Art
workshops
and renovation activities in Reykjavik
Reykjavik
January 24 - February 5, 2012
Reykjavik
February 7 - February 19, 2012
Reykjavik
February 21 - March 4, 2012
Reykjavik
March 6 - March 18, 2012
Reykjavik
April 17 - April 29, 2012
Volunteer project: The Art and Renovation project in Reykjavik has two major activities. The volunteers will help renovating houses in downtown Reykjavik so that they can be used to host intercultural workshops. During the project, the volunteers will paint, move furniture, and work on the renovation of the houses. The volunteers will also participate in art, music or visual art workshops. If you are interested in art or renovation, you will have a very good time in this volunteer project.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to
the local geothermally-heated swimming pools in Reykjavik.
Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in
Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor
swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms.
On weekends, the central location of the accommodations is ideal for
enjoying Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its
wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions will be organised to some of the
most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to
offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial
lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers,
lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or
even icebergs.
About Reykjavik Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 300,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favorable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas. The accommodation is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theaters, shops, museums, and bus stations.
Location: Reykjavik
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Forestry and gardening activities in the
Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi
Hveragerði
January 30 - February 13, 2012
Hveragerði
February 27 - March 12, 2012
Hveragerði
March 12 - March 26, 2012
Hveragerði
March 26 - April 9, 2012
Hveragerði April 9
- April 23, 2012
Hveragerði April
23 - May 7, 2012
Hveragerði May 7 -
May 21, 2012
Hveragerði May 21
- June 4, 2012
Volunteer project: Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies some 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means ‘hot springs garden.’ Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood, and you probably won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely ‘Steam Valley’ behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents.
Our host is the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic which is a part of the Nature Health Association of Iceland. Every year approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patients’ own health. The Clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, since its foundation in 1955 for personal and effective care of patients. It is the oldest and one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland.
The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where the international volunteers will work most of the time. The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pools. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms. Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including a river heated by hot springs.
Accommodation: The volunteers stay in a fully equipped
bungalow consisting of several double rooms. Volunteers need to bring
their own sleeping bag, but mattresses are provided. Free wireless
internet is available, but volunteers need to bring their own laptops if
they would like to connect to it.
All meals are provided and cooked by our hosts, the Rehabilitation and
Health Clinic. The menu for the project is primarily vegetarian, but two
times a week it includes locally-caught fish from Iceland. The food at
the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic is known throughout Iceland for its
high quality.
Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 120 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
The power of the runes
Reykjavik
February 7 - February 19, 2012
Reykjavik
March 6 - March 18, 2012
Reykjavik May 1 -
May 13, 2012
Volunteer project: The aim of this project is to give volunteers the opportunity to learn about the myths and legends of runes and the old Viking religion. Volunteers create runes out of Icelandic volcanic magic stones, producing enough for the participant to take one set home and to leave others in the cultural centre in Reykjavik.
During the project, volunteers will collect volcanic stones from
specific places in the west part of Iceland where nature has shaped and
made really beautiful magic stones. Afterwards they will convert the
stones into runes in the workshop in Reykjavik. The volunteers will
learn about the history of the places where the stones come from, as
well as the importance of the healing energy of the stones. The workcamp
will include a visit to Snæfellsnes, the location of the glacier
Snæfellsjökull, which is famous for the power and energy that many
spiritually-minded people sense. It is said to be one of the seven
greatest energy centres of the earth.
The workshop is divided into two parts:
Workshop 1º:
1. Travel to collect the stones
2. Define different designs to be carved into the stones
3. Carve the stones and transform them into runes
4. Paint over the design carved into each rune
5. Cut leather and make bags for each set of runes
6. Print and create the legend for each bag
Workshop 2º:
1. Define different drawings and designs for necklaces and bracelets
2. Carve the stones with different designs
3. Paint over the design carved into each rune
4. Finalize necklaces and bracelets
The handicrafts made during this project will be used to raise money for materials needed for volunteer workcamps organized in Tierra Bomba, which is a very poor island in the Caribbean Ocean near the coast of Colombia.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to
the local geothermally-heated swimming pools in Reykjavik.
Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in
Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor
swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms.
On weekends, the central location of the accommodations is ideal for
enjoying Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its
wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions will be organised to some of the
most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to
offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial
lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers,
lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or
even icebergs.
About Reykjavik Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 300,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favorable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas. The accommodation is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theaters, shops, museums, and bus stations.
Location: Reykjavík
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 180 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Introducing different cultures to kindergarten
children
Reykjavik
February 21 - March 4, 2012
Volunteer project: The international volunteers will prepare games, songs, and materials to present to kindergarten students to introduce the kids to different cultures. Volunteers are asked to bring cultural materials from home that can be used in these presentations. The volunteers may also participate in other related activities in central Reykjavik.
The volunteers will collect volcanic stones from specific places in the west part of Iceland where nature has shaped and made really beautiful magic stones. Afterwards they will convert the stones into runes in the workshop in Reykjavik. The volunteers will learn about the history of the places where the stones come from, as well as the importance of the healing energy of the stones. The workcamp will include a visit to Snæfellsnes, the location of the glacier Snæfellsjökull, which is famous for the power and energy that many spiritually-minded people sense. It is said to be one of the seven greatest energy centres of the earth.
The workshop is divided into two parts:
Workshop 1º:
1. Travel to collect the stones
2. Define different designs to be carved into the stones
3. Carve the stones and transform them into runes
4. Paint over the design carved into each rune
5. Cut leather and make bags for each set of runes
6. Print and create the legend for each bag
Workshop 2º:
1. Define different drawings and designs for necklaces and bracelets
2. Carve the stones with different designs
3. Paint over the design carved into each rune
4. Finalize necklaces and bracelets
The handicrafts made during this project will be used to raise money for materials needed for volunteer workcamps organized in Tierra Bomba, which is a very poor island in the Caribbean Ocean near the coast of Colombia.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to
the local geothermally-heated swimming pools in Reykjavik.
Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in
Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor
swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms.
On weekends, the central location of the accommodations is ideal for
enjoying Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its
wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions will be organised to some of the
most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to
offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial
lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers,
lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or
even icebergs.
About Reykjavik Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 300,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favorable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas. The accommodation is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theaters, shops, museums, and bus stations.
Location: Reykjavik
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 150 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Photography
workshop in Reykjavik
Reykjavik
March 20 - April 1, 2012
Volunteer project: The purpose of this project is to involve international volunteers in a group experience where they can improve their communication and visual arts skills by capturing some memories in an unforgettable way using photographs and videos. Volunteers will put into action ideas about photography from capture to finished image. In this project, the volunteers will learn together from each other how to better express their vision and how to digitally edit images to highlight the same qualities that drew them to the scene to begin with. Volunteers will work on different themes, such as landscape, fishermen’s life, light and colour, local lifestyle etc. In the evenings the volunteers will gather together to share photos and the project will culminate in a photo exhibition.
This project is a way to enjoy an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge on photography with each other while they are exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning. So don’t worry if you’re not an experienced photographer, because the project doesn’t require advanced knowledge and it isn’t a competition. Please note that volunteers need to bring their own cameras. The volunteers should also keep in mind that the leaders are not professional photographers.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to
the local geothermally-heated swimming pools in Reykjavik.
Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in
Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor
swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms.
On weekends, the central location of the accommodation is ideal for
enjoying Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its
wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions will be organised to some of the
most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to
offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial
lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers,
lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or
even icebergs.
About Reykjavik In Reykjavik you can easily feel the pure energy at the heart of Iceland‘s capital city - whether it springs from the underground boiling thermal energy or radiates from the green scenery surrounding the city. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. Reykjavik offers both the features of a modern and innovative society and the marvellous traits of a unique natural landscape. The population of the Reykjavik Area is about 200,000. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula offering a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean from nearly every part of the city. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier towers over the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas. The accommodation is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theaters, shops, museums, and bus stations.
