IMPRESSIONS FROM OUR WORKCAMPS

Learn more about workcamps in Switzerland

Workcamps are short-term volunteer assignments in an international group. SCI Switzerland organises various workcamps in Switzerland every year. Below you will find five examples. Find out how the volunteers live and work together at the workcamps. Former participants talk about the new experiences they had and how they were able to support local communities through volunteering.

These five workcamps 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 workcamp, 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 workcamps 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.

Anna from Spain

 

 

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.

Gül from Turkey

 

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 workcamp, 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 workcamp takes place in Zurich-City, volunteers have access to a wide range of leisure activities, depending on their interests.

 

 

Holiday Camp for Asylum-Seeking Children

 

The asylum sector of the Office for Social Services of the Canton of Valais organizes a summer camp for 30-40 asylum-seeking children aged 5 to 12 years old. The camp takes place in Haute-Nendaz (VS).

In this workcamp, volunteers manage the daily life of these children, who often come from unstable and challenging backgrounds. They organize leisure activities, relaxation, and discovery-based experiences. Like that, they provide the children with a joyful and safe environment.

Volunteers stay at the camp with the children, and meals are prepared by professional cooks. They also have one free afternoon and an additional free day mid-week to explore the region’s must-sees.

Bringing smiles to the faces of children who have been through difficult times was an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the organizers, these kids got the chance to enjoy life despite their hardships. This experience deeply moved me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something so meaningful.

Tembo from Switzerland

 

 

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.

Anna from Serbia

 

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 workcamp, 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 workcamp 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 workcamp, 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 workcamp truly special.

Marco from Italy

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.

Learn more

https://samouraimma.com/