Project:
Michels Kleinsthof is working for the utopia of a sustainable, resilient, and grandchild-friendly agriculture to come true. More than 50 different crops are grown on one hectare using the “Market Gardening” principle. We are part of the movement “Community based agriculture” (in Germany it is called “Solidarity Farming”). This means members are involved in the work on a weekly basis in order to bring sustainable food production to the people. School classes are allowed to experience agriculture first hand and enjoy looking after chicken, sheep and bees.
There is a great variety of tasks in our diverse garden! Diversity makes us independent of the agricultural industries. And it is also useful for our fellow creatures of all kinds.
We deliver a big part of our products to our 80 members of Solidarity Farming and another part we sell at the market in the picturesque nearby town of Staufen.
However, Michel's micro-farm sees itself not only as a food producer, but also as a place of learning and a nature conservation project! Agriculture is the number one cause of species extinction worldwide and is responsible for 25% of the greenhouse gases that are harmful to the climate. On one of the most fertile soils in Germany, in a beautiful spot between the Vosges and the Black Forest, the micro-farm sets a counter-example to the monocultures of the rest of the Rhine Valley.

Work: In August, every garden is in the fullness of its harvest season! Tomatoes sweetened by the sun, courgettes and cucumbers growing at a fast speed and need hard-working hands and hungry mouths. But the weeds don't stop growing either. That's why there will be the opportunity to help out in the daily business all the time!
However, your assistance will also needed in construction sites: a trailer is to be insulated with natural materials for the winter and an earth cellar built from straw bales is to be embellished and sealed.
In other words, there would not only be the opportunity to experience the multifaceted gardening at first hand, but also to master manual and physical work in a team. So if you have extra energy, you are more than welcome!

Study part: In our work, we follow the principle of “Market Garden”: Here is what it looks like: on the smallest possible area, as many crops as possible are cultivated without the use of groundwater-damaging fertiliser, only with the help of compost.
The most important idea here is the idea of recycling, in order to work with as little labour, pesticides and land as possible. Learning gardening skills, the cycle concept and environmental aspects in agriculture are therefore important learning elements during the work camp. Permaculture and biodynamic principles can be experienced here. The care and feeding of chicken and sheep can also be learned in practice. Another important part is building with natural materials. We plan to implement old craft techniques that were used to build houses and infrastructure without modern technology, yet were very energy-efficient.

Region: Michels Kleinsthof is located between the Black Forest and the Vosges in the border triangle in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. A nearby quarry pond can be easily reached after work with bicycles provided by the farm and the young, alternative and beautiful student city of Freiburg is also less than 10 minutes away by train. The farm itself is located in a small village called Tunsel, but the entire region is bursting with nature and cultural tourism opportunities. If you are travelling by plane, we would very much appreciate it if you could extend your stay in Central Europe even further, so as not to use climate-damaging mobility just for our project.

Terminal: Bad Krozingen, near Freiburg. Nearest airports: Basel, Stuttgart

Accommodation and food: Most of the organic seasonal food comes directly from the field to your plate. Everything else that is needed will be purchased. The diet will be predominantly vegetarian. Cooking will take place together in the outdoor kitchen and there will also be the possibility to cook a "classic" dish from your country of origin. Next to the kitchen, there is also a fireplace for sitting together in the evening, so your musical instruments are most welcome! We will also use the clay oven for pizza at least once.
As far as sleeping is concerned, we will either set up a communal tent directly on the field or use the nearby gymnasium in the village (we will give an update about this). In any case, it will be possible to camp in individual, small tents. We may also offer a few beds in a construction trailer. A small hutch will serve as our shower, a composting toilet is already part of the sanitary facilities in the field.
Please be ready to live in very basic conditions; you will live outdoors most of the time and near to nature.

English (German always possible as second language)

Age: 19-26


[수영 가능자 안내]
본 워크캠프 참가를 위해서는 수영을 할 줄 아셔야 합니다. 신청서 작성 시, 수영 가능 여부에 대해 적어주시기 바랍니다.

[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.

Remarks: Please bring a sleeping bag, swimwear and preferably sturdy shoes for working in the garden. Please note that you will get dirty in the garden, so clothes that can get dirty and are old are recommended. Remember that the sunshine and heat peaks in August and you should bring suitable headgear and sufficient sun protection. Long-sleeved, thin clothing will also work for this.
The living conditions will be very simple, so please be prepared. Note that it is not recommended to attend if you are allergic to weed.

Project: Spangenberg is a small village south of Kassel, in the middle of Germany. The „Himmelsfels“(Heavens rock) in Spangenberg is with 8 hectares attached to it. In Himmelsfels are embassies of different countries - caravans that have been modified artistically by international guests of the Himmelsfels. Every year in Himmelsfels there are events concerning art, culture, gospel music and youth Encounter. This summer season, there will be several international youth camps and a special camp with about 150 young people from various countries.
The volunteers will help to enrich the current youth camps by becoming part of our international staff and supporting the activities for the youth. The program will take place on the “Himmelsfels” itself.
The “Himmelsfels” foundation is a Christian organization which aims: to developing spaces for intercultural and ecumenical exploration, as well as to motivating people for a life characterized by equality and common values. The project is especially directed to young people who support and are eager to join the community of Christian spirituality. For more information please see: http://www.himmelsfels.de/

Work: Workcamp participants are invited to work in different fields: Manual, artistically, pedagogical. During the youth camps, you will have contact with kids from diverse background and join their activities as well. You are requested to be prepared as “ambassador” of the peoples living in your country. It would be helpful to be prepared to offer your own workshop artistically, musically or athletically at home and bring lots of ideas. In addition all volunteers will have the chance to introduce their country. You should gather ideas at home and bring material for a creative presentation including pictures, food, common games dances or other typical things from your country. Further information will be prepared after the placement in the workcamp. Beside the announced activities the volunteers will also need to take responsibility by leading groups of young campers in daily works like catering and cleaning.

Study part: The study part of this workcamp will be dominated mostly by the question about life between past and future, tradition and modernity, small-town-life and global correlations. Working on the “Himmelsfels“, always encourage encounters between people from different cultures and diverse background.

Terminal: Melsungen train station.
Next airport: Frankfurt/Main. Please note: Airport Frankfurt Hahn is about 150 km distance from Frankfurt.

There will be basic and simple accommodation. You will be sleeping in caravans. Please bring a sleeping bag. As some summer nights can get cold in Germany, please bring some warm clothes and raingear!

English, German

self-commitment statement

[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 침낭과 camping mats 을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.




[방한복 준비 안내]
야간에는 추울 수 있으므로 따뜻한 옷을 챙겨가시기 바랍니다.

The small town Spangenberg is situated between hills in a green countryside in the middle of Germany. Leisure activities will be arranged according the needs of the group. There will be the possibility to visit Kassel, town of the world wide know art exhibition "Documenta".

Remarks: Basic knowledge in German language is helpful in the contact with the Kids. Volunteers with interest in performing arts are very welcome and it would be great if you are interested in Christian spirituality.