RUG002 - Environmental/Festival

Dates: 17th of July to the 30th of July.
Location: the countryside in the south of the Voronezh region
Background Information: The camp will take place in the countryside in the south of the Voronezh region. It’s a small village which is nevertheless is known all over the south of Russia for its unusual landscape, miraculous chalk formations, Red List species of animals and plants, rich history and archeological heritage which includes a church carved in the chalk rocks. A small part of the territory is a preserve which includes an open-air museum. All the rest represents outstanding leisure opportunities for hiking, swimming (since the place is situated around the infall of two rivers), camping (there are 2 natural springs with the drinking water), photographing. The unique nature conditions of the place, its remote location, the access to the drinking water, the fertile soil were the reasons for the monastery to appear at this place. Nowadays the place is very popular with tourists but their chaotic visits and camping at the non-sanctioned places pose a serious threat to the nature and the monuments. The aim of the program is to develop the leisure opportunities which can be offered by the administration of the preserve on the legal basis.
Project Tasks: Volunteers will work about 6 hours a day and help with marking the walking paths, picking up garbage, preparing the camping sites. They will be also involved in preparation for the festival – an open-air event with a number of performing activities, live music and a bonfire. For the last 3 days of the camp you will move to Voronezh city and make reports about the camp and the place in English. These reports will be used on the English version of the official festival website . Please note, that the work can be physically hard (but all open-air!) and the working schedule can vary from a day to a day depending on the weather (Since it can be very hot during the day and the work will be split into 2 sessions which are to be done early in the morning and in the evening).
Who Can Participate?: Anyone with an interest in assisting.
Optional Activities: The place itself provides a wide range of entertainments: apart from hiking and swimming you will have a chance to visit all the open-air sights, the monastery, etc. A particular event is the Night of Museums which will involve artists, actors, musicians and offer traditional food and drinks at night. During your stay in a host family you will have a chance to try Russian food and to learn more about the Russian culture. Guidance around Voronezh city will be also available – you can visit the places of interest, go to a club or to a concert. Please bring your national games and recipes, CDs (we will burn a DVD with the shared music and pictures) and music instruments if you play any (you will have a chance to perform during the Night of Museums).
Placement Costs: Food and accommodation provided free to all volunteers
Meals: Volunteers will cook for themselves, the kitchen facilities will be provided. During the homestay the meals will be provided by the host family. Vegetarian food is available.
Accommodation: The conditions of your stay are very basic. You will stay in tents for the whole duration of the camp – and in host families in Voronezh-city during the last 3 days. A sleeping bag and a sleeping mat are absolutely necessary. The eco-toilet will be available, the water for the shower will be naturally heated in the tank by the sun (depending on the weather ?). Generally it is recommended to swim in the river (please take your swimming suit and a hat – it’s going to be sunny and hot!). Please note, that no Internet access and no telephone connection (except for emergent calls) will be available during the camp, but you can easily use both during the city stay.