About Us
Who are we?
We are an association for Volunteering Programs founded in 1990 in Wismar by environmental activists. Our mission has evolved to focus on environmental education, intercultural exchange, and adventure-based learning. With around 50 members and 200 volunteers, we aim to inspire personal growth and promote peace through nature and shared experiences.
What we do?
We help young people develop their strengths through Volunteering Programs with outdoor adventures and international projects. Our work includes environmental education, sustainable living, and promoting alternative societal models. We are also involved in nature conservation and the creation of long-distance hiking routes across several countries.
Where are we?
Our activities span across Germany, Siberia, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, and Georgia. Since 2016, we’ve run the "Taiga School" near Lake Tiberkul, Siberia, and collaborate on sustainable nature park projects and hiking routes in these regions.
Our Partners
.png)
.avif)
.jpg)
How it works
1) Discover the possibilities
Are you between 18 and 30 years old and would you like to work as a volunteer on a project (fully funded) in a neighbouring country of Europe?
2) Search and apply:
Are you convinced? Then just search for an upcoming project in our Instagram account where you can find our upcoming projects and simply contact us about it through our e-mail, as easy as it is.
3) Get started:
Yes, after months of preparation, the time has come, you are going to start your project! See how you will be guided.
4) Share your experience:
Inspire others by sharing your experiences. For example, do this on Instagram or keep a blog. If you participate in a project via the European Solidarity Corps, you will receive a certificate afterwards, the Youthpass. And that’s it, with hope to see you in another adventure again.
Some of our Projects
Adventure Learning 2/24
Berlin, Germany - 01/12/2024 to 03/01/2025
An international ESC initiative that involves activities like hiking in Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland, restoring nature parks, and developing ecological projects while promoting inclusion and youth empowerment. Participants engage in outdoor adventures, ecological work, and cultural exchanges, with accommodations and meals provided.
Adventure Education in Summer
Berlin, Germany - 20/05/2024 to 29/06/2024
The idea for the Adventure Learning raw of projects started 2024 and combines a local benefit for places and communities with learning outcomes for the volunteers. In AL1 we combined renaturation and restore of a pond and a park for a kindergarden in North of Germany with training in adventure learning tools. The aim was to inspire and enable participants for own projects with children and youth and develop their project ideas.
Some Stories
Rafael
23 - Germany
Hi, I'm Rafael, I'm 23 years old and I live in northern Germany. Currently, I've gained various professional experiences through different part-time jobs, internships, and an entry-level qualification. Most recently, I worked in carpentry.
Before the Georgia project, I had already participated in a trip to Slovakia. In both cases, a friend told me about it, as several people from my circle had already taken part in ESC projects and talked about them enthusiastically.
In this case, I just had some free time and wanted to gain experiences in a group that wasn't from my circle of friends. Additionally, I wanted to gather ideas and sort out my thoughts, and such a trip is perfect for that. You get to meet nice new people who are all on different paths in life. This gives you a lot of ideas for the future.
But it's also a physical challenge, which I enjoyed. In these cases as well, it helped me to get to know my own limits and sometimes even overcome them.
As far as my future is concerned, I'm still searching for an activity that I want to do for a longer period of time. But I'm definitely a big step closer to my goal.
Elizar Kasakow
26 - Russia
My name is Elizar. I am from Russia, I am 26 years old. My hobby is travel. Sometimes I connect travel with work. I worked in different places in Russia and abroad in ESC- volunteer projects.
I applied to the project to see new places and meet new interesting people.
I was able to visit new countries: Italy met with a friend from Germany’s last summer project and I visited France on the way, there was a transfer at 9 hours . Get a taste of people and atmosphere in Paris. In the project, I learned to solve problems when they occur, not to be afraid of them if any problems arise. And accept them with a cool head and calmly look for ways to solve these problems.The project in Georgia showed me that my goals and dreams associated with mountains and mountaineering are real and feasible. The main thing is a good team that helps each other and the local community. Big tasks become easy to implement. I have great
plans for the future; I want to visit and study better Italy, France and Spain with Portugal. Further move towards the east to the Himalayas and there travel and discover new horizons and people.
"Transformation happens when you step out of your comfort zone."