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PARTNER

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Valloire is a lively resort that changes with the seasons. Throughout the year, it welcomes visitors eager to enjoy its stunning landscapes and rich Savoyard culture.Beyond the physical work, you will engage in discussions about a crucial topic: what is the future of a mountain resort in the face of climate challenges? Valloire is considering its future development, and along with Concordia, you will participate in conversations about ecological transition and the evolution of mountain tourism.To complement the work camp, activities and discussions will be organized to help you better understand the regions specificities, history, and future challenges. Between hikes, meetings with local stakeholders, and social moments, your stay will be filled with discoveries and enriching exchanges.

WORK

Looking for a human adventure in the heart of the Alps? Join a committed project in Valloire, one of the most beautiful places in Savoie In collaboration with Concordia and the municipality of Valloire, engage in a project that combines solidarity, environmental commitment, and enhancement of local heritage.Your mission ? Contribute to improving the living environment by building steps on a hiking trail. Supervised by professionals, you will discover environmentally friendly development techniques and work with materials adapted to the site s specific conditions.No specific skills are required just motivation and a willingness to contribute to a meaningful and impactful project Ready to take on the challenge ?

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD

You will be accommodated in individual tents at a campsite in Valloire, with access to restrooms and showers within the establishment. The municipality will provide a section of the community hall, located less than 200 meters from the campsite. We will set up a kitchen and a communal living area there for group activities and as a shelter in case of bad weather.Participants will take turns organizing communal life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and preparing meals using locally sourced products whenever possible. We will promote a primarily vegetarian diet with local and seasonal products, respecting all dietary needs and introducing participants to regional gastronomy.Nights can be cold in the mountains, so bring a warm sleeping bag (comfort temperature around 5-10I(C) and, if needed, a sleeping mat for extra comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the resort and at the campsite. The campsite also has a washing machine. The cost of cleaning your laundry will be at your own expense.

LOCATION & LEISURE ACTIVITY

Located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-RhEne-Alpes region, Valloire consists of 17 hamlets in the heart of the Maurienne massif, near the Italian border. The main village sits at an altitude of 1,400 meters, making it an ideal setting for mountain lovers.For hiking enthusiasts, numerous marked trails await, including the one leading to Lac des Cerces, offering breathtaking views. Nearby, several recreational lakes with swimming areas will help you cool off during hot summer days.History buffs can explore emblematic sites such as the Fort du Telegraphe, an unusual military structure, or the Baroque-style Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption Church, listed as a historical monument.On the culinary side, dont miss tasting locally produced Savoyard cheeses, a true gateway to the regions flavors. The resort also offers a variety of sports and cultural facilities, including a swimming pool, a cinema, a media library, and local shops, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay.As part of your stay, a farm visit may be organized to discuss local food production and discover regional agricultural practices. These activities will be planned by the workcamp leaders and the project partner, based on group preferences.

REQUIREMENTS

Please fill the Parental Agreement and the Medical Fact Sheet as soon as possible (at least 3 weeks before the beginning of the workcamp).The vaccines proofs (a note from the doctor or a copy of the vaccines) is MANDATORY, see list in the Medical Fact Sheet. Unvaccinated volunteers will not be accepted.Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for them, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Host organization

CONCORDIA France

Concordia is a French national non-governmental and non-profit making organisation, founded in 1950 by English, German and French youngsters. Their aim was to enhance the values of tolerance and peace after the 2nd world war by organising international workcamps of young volunteers.

The main objectives of Concordia are the following:
Education i-e helping young people to grow up by acquisition of collective life.
Culture i-e favouring the youth exchanges on an international level, always emphasizing the values of peace, friendship and mutual respect.
Social i-e taking part in concrete actions of solidarity, as well as supporting a civic attitude
Social economy i-e contributing to realisation of local development, in favour of the environment, patrimony, tourism and socio-educational animation.

Workcamps are a perfect tool to reach these goals:
Participating in a workcamp means working voluntarily during three weeks at a project of a common utility, such as environment, archaeology, culture, patrimony. It is a form of informal education, but also an opportunity to discover a new region and its inhabitants. The participants get to know the real life of a small community, as well as the culture and customs of other volunteers, who come from all around the world. Every year Concordia gives the opportunity to more than 1000 French youths to get involved in its partner projects abroad and hosts around 1200 foreign volunteers on its own workcamps in France.

Concordia is a member of:
Three major international networks which support voluntary service:
The Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations which is a network of 30 national organisations in 20 countries and CCIVS (Co-ordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service) which is an organisation founded under the aegis of UNESCO in 1948 and coordinates about 300 organisations worldwide.
- The National Association COTRAVAUX (Co-ordination of French Voluntary Work organisations).
- AVSO (Association of Voluntary Service Association) a European network with the goal of improving European voluntary service.
The other activities of the association continue throughout the year with weekend or short holiday workcamps, mid and long term voluntary service, integration of people with difficulties, study and activity groups (North-South, International), sending and hosting volunteers of European Voluntary Service. Concordia also organises various trainings throughout the year. Those who wish to be even more involved in Concordia’s activities can be elected at the management committee; Concordia is a democratic organisation, led by dynamic and motivated volunteers as well as young people, and supported by paid staff. Today the management committee counts 15 members, there are 1800 subscribers, 25 employees and 200 activity leaders.
The Paris head office supports the eight regional offices activities i-e the Alps, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Normandy, Picardy, South-Southwest, Ile-de-France et Breatagne.

Concordia has the approval of the French Ministry of Youth and Sport and the Ministry of the Environment.