An ESC individual volunteering opportunity is open at Nuorisokeskus Metsäkartano, a youth and nature centre located deep in the Finnish forest, approximately 20 km from the nearest village. Surrounded by lakes, wilderness and silence, Metsäkartano provides overnight camps and educational programmes for young people, creating meaningful impact through nature-based youth work.
The centre focuses on youth empowerment, social inclusion and sustainability. Special emphasis is placed on working with young people with fewer opportunities, using experiential and nature-based methods such as “nuotiopedagogiikka” (campfire pedagogy) to build connection, confidence and community.
📌 Activity Type
ESC Individual Volunteering
📍 Location
Metsäkartanontie 700, Rautavaara, Finland 🇫🇮
📅 Activity Dates
2 February 2026 – 30 July 2026
🌿 Volunteer Role and Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will become part of a close-knit international team and contribute to youth work in multiple ways:
🏕️ Supporting youth camps and overnight programmes
🔥 Assisting in nature-based activities and seasonal events
📸 Helping with communications, social media and photography
🛠️ Contributing to daily practical tasks and behind-the-scenes operations
🌱 Supporting inclusion-focused educational activities
The experience combines hands-on youth work, outdoor living and personal growth in a remote natural environment.
🏠 Accommodation and Living Conditions
🏡 Shared on-site apartment
🍽️ Meals provided by the Metsäkartano restaurant (buffet meals when guests are present or ingredients for self-cooking)
🚗 Remote location with no public transportation
🚐 Occasional staff car rides to nearby villages
🚙 Possibility to use Metsäkartano van for personal trips (if holding a valid driving licence and subject to availability)
The location requires comfort with rural living, quiet surroundings and limited external services.
🎓 Training and Support
👥 Personal work mentor
🇫🇮 One-week on-arrival training in another city in Finland
📅 Weekly meetings with staff
🧭 Orientation training and introduction to permanent staff, interns and seasonal employees
🎯 Support in setting and reflecting on personal learning goals
🎓 Youthpass certificate
The volunteer should enjoy both teamwork and independent time, with hobbies such as hiking, cycling, crafts or reading being an advantage in this remote setting.
👤 Participant Profile
The project welcomes open-minded, self-motivated young people who:
✔ Are currently not in work or school
✔ Share the core values of the European Solidarity Corps
✔ Are interested in youth work, inclusion and nature
✔ Are comfortable with rural life and quiet environments
✔ Are proactive and willing to get involved
✔ Are ready to challenge themselves and grow personally and professionally
Applicants must submit:
📄 CV
📝 Motivation letter (1–2 pages attached to CV) or video motivation link
Applications must be written in the applicant’s own English (no AI or translator support requested by the host). Only applications submitted via the official ESC portal will be considered.
For questions: international@metsakartano.com
🌍 Eligible Countries
Austria 🇦🇹, Belgium 🇧🇪, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Croatia 🇭🇷, Cyprus 🇨🇾, Czechia 🇨🇿, Denmark 🇩🇰, Estonia 🇪🇪, Finland 🇫🇮, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Greece 🇬🇷, Hungary 🇭🇺, Iceland 🇮🇸, Ireland 🇮🇪, Italy 🇮🇹, Latvia 🇱🇻, Liechtenstein 🇱🇮, Lithuania 🇱🇹, Luxembourg 🇱🇺, Malta 🇲🇹, Netherlands 🇳🇱, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, Norway 🇳🇴, Poland 🇵🇱, Portugal 🇵🇹, Romania 🇷🇴, Slovakia 🇸🇰, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Spain 🇪🇸, Sweden 🇸🇪
📅 Application Deadline
No application deadline specified
📌 Project Code
2024-1-FI01-ESC51-VTJ-000237118
🔗 Application & Information Link
Original ESC Portal Link: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/49468_en
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
