DESCRIPTION
Join Kalistratia in Polia, Calabria, for a short-term mission (01 June – 01 July) blending ancient forest traditions with modern eco-celebration. We are looking for "Forest Makers" to help us prepare the Kalabria Eco Festival 2026. Your Mission: Woodwork & Eco-Construction: Master traditional woodworking to build festival infrastructure, stages, and sustainable outdoor furniture using "Km 0" local timber. Forest Stewardship: Engage in selective clearing and trail maintenance to protect our local ecosystem. Festival Production: Be the backbone of the 2026 Eco Festival handling logistics, artistic installations, and sustainable event management. Community: Live in a rural Italian Eco-Hub, sharing organic food and local traditions.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Volunteers will be hosted in comfortable shared accommodation in Polia with Wi-Fi and essential services. - Pocket Money: €6 per day, plus a €50 Extra pocket money for food. - Meals: Primarily organic and homemade, emphasizing local Calabrian products (basic food). - Travel: A travel budget of €275 is available, or €320 for those choosing "Green Travel" options. - Local Transport: For travel outside the village related to project activities, transport will be provided using the organization’s vehicles.
TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY
Volunteers will undergo a comprehensive training program designed for rural entrepreneurship and eco-construction: Woodwork & Carpentry: Hands-on safety and technical training with manual and power tools to build eco-structures. Forestry Skills: Training in sustainable land management, silviculture, and trail mapping. Event Management: Mentorship in large-scale event production, from logistics to sustainable waste management for the Kalabria Eco Festival 2026. Language & Culture: Intensive Italian language support and local cultural integration workshops.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
We are looking for proactive, hands-on individuals (18-30) who are: Physically Ready: Enthusiastic about manual labor in a forest environment and comfortable with the physical demands of eco-construction. Creative Makers: Passionate about learning woodworking, building festival infrastructure, and designing sustainable installations. Community-Minded: Eager to live in a rural village, embrace slow-living, and integrate into the local Calabrian culture. Organized & Reliable: Motivated to assist in the complex logistical preparation of the Kalabria Eco Festival 2026. Nature Lovers: Resilient to outdoor conditions and dedicated to environmental stewardship.
💡 What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes — it's about showing the right combination of values, attitude, and genuine motivation. This article digs into the skills and personal qualities that make a real difference during the selection process, and explains why some candidates stand out while others don't. If you want to understand what a strong volunteer profile looks like before you apply, this is essential reading.
👉 https://youthworkshub.org/13941/
ACTIVITY DATES
A total of 4 week(s) during the period 01/06/2026 to 01/07/2026
ACTIVITY LOCATION
VIA SANTA CROCE SNC , POLIA, Italy
ACTIVITY TYPE
Individual volunteering
LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS FROM
Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
ACTIVITY TOPICS
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Creativity and culture
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
Application deadline: 01/06/2026 10:00
PROJECT CODE
2025-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000348032
Link: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/51517_en
How to Apply: Send your CV and Motivation Letter to: kalistratiaodv@gmail.com
🤝 What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering — and why does it matter for you? Most people know about sending and hosting organisations in ESC projects, but the role of the supporting organisation is far less understood — and far more important than it appears. This article clearly explains what a supporting organisation does, how it fits into the structure of an ESC project, and how its involvement directly affects the volunteer's experience and support throughout the programme. A must-read if you want to fully understand how ESC is structured.