Location: Reykjavik
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Age range: 18 - 40 years old
Extra fee: 150 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Water,
nature and sustainable energy
Fjarðabyggð
April 5 - April 17, 2012
Fjarðabyggð
April 19 - May 1, 2012
Volunteer project: Iceland is a country extremely rich
in water resources. Frequent rainfall, snow, and ice melt feed lakes,
cold-water springs, and rivers all over the island, some of which is
used to generate electricity in hydro-power plants. The country is
situated on the mid-Atlantic ridge, and there is constant volcanic
activity beneath the surface of many parts of the island. As a result,
many natural underground water reservoirs are heated geothermally, and
where this water comes to the surface it forms hotsprings and geysers.
Heat from these geothermal water reservoirs is used for making
electricity and to heat buildings. Iceland is the only western country
that meets all of its electricity needs from emission-free and
sustainable natural resources in the form of geothermal and hydro power.
The volunteer project will start in Reykjavik and we will spend the first day in the capital. The major part of the project will take place in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. On the second day we will travel through the South all the way to Eskifjörður. During day three and four we will visit several places in the East related to the topic of the workcamp. On the last day, we will travel through the North all the way to Reykjavik. The project will therefore include extensive travel around Iceland to the south, east, and north to visit a variety of different sites. This will involve driving for over 2000 km over five days to travel all around the island in order to effectively carry out the study/visit program of the workcamp.
Fjarðabyggð is an association of different communities in the eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the towns of Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Mjóifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður and Stöðvarfjörður, all tiny fishing villages with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. This area showcases some of features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife, and countless breathtaking hiking paths.
In Eskifjörður, the activities are divided between the morning and the afternoon. In the morning, the volunteers perform outdoor work, which may include planting trees, fixing hiking paths, painting or weeding. In the afternoon, volunteers will work together on the study theme, “Water, Nature, and Sustainable Energy”. This will include workshops, discussions, and also occasional site visits to relevant natural features, plants, infrastructure, and industries. Examples of potential site visit destinations include geothermal and hydropower plants, geothermal hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and companies that make major use of water and electricity, such as aluminum smelters.
Study theme: Water, nature and sustainable energy
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers will have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pools in Reykjavik. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms.
About Reykjavik Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favorable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Accommodation: In the capital, the volunteers will stay in one of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge, and volunteers also have free access to shared desktop computers in communal areas. The accommodation is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theaters, shops, museums, and bus stations.
In Eskifjörður, the volunteers will stay in a community building. Volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags. Mattresses are provided. During the travel we will also have a chance to visit some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Some of these are unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Location: Reykjavik & Fjarðabyggð
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Cadip volunteer project review:
"I am
happy to tell you that I enjoyed the workcamp very much. It was very
well organised. We not only were able to enjoy the volunteer work, but
also had time to travel around on our days off. We had two very good
team leaders and everyone in the group got along really well with the
others. The local Icelandic people were also very kind and nice. We were
invited for BBQs and dinners, fishing, rode on a Viking Boat. These were
all great experiences. I’ve attached some of the photos taken during the
workcamp.
Thank you very much for
your help and assistance."
Ho Lun C.,
Cadip volunteer 2009
Cadip volunteer project review:
"The
project was an amazing experience for me. Everyone I worked with in
Solheimar was great, volunteers and locals alike. The guy that led
everything, Valgeir, was great to get to know and everything was
incredibly organized. He showed us around on our first day there and
gave us a detailed tour of the village. The first four days, I worked
outside with Urn and did landscaping (painting, laying down turf, etc),
the rest of the time I worked in the forestry area or in the organic
cultivation area. The people in those 'departments' were also great and
I learned so much. During my stay there the group was invited for coffee
and tea at one of the lady's house, which was nice to see an Icelander's
house. I think doing this workcamp was one of the best experiences of my
life....getting to know people from all over Europe as well as learning
about Icelandic culture while working cannot be beat. We also had the
chance to do excursions on our free time which was organized by Valgeir
as well as some that were organized by the group itself (the group of
volunteers). I will definitely do a workcamp again in the future."
Fatemeh B.,
Cadip volunteer 2007
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