🇭🇷 ESC Volunteering in Croatia 🌲 Cleaning Illegal Dumpsites in a Nature Park ♻️

Javna ustanova "Park prirode Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje"

Sošice, Croatia

Do you want to spend two weeks restoring wild karst landscapes, protecting springs and wildlife, and learning real green skills outdoors? The public institution Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje Nature Park invites young people to join a team volunteering project in Sošice, Croatia, cleaning up illegal dumpsites within the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

About the Project

Illegal dumps are a big problem in the Nature Park. This rural area has not had a proper waste management plan in decades, and people used the characteristics of the karst area, such as sinkholes, caves, spring areas and forests, as locations for discarding waste. There are many locations that need to be cleaned, and by doing that volunteers help make the Nature Park a much safer place for wildlife, locals and visitors, and keep the water in its springs, creeks, canyons and waterfalls cleaner and safer. Through this activity, participants help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for everyone and learn theory and practice in ecology, recycling, sustainability and responsibility for nature.

What You'll Do

🌲 Take part in team volunteering done outdoors in nature, connected with forestry (maintaining clean forests), ecology and green skills, using simple non-motorized tools.

♻️ Clean up illegal dumpsites across the Nature Park to protect wildlife, local communities, visitors and water sources.

🌊 Contribute to safer, cleaner springs, creeks, canyons and waterfalls across the karst landscape.

🗺️ Another door into 🇭🇷 Croatia: ESC Volunteering in 🇭🇷 Croatia – Community Life with People with Intellectual Disabilities → https://youthworkshub.org/18943

Training During the Activity

📚 Training is organized as lectures and workshops led by the Park's employees, covering topics such as the karst area, conservation, recycling, waste separation, reuse of materials and ecology.

⛰️ The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service organizes a workshop on safe mountain practices for volunteers.

Accommodation, Food and Transport

🏠 Accommodation is provided in the Sošice visitor center, in two dorms equipped with bunk beds, lockers, toilets and showers.

🍳 Meals are prepared by the volunteers; you receive money for food and pocket money upon arrival.

🚐 Local transportation to the working locations is organized by the Park's employees, as is transportation to Sošice on arrival in Croatia and from Sošice after departure.

Who Can Apply

🌍 Young people aged 18 to 30 from the eligible countries.

🌿 We expect participants to be nature lovers with environmental awareness and an interest in learning and doing outdoor physical work; responsible and committed to the work; serious about their stay, schedule and activities; team players who are also independent with their time; flexible and open to new ideas; and respectful and helpful to the locals.

🏔️ Participants must be aware that they will live and work in a remote village in the heart of a Nature Park, so power, water and WiFi shortages can occur.

♻️ Loved this eco theme? Here's another: ESC Volunteering in 🇵🇹 Portugal – In the Wild 2.0: Biodiversity and Nature Protection → https://youthworkshub.org/17115

What's Covered

💶 Volunteers receive money for food and pocket money upon arrival.

✈️ Travel costs to and from Croatia are reimbursed according to the European Distance Calculator, with local and arrival/departure transport organized by the Park.

🛏️ Accommodation in the Sošice visitor center is provided for the full duration.

The Details

📍 Location: Sošice 25b, Sošice, Croatia.

📅 Activity dates: 24 August 2026 to 8 September 2026.

🧩 Activity type: Volunteering teams.

🌱 Activity topic: Environment and natural protection.

🔖 Project code: 2026-1-HR01-ESC51-VTJ-000401041.

Eligible Countries

🌍 Looking for participants from 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czechia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain and 🇸🇪 Sweden.

How to Apply

Fill in the pre-selection form before the selection process, and apply through the European Solidarity Corps Portal by registering and expressing your interest in this opportunity using your ESC account.

🤝 Wondering what organisations really look for in a volunteer before they say yes? This guide breaks down the qualities that make applicants stand out: https://youthworkshub.org/13941/

Deadline

📅 20 July 2026 (12:00)

Links

🔗 Official project page and application: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/53225_en

🔗 Pre-selection form: https://forms.gle/tkizfFmsfaZpb1HY9

✍️ How to write a motivation letter for ESC volunteering that actually gets read — and remembered.A motivation letter is often the single most important part of your ESC application, yet most people write them too generically or too formally to make an impact. This guide walks you through what to include, what to leave out, how to structure your letter, and how to express genuine motivation without sounding like everyone else. Whether you're writing your first letter or rewriting one that didn't work, this is the guide you need. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6061/

🤝 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6051/

💡 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/

🗺️ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? — The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states — but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15124/

⚠️ Important Notice

1️⃣ Source of Information

This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the source.

2️⃣ No Affiliation

YouthWorks Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the projects listed. All applications must be submitted directly to the project coordinator or hosting organisation through the original link, email, etc.

3️⃣ Content May Change

The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy and details of the opportunity. Deadlines, eligible countries, activity dates, and other details may change, or the announcement may be withdrawn entirely, at any time after publication. Always check the original link before applying.

4️⃣ Funding

All funding, travel reimbursements, and allowances are determined and provided by the project coordinator or National Agency. YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any payments or financial matters.

5️⃣ External Links

Listings may contain links to third-party websites, forms, or documents (e.g. the ESC Portal, infopacks, application forms). YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of these external sources.

💡 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.