The project
Grup d'Esplai Vidrerenc (GEPV) is a recreational, non-profit youth organization in the village of Vidreres. The organization organizes a variety of activities based on the pillars of leisure education. It is an open group for everyone, aiming to contribute to the development of children and young people, helping them to develop themselves and become active and creative members of the society around them. Meanwhile, GEPV offers them the tools to grow and develop wherever and whenever they wish. It is an organization that organizes leisure activities for children and young people on a voluntary basis. Additionally, they develop a summer program with meal and childcare services for families in need, teenagers who enjoy an active and safe home with diverse activities, a volunteer camp for youth, and an international volunteer camp for young adults.
Volunteer work
The project can be summarized as two weeks in which experiences are shared with people from all over the world, the surroundings are explored, activities are undertaken, group awareness is created, and experiences are shared with respect. At the same time, archaeological and cultural knowledge of Catalonia is acquired using the castle as a central point. During the work at the castle, the goal is to raise awareness regarding the impact of neglect, the ravages of time, and certain human actions on historical and archaeological heritage, and the importance of its conservation and restoration, through activities and an active attitude of respect for the heritage and the environment. Work at the castle takes place both in the morning and in the evening. During these hours, various archaeological excavation techniques are explained. Simultaneously, cleaning work is carried out and participants become acquainted with the various archaeological materials that have been unearthed. Small groups are formed to perform tasks such as cleaning and classifying the archaeological material, while the rest excavate. Depending on progress, the opening of a new excavation site may be considered.
Accommodation
The project takes place at Escola Salvador Espriu. During the summer, the school is adapted to accommodate all activities. The school is located on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by greenery. All participants stay in the same room (the school's gymnasium). The sleeping area is equipped with mattresses and lockers for all participants. However, it is necessary to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. For personal hygiene, volunteers can use the school's separate changing rooms. All meals are prepared by an external chef in the school kitchen. Next to the kitchen is the dining hall, where meals are usually served. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. There is electricity and limited Wi-Fi. There are no washing machines or dryers available.
Leisure
Directly opposite the school, the volunteers will find the swimming pool, which they will use daily, and the city center is a 10-minute walk away. Finally, the project takes place at Castell de Sant Iscle, a castle in Vidreres on the outskirts of the city. During the project, recreational activities are organized in a cohesive manner, aimed at fostering group cohesion among the participants and achieving the camp's objectives. Some examples of activities include: games, scavenger hunts, workshops, bowling, excursions to lakes and beaches, visiting Girona, stargazing, sports, outdoor dining, and movie nights.
Travel
The meeting point is the Salvador Espriu school in Vidreres. However, volunteers can also be picked up at the Sils train station. Barcelona Airport is the closest.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here..
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Cost
IBO asks €50 registration fee. In addition, you pay a participation fee of €189 for this project. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee.
Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Register
Register as a volunteer at IBO here.