it in the camp description under the point of requirements.

Do you offer placements in orphanages?

No. SCI Switzerland attaches the utmost importance to ethical practices in the context of volunteering. In line with our commitment, we do not send volunteers to orphanages. This decision is based on several important reasons.

How much does it cost to participate in a volunteer camp?

The total participation fee for a volunteer camp is CHF 390. If you are a student at school or university, a AHV/IV recipient or unemployed a reduction of CHF 100 is granted; and if you are a refugee or asylum seeking person, SCI Switzerland will cover your costs. Find more information here.

This fee includes the annual membership, the administrative expenses and the SCI insurance.

What do I have to pay myself?

The journey to the camp is at the expense of the volunteer. Generally, the costs of food and accommodation during the stay are included in the fee. However, there are volunteer camps that have an extra fee.

Why pay for volunteering?

SCI Switzerland is a certified non-profit organisation. In order to organise and arrange volunteer placements, as well as for the preparation and follow-up of volunteers and camp coordinators, we rely on participation fees, membership fees and donations. The participation fee covers only a small part of the real expenses. SCI Switzerland is mainly supported by its long-standing members and donors, as well as by state funding. Furthermore, SCI Switzerland realises the volunteer camps mainly with the help of the local project partners.

Why is there an extra fee for some volunteer camps?

These fees have nothing to do with SCI Switzerland. The reason for extra costs is because some of our project partners do not have enough resources to cover all the costs and they ask for a little contribution to carry on with their projects. In case your volunteer camp has an extra fee, this is mentioned in the specific camp description in the volunteer camp database.

When do I buy the travel ticket?

We suggest you to do it as soon as your place in the volunteer camp is confirmed. SCI Switzerland accepts no liability for travel tickets that were already purchased (in case of cancellation of a volunteer camp).

How can I travel more sustainably?

A volunteer camp offers the opportunity to travel as sustainably as possible, including on your journey there and back. Find out about climate-friendly travel options and learn more about your carbon footprint. You can find further tips here.

What do I need to bring?

Don’t worry, you will find this information in the info sheet you will receive once registered, as it depends on the work and on the accommodation conditions.

Do I have an insurance during the volunteer camp?

You are automatically insured by the SCI insurance during the days of your volunter camp (not during your travel days though). Many health insurance companies offer their insured persons additional travel insurance. Make sure that the return transport for medical reasons and medical costs are included.

Do I need to have a VISA?

It depends on the country you travel to. You can check it with the embassy of the country. In case you would need an invitation letter, the SCI hosting branch or partner will provide you with it.

Do I need any vaccinations?

It depends on the country you travel to. Good preparation helps ensure that your volunteer camp goes smoothly and safely. You should therefore find out in good time about health recommendations for your destination via the Zentrum für Tropen- und Reisemedizin and Healthy Travel.

How should I manage my medication and hygiene essentials?

Take sufficient quantities of any personal medication with you, as these may not be available – or may be difficult to obtain – in your destination country. Before you travel, check your airline’s transport regulations, particularly if you need to carry medicines or medical aids in your hand luggage. Also, not every country stocks all the same toiletries.

Where can I find more information about my destination country?

We recommend the FDFA’s travel advice and tips for before and during trips; here you will also find safety advice and embassy contact details for your country of destination.

What happens if I cancel my participation in a volunteer camp after having paid?

If you cancel at the beginning of the camp, do not show up without notice, or leave the volunteer camp early, we will have to charge you the full fee for the volunteer camp. In case of cancellation up to three weeks before the start of the volunteer camp, we will charge you 60% of the participation fee (for later cancellations 80% of the participation fee). If you change your mind after the successful application and want rebook for another volunteer camp, we will charge you a replacement fee of CHF 50.

Is the membership fee refundable?

No, it is not, as every member has the right to participate in other volunteer camps throughout the year in addition to participating in the rest of the SCI’s volunteering and activities.