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PARTNER

Concordia has been organizing international work camps with the city of Clermont-Ferrand since 1993 The city develops participatory projects with residents. Every year, we are present in lively neighborhoods, where residents create shared gardens and local associations organize activities.This work camp invites you to participate in the life of LArbre aux Enfants site by helping to build an outdoor space made entirely of wood.Local young people will be able to participate in the work camp alongside you and help you discover their area.

WORK

Come and help create a relaxation area with local associations and young peopleThe "Arbre aux Enfants" site is a place for learning about the environment and sustainable development, welcoming children, schools, and associations. To enhance their outdoor spaces and give their summer an intercultural boost, the activities team is offering young international volunteers the chance to learn carpentry and woodworking techniques to build a wooden terrace and furniture Other tasks may also be available, such as planting and maintaining green spaces to enhance the site. You will work with other young people from Clermont-Ferrand and will be able to enjoy the outdoor spaces: picnic tables, barbecue, and bread oven for potential intercultural eveningsAttention budding DIY enthusiasts: you will learn how to use hand and power tools alongside a technical facilitator.

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD

You will be accompanied by two camp leaders throughout your stay. You will be staying at "Le Chanset" campsite in Ceyrat, in the Auvergne Volcans Regional Nature Park, near the ChaEne des Puys, in individual tents with inflatable mattresses and a communal large tent for group activities (tents are provided by Concordia). You will share various group tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders and you will help with the shopping, focusing on healthy, local products. Free WiFi is available at the campsite. Laundry can be done by hand or in the washing machines at the campsite (paid service).

LOCATION & LEISURE ACTIVITY

Clermont-Ferrand is the lively capital of the Auvergne region. It is located in an exceptional volcanic area, at the foot of the Puy de DEme volcano and the ChaEne des Puys which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. During your stay, you will be able to enjoy the town s summery energy (shows, concerts, fireworks, etc.) and the countryside which is located right on its doorstep: hiking over the volcans, swimming in the lakes, etc.

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.