🇩🇰 ESC Volunteering in Denmark 🏕️ Outdoor Life and Teambuilding at a Scout Centre 🌲

Description

Houens Odde Scout Centre is a conference and outdoor centre owned by the YMCA Scouts in Denmark. It is run by a mixed team of permanent employees as well as Danish and international volunteers. The centre also has a staff of around 120 Danish volunteer scouts from various scout organisations in Denmark. This team, called "Houmen", manages the scout events taking place at the centre throughout the year. Our guests include companies, schools, municipalities, NGOs, and scouts from both Denmark and abroad.

The tasks are mainly practical, outdoor assignments focused on the daily operations of the centre. However, you will also act as a teambuilding instructor and assist in the kitchen/canteen. The practical work is designed so that anyone can participate, regardless of prior experience. There will also be opportunities to join scout summer camps as staff members and to work on a personal project focusing on inclusion/diversity and green policies

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers share a large apartment located directly at the centre with room for up to 6 people. Each volunteer gets their own private bedroom, while sharing the kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities. The ESC volunteers will live alongside 2 Danish volunteers and 1 non-European volunteer. You do not need to be a scout to volunteer here. The centre covers all costs for accommodation and food. Additionally, the volunteers have access to 2 shared cars for both work purposes and