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What is a workcamp?
A workcamp is a place where people of diverse race, ideology, nationality,
and age live together for two to four weeks while working on a community
project anywhere in the world. More..
How much does it cost?
$350 full price, $300 concession. This includes all food and basic accommodation
for the wokcamp duration - normally 2-4 weeks. Does not include transport
to and from the workcamp. More..
Where do I find a workcamp?
For workcamps in Australia,
click here to see the 2008 listing
For Network for Voluntary
Development (NVDA) workcamps in Asia, click
here
For additional international
workcamps around the world, go to http://camps.sciint.org
Where can I read of other workcamp experiences?
To read workcamp reports from returned Australian volunteers,
click here.
There's a new web forum for international workcamp volunteers here.
There's also
a photo selection from 6 workcamps in the gallery
section.
How do I apply for a workcamp?
Fill out the workcamp application
form (Form here) and send or email it to IVP at the
Sydney office. Note that you must be a member of IVP to apply for a workcamp
- see membership for details.
Scroll
down or see the menu on the left for more detailed info on workcamps..
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What
is a workcamp? cont'd
The workcamps are initiated and organised by community groups and are
designed to be of tangible benefit to the local community. They enhance
local initiatives and do not replace paid labour. Workcamps usually take
between 8 and 20 international participants who work and socialise with
the local community. Workcamps take place all year round but in Europe
most occur during the Northern hemisphere summer.
Through workcamps,
IVP incorporates and sustains visionary aims. Workcamps provide an opportunity
for individuals to combine their energies and together address problems
vital to our shared global future. Internal decision-making, problem solving
and a sense of group identity are promoted. Workcamps aim to increase
tolerance and facilitate the questioning of values. Whether working at
a children's centre in Paris, on an environmental project in Colorado,
or helping with relief programs in Thailand, the volunteers help establish
paths to peace.
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Costs and Workcamp Application Forms
$350 full price, $300 concession
$250 early-bird application for Australian workcamps (at least 6 weeks
prior to start of camp)
$200 for each additional workcamp application processed concurrently
*In the event of genuine
hardship, there is one scholarship available to subsidise an Australian
workcamp application. Ask about it by emailing admin@ivp.org.au
*Office volunteers
who have contributed at least 3 months or 40 hours are eligible for a
special rate of $120 per workcamp
*Workcamp leaders
on Australian workcamps who have completed a Leadership Training Course
with IVP or SCI will be exempt from paying the Application Fee
We strongly recommend
that all volunteers attending workcamps purchase the SCI Training Guide,
available from the IVP office for $20, as it will broaden your understanding
of workcamp philosophy and history. All volunteers attending workcamps
in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America MUST purchase this guide.
An EXTRA PARTICIPATION
FEE often applies to workcamps in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.
This will be made clear when you apply for the workcamp.
IVP is run entirely
by volunteers and relies on contributions from members to keep the organisation
running. Your Application Fees go towards administration of exchanges,
communication charges, managing the information database, volunteer insurance,
and developing and organising Australian workcamps.
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Download
the workcamp application form below:
Note: You must be a current member of IVP to apply for a work camp.
(You may send your IVP Membership
Form and payment at the same time you send a workcamp application).
Click here to download
workcamp application form :
Types
of Workcamps
The work carried out may be:
- manual (eg building, restoration work, tree planting)
- social (eg with children or with people of different abilities)
- creative
- information-related (eg. gathering and dissemination).
- festivals
Most camps include study of issues such as peace, anti-racism, indigenous
solidarity or environmental sustainability.
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Workcamp
Listings
- The workcamps are arranged according to the country in which they take
place. They are firstly divided into regions, and then listed alphabetically
by country within that region.
- The workcamp code begins with abbreviations denoting the country and
the organisation.
- Next, camps are divided into themes which are denoted by code numbers.
These codes are only a guide and sometimes categories overlap.
NB: Attempts are being
made to have a consistent code system between all partner organisations.
