FAQs
- What is a workcamp ?
- How long last the workcamps for ?
- Where can I go for a workcamp ?
- Which kind of projects Seeds’s offers ?
- Does Seeds offer something special in its workcamps ?
- When can I join a workcamp ?
- How can I join a workcamp ?
- Is there a range of age to be participant in Seeds’ workcamps ?
- How many hours will I work ?
- Do I need medical insurance during my stay in a workcamp ?
- Which is the language used during the workcamps ?
- Do I have to pay a participation fee to Seeds ?
- How is the accommodation in the workcamps ?
- How do the campers spend their free time ?
- How to get to the workcamp ?
- What happens if I get lost or have some problems to get to the workcamp ?
- What should I bring ?
Which is the language used during the workcamps ?
Icelandic knowledge is not needed in our projects, English is officially the language used by leaders and basic knowledge of English is therefore expected from participants, even tough it is not a requirement to fulfill.
Do I have to pay a participation fee to Seeds ?
Yes, participation fees are usually paid to take part in our workcamps and the rationale behind the fees is the lack of financial support to our activities. In the meantime Seeds is also taking actions in order to send Icelanders overseas and in this way expand the sources of income for the organization. The amount of the fees will be stated for each camp in their descriptions and are to be paid on arrival in cash, either Euros or Icelandic Crowns.
How is the accommodation in the workcamps ?
The accommodation will be basic but with standard facilities. In most of our workcamps will be in local houses, schools, sport centers, guest houses or huts, with or closer to a kitchen and a bathroom. It changes from workcamp to another. Details about accommodation are given in the descriptions of the projects and in few cases volunteers will stay in tents.
How do the campers spend their free time ?
It depends on the camp and which kind of activities is possible to organize with the locals and with the group. They can be excursions on the weekends, visits to museums, galleries or places of interest, go for a walk/hike around the area, go to the swimming pool or activities prepared within the group as games, sing, talk about topics of common interest, make log fires, international evenings, etc…
How to get to the workcamp ?
Usually participants get to the workcamps by themselves. The information about how to do it will send to participants after they have been accepted.
Seeds normally arranges transportation for the participants due to the lack of frequently public transportation services in Iceland and the high costs related to it. If so, then volunteers will be asked to register for this option and Seeds will hire a van/minibus to drive the group to the camp-location. Prices will be then lower and it will be a fun way to start the activities earlier and discover the country while traveling to the project, we will try to stop at interesting places and have the opportunity to visit popular sights on the way.
What happens if I get lost or have some problems to get to the workcamp ?
If you get lost or you miss the transport connection to reach the camp, phone the emergency phone number you will find in the Information sheet.
What should I bring ?
Please take always into account that weather conditions in Iceland change rapidly and even tough more of our projects take place during the summer time, temperatures might be cold and usually drop during the evenings and nights. Wind influences a lot the feeling for temperature and if there is cold wind from the North (very often), the summer you might be used for is totally different.
Sometimes we will find ourselves working while it is cold, windy, rainy (or all of that at the same time..), therefore e strongly recommend our volunteers to be prepared to both warm sunny days and cold ones. So, do not forget to take both sun protection and enough clothing for these conditions.
A warm sleeping bag is always highly recommended and comfortable working clothes. Walking sturdy shoes, wind and waterproof jackets and trousers are of great advantage as well. As already said, it can be cold, so please take with you your own gloves, hut and scarf.
In many of our projects we will be able to use the local swimming pool/sports centre, in that case it is always useful to bring swimming costume and towels. They can be also rented on the spot but might be expensive if available.
If you are using a conventional camera, take enough films and batteries as they might be more expensive than at home or sometimes not available if they are of special type.
Mind also any specific or special medical condition in order to take enough medication for the time you will stay in Iceland. Volunteers are recommended to obtain their own insurance prior to their arrival to Iceland and bring with them all needed documents. European volunteers are advised to take with them the forms E-111 or E-104 as the European insurance card.
Do not forget to bring material and information from your own country as we will most likely organize International evenings during the projects and you will be expected to introduce briefly your country and be prepared to answer some questions coming from your fellow camp participants and/or locals. If you play any instrument and it is easy to travel with, please remember it. The same goes for your music, games, pictures, recipes, etc…
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