riddle@ut-sally.UUCP (Prentiss Riddle) (12/11/83)
During my last trip to Europe I found out about something I intend to try
on my next trip: international workcamping. The workcamp movement started
after World War I as a means of reconciliation and reconstruction in
Europe. Workcampers are volunteers who spend a period of weeks living
and working together on projects ranging from light construction to work
with retarded children. The movement is very international in nature and
is one of the few large-scale exchange programs operating in both Eastern
and Western Europe. The participants pay their own way, but since accomo-
dations are not luxurious and the work involved is done by the participants
themselves, workcamping is quite cheap.
I heard about workcamping from a German friend who had participated in
several trips. She saw it as an excellent way to travel and get to know
people from a variety of countries without just "playing tourist."
The main U.S. workcamping organization is Volunteers for Peace of Belmont,
Vermont. The following is a summary of information about workcamps from
their newsletter:
FOR WHO? For ages 18 and up with limited opportunities for ages 13-18.
Average age: 21.
WHEN? Hosted from May through September only.
HOW? Through UNESCO sanctioned cooperating organizations.
COST? Net fee is $80 for three weeks. This includes meals, accomo-
dation, and accident insurance. Scholarships available.
Transportation is arranged and paid for by the volunteer.
LENGTH? Duration: 2 to 4 weeks. Multiple placements available.
LANGUAGE? No language proficiency required.
WHERE? Eastern and Western Europe, North Africa, Canada, and the USA.
REFERENCES? Telephone numbers of former volunteers are available upon
request.
REASON? Promoting peace by meeting human needs.
The Volunteers for Peace newsletter is free. The 1984 International Workcamp
Listing will appear in mid-April and is free to all VfP members. Membership
in VfP is yours for a tax-deductible donation, amount unspecified but ranging
"from $5 to $1000." Both can be had by writing to the following address:
Volunteers for Peace, Inc.
Belmont, Vermont 05730
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Prentiss Riddle
{ihnp4,seismo,ctvax}!ut-sally!riddle