However, some partner organisations use a different numbering system or
don't use one at all.
Workcamp Categories:
1. Anti-racism, anti-fascism, refugees and ethnic minorities
2. North-South solidarity
3. Peace and disarmament
4. People with disabilities
5. Children, teenagers, elderly
6. Environment
7. Sexuality and gender
8. Socially disadvantaged (homeless people, poverty etc.)
9. Arts, culture and local history
10. Ideological and spirituality
11. Other
- If there is more
than one camp on a particular theme, they will then be numbered sequentially.
eg: environmental camps in Finland would be numbered FI 6.1, FI 6.2, FI
6.3 etc.
- After the workcamp
code, there will be the location of the camp or the actual name of the
project, and then the dates and number of volunteers required.
Please note that new
camps will be organised throughout the year. Check for updates at www.ivp.org.au
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General
Workcamp Information
* Special/extra conditions apply for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and
Latin America. See details in later section.
- You must be a current IVP member to participate in a workcamp.
- Applicants must be 17 years or over for workcamps in Australia, 18 or
over for European workcamps and 21 or over for workcamps in Africa, Latin
America and some Asian countries. There is no upper age limit and older
volunteers are encouraged to apply as we aim to have a diverse age range
on camps. Please note however that several partner organisations have
a maximum age limit of 28-35. This will be stated at the beginning of
the listing for that organisation.
- Volunteers must cover their own costs to and from the workcamp and are
responsible for passports and visas.
· Payment of the Application Fee ensures that accommodation and
food will be provided for you during the workcamp.
- There is usually at least one workcamp facilitator, who co-ordinates
the day-to-day activities of the volunteers and liaises with the project
sponsors and local people.
- Conditions vary from camp to camp and country to country, but volunteers
usually stay together (in a village hall, community centre or similar)
and prepare their own meals.
- Accommodation is usually simple, a sleeping bag is often required and
volunteers should be prepared for less privacy than they may be used to.
- Volunteers are generally required to work a 30-35 hour week.
- Evenings and weekends are usually free. Leisure programmes and cultural
activities may be organised by the host, workcamp facilitator, or volunteers
can organise their own.
- Volunteers are expected to contribute to the team life and integrate
with other volunteers on the workcamp.
- Volunteers should be fit enough to carry out the work of the project
and be prepared for the additional emotional challenges that arise when
confronted with new people, cultures and environments.
- It is the right and the responsibility of the volunteer to refuse dangerous
work while on a workcamp.
- Don't overdo it! We recommend that you don't do a number of workcamps
in a row. Apart from possibly being physically tiring, your contribution
to group life will be weakened through over exposure to intensive group
work. Rest periods of at least two weeks are recommended between camps.
Also, it is recommended that you don't do more than 3 workcamps in a season.
- Some camps specifically require volunteers to have previous workcamp
experience. This is usually for countries where contacts are new, where
conditions are especially trying, or where there have been difficulties
in the past and volunteers are needed who can use their experience to
develop future work.
- It is a good idea to learn about the country/situation you are applying
for. If requested, we will try to assist by putting you in touch with
an experienced volunteer who has been to the country or done the same
type of workcamp you are interested in.
- Experienced volunteers are always needed as workcamp leaders. If you
are interested please let us know. IVP holds a Workcamp Facilitator Training
yearly. For details please contact the IVP office.
- Volunteers need to be flexible and adapt to their local environment.
Following local customs and respecting local behaviours and beliefs is
generally expected.
- At all times volunteers must comply with both local laws and minimum
Australian standards in regard to the consumption of alcohol and the use
of illicit substances.
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Language
English is the most common camp language. If you need another or an additional
language, this will be stated specifically in the workcamp description.
Visas
When planning your overseas trip, make sure you check the visa requirements
of all the countries you plan to visit. If the country you are visiting
requires a visa, apply for a tourist visa. If necessary, use the term
"cultural exchange" instead of "volunteer work". Leave
plenty of time for the processing of visas, as this can sometimes take
weeks or even months. Conditions of entry into some countries can change
suddenly, so keep in contact with embassies for the latest information.
