IMPRESSIONS FROM OUR VOLUNTEER CAMPS
Learn more about volunteer camps in Switzerland
Volunteer camps are short-term volunteer assignments in an international group. SCI Switzerland organises various volunteer camps in Switzerland every year. Below you will find five examples. Find out how the volunteers live and work together at the volunteer camps. Former participants talk about the new experiences they had and how they were able to support local communities through volunteering.
These five volunteer camps are organised on a regular basis, so if you are interested, sign up today!
Botanical Garden Alpinum Schatzalp
The private botanical garden “Alpinum Schatzalp” is part of the Berghotel Schatzalp in the heart of the Swiss mountains, near Davos (GR). Its main goals are the conservation of plant species from all over the world, visitor education, and providing a space for local recreation.
In this volunteer camp, volunteers learn about Alpine horticulture and gardening. They work with invasive species and engage in nature conservation activities. Additional tasks include building pathways and preparing flower beds.
Participants sleep in the hotel and eat in the canteen. During their free time, they can organize their own activities, such as hiking along the many scenic trails at an altitude of 1,864m or visiting nearby cities.
International volunteer camps always give me this special feeling. Meeting people from different nationalities and generations while working for free is more valuable than money. You learn to understand and respect different perspectives, and if the experience truly moves you, that mindset lasts a lifetime.
Intercultural Building Project
Last summer, I was looking for international projects to broaden my perspective. In the end, I coordinated a summer camp in Zurich with amazing people at Jugendkulturhaus Dynamo. It felt like a utopia we created together, learning about drills and picking wild berries while building benches with people from all over the world.
The youth center “Dynamo” is a public space in Zurich. It provides young people with opportunities to develop their own projects, network, and learn new skills. It also supports local initiatives.
In this volunteer camp, participants work with various techniques such as woodworking, metalworking, and upcycling. They do so by using leftover and repurposed materials. Volunteers are encouraged to contribute their own creative ideas to the projects.
Accommodation is provided within the youth center. Since the volunteer camp takes place in Zurich-City, volunteers have access to a wide range of leisure activities, depending on their interests.
Preserving traditional chestnut forests
Our partner, the Fondazione Mont Grand, looks after the distinctive, open chestnut forests, maintains the historic buildings in the area and, through educational programmes, promotes knowledge of biodiversity and cultural history. The foundation is also committed to sustainable tourism.
At this volunteer camp, volunteers help to maintain the chestnut forests, assist with nature conservation measures and take part in the hay harvest amongst the trees. In particular, they remove invasive species from the forest that threaten the chestnut trees.
As a participant, you’ll be out in nature, physically active and enjoying the unrivalled views from Mont Grand. You’ll learn new things about biodiversity and the history of the cultural landscape.
Work brings people together, and hard work even more so. Food breaks down barriers. That’s how we all grew closer at the camp in such an interesting and human way. It was a wonderful experience that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Local Non-Profit Music Festival “Hors Tribu”
Volunteering at Hors Tribu was an incredible experience! The festival’s spirit and welcoming community made it truly unique. Creating something special with a team of passionate people was an unforgettable expirience.
The „Hors Tribu“ association organizes a small, independent music festival each year near Môtiers (NE). In 2030, it celebrated its 30th edition! The festival is entirely volunteer-run and remains free from corporate sponsorship and commercial constraints.
In this volunteer camp, volunteers collaborate with local team members on setting up festival structures, cooking, decorating, and more. Creativity is always welcome! The result is an intimate, handmade festival where visitors enjoy a diverse range of music in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The volunteer camp also fosters discussions on topics like “small is beautiful,” “degrowth,” and “do it yourself.”
Participants sleep in a nearby sports hall and cook meals together. In their free time, they can enjoy guided visits to Neuchâtel and other local natural and cultural sites.
Nature Parc Ela – Reconstruction of Dry Stone Walls
Parc Ela is a regional nature park in eastern Switzerland (Savognin GR). It aims to preserve the cultural landscape, support sustainable local economies, and protect the region’s cultural heritage.
In this volunteer camp, volunteers collaborate with park professionals to reconstruct dry stone walls along a historical road. They also contribute to biodiversity conservation by assisting organic farmers for two days. Volunteers receive insights into local wildlife, regional history, and an introduction to the Romansh language.
Accommodation is in a spacious underground facility, and participants cook their own meals. During the weekends, they are free to explore the traditional Felsenfest festival or visit other local attractions.
Helping to restore ancient stone walls in the middle of the Swiss Alps was an unforgettable experience. The combination of physical work, breathtaking scenery, and great teamwork made this volunteer camp truly special.
CREATE A COMMON UNDERSTANDING
Every summer, SCI Switzerland organises social, cultural and ecological volunteer projects that take place throughout Switzerland. The ‘Create a Common Understanding’ project is a project for asylum seekers and refugees and aims to involve asylum seekers* in these projects in summer/autumn.