Some countries require
a 'letter of invitation' before visas will be granted. This will be supplied
by our contact organisations in these countries.
It is advisable to
apply for the visas while in Australia. To avoid long queues and hours
of frustration, ring the embassy first and find out:
Do I need a visa?
Do I need a special invitation? How long can I stay in your country? What
documents do I require? (eg photos, medical certificate etc)? How much
does it cost? How long does it take to process? Opening hours of embassy?
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Special
Documents
For some workcamps or countries, special documents
may be required. These could include reference form, medical certificate
or extra application form.
Insurance
IVP strongly recommends that volunteers obtain their own comprehensive
insurance coverage before leaving Australia.
The SCI/IVP insurance scheme provides cover for volunteers in cases of
illness, accidents or death for the duration of the camp for all our workcamps.
Conditions NOT covered by the insurance policy: volunteers with pre-existing
physical or mental conditions; travel to and from the workcamp; exhaustion
or nervous and psychiatric disorders; volunteers over 70 years of age;
cancellation of workcamp/project; personal belongings. The SCI/IVP insurance
scheme is limited and should only be viewed as additional cover.
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Volunteers
with Disabilities
IVP encourages volunteers with disabilities to participate in workcamps
and we try to make this possible wherever we can. Conditions vary from
camp to camp, but generally workcamps are considered wheelchair accessible
unless stated otherwise. In Part 5 of the Application Form, please give
details of your disability, so that we can confirm that the workcamp is
suitable.
Volunteers
with Children
We welcome applications from volunteers wishing to bring their children.
In general, many workcamps can accept children, but please specify this
clearly on your Application Form so that we can confirm that this is the
case. (NB: Under 16-year-olds are not insured by SCI's insurance scheme).
Special/Extra
Conditions for Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia & Latin America
Workcamps in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America are generally
oriented towards development, environment, health or education (or a combination
of these). Development projects may include tasks such as basic building
and repair work on schools, clinics, roads, toilets and dams. Environment
projects may include afforestation and soil or water conservation. Health,
literacy and education projects may include work with people with disabilities,
orphans and refugees. Workcamps usually comprise a peace study component
where cultural exchange and development issues are discussed, as well
as visits to local development projects and social activities.
Volunteers face extra
challenges when working in less developed countries with very different
cultures. Therefore some special or extra selection criteria apply.
Volunteers should:
- be at least 21 years old
- have prior workcamp experience with IVP, SCI or similar organisation
or relevant social work experience
- demonstrate commitment to IVP, volunteering in the office or assisting
the organisation in other appropriate ways
- undertake to remain active in IVP on return to Australia, and to provide
a report of the workcamp
- demonstrate knowledge of development issues and respect for other cultures
Most camps in Latin
America will require a good knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese, and some
African camps will require French. Many of these camps may require extra
documentation. Please check the workcamp listings for more information.
All volunteers attending
workcamps in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America MUST purchase
the SCI Training Guide, available from the IVP office for $20. This should
be read thoroughly to enhance understanding of IVP's work and to assist
in preparing you for living in a culture and conditions very different
to your own.
An EXTRA PARTICIPATION
FEE often applies to workcamps in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.
These countries have limited resources and the extra payment is a contribution
towards the development and continuation of workcamps. This fee is payable
to the host organisation on arrival at the workcamp. Generally, this fee
is payable in Euros or $US currency and ranges between $US75-200. For
workcamps in Mexico, the fee is between $US200-450.
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Application
and Placement Procedures
The Application
Form is available on our website or by contacting the IVP office. You
should indicate up to three preferences for your workcamp choices which
allows us to find the best match for you. If you wish to attend more than
one workcamp, you will need a new form for each camp. It is not recommended
that you participate in more than three workcamps a season and please
allow at least two weeks break between camps.
Due to the time required
to process applications, please allow a minimum of 6 weeks before you
travel for applications to workcamps in Europe, North America or Thailand,
and 8 weeks for workcamps in other countries.
1. Fill in the Application
Form on both sides, with a black pen. Nominate the camps you wish
to attend in order of preference. Attach extra sheets for the motivation
section (Part 8) as well as a photo, and don't forget to sign the form.
2. Return the completed form to IVP, along with the Application Fee. If
you are entitled to a concession, please send a copy of your concession
card. You may pay by cheque or postal order (payable to IVP) or by electronic
transfer (EFT).
If you choose to pay
by electronic transfer into IVP account, the details are:
Account Name:
International Volunteers for Peace
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: University of Sydney
BSB: 062284
Acct No: 00908422
Swift Code: CTAAU2S
Please use your surname
as the reference code for the deposit so that we can track your electronic
transfer. If possible, please add any extra information that might be
necessary for us to understand what your deposit is for. For example,
if you are a concession and wish to pay for a workcamp AND Membership,
please put this information in the reference field along with your surname.
- When we receive
your Application, we will send you a letter or email of acknowledgment.
We will begin processing your first choice, however if that is unsuccessful,
we will immediately begin on your second choice. You should receive notice
of which camp you have been placed on within three weeks.
- After you have been
offered a place, please confirm your acceptance of this place as soon
as possible, to allow others to attend the workcamp in your place if you
cannot. The cancellation and refund policy is outlined below.
- When you have confirmed
your participation, you will receive an information sheet with more details
on what to bring, travel directions and meeting place.
- A small number of
workcamps require extra documentation such as a reference, medical certificate
or a more detailed motivation letter. If you are volunteering for a workcamp
involving children, or if children will be involved in activities relating
to the project, you will be required to sign a "Working with Children
Check" form, which will be sent to you at the same time as your confirmation
slip.
- Part of the agreement when participating in a workcamp is to send us
feedback. Firstly, we need your stories and photos for our newsletter.
Secondly, we would encourage you to make a display that can be used to
publicise IVP at information nights, market stalls or other events. Thirdly,
we need to know if our efforts are fruitful, or how things can be improved,
so we ask you to complete a written questionnaire that we will send you.
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Changes,
Cancellations and Refunds
If
IVP cannot place you on any of your workcamp preferences, you are entitled
to a full refund of your application fee.
IVP is a small, not-for-profit
organisation. It cannot accept any liability for inconvenience caused
or costs incurred, other than the application fee, in the event of cancellation,
either by you or of the workcamp itself. (Please see the section on Insurance.)
The following Cancellation
and Refund Policy applies to all workcamp applications.
If the volunteer cancels:
- Giving notice more than 4 weeks before the workcamp start date - 50%
of the Application Fee will be refunded
- Giving notice less than 4 weeks before the workcamp start date - no
refund of Application Fee
Situations will be
reviewed on a case by case basis, if extraordinary circumstances can be
established.
Workcamp cancellation:
In very few instances, workcamps may be cancelled after volunteers have
been accepted. If this does happen, we will make every effort to find
a suitable alternative workcamp for you. However, if the workcamp is cancelled
close to its scheduled commencement, we may not be able to offer you another
camp. If this is the case, we will fully refund your Application Fee, minus an administration fee of $15.
Click here for the
Workcamp Refund Application Form
Welcome Home!
If you have enjoyed
participating in an international workcamp, please consider how you can
assist IVP in offering the same opportunities to others. IVP is run on
a voluntary basis by people like you, who have been inspired by participating
in workcamps.
We need help with
co-ordination, administration, publicity, fundraising, accounts, newsletters,
Australian workcamps, handbooks and more. We have regular meetings, fundraisers
and social events. Experience is valued but not a requirement. So if you
would like to contribute, please contact us and get involved!
Enjoy your camp and
we look forward to hearing from you!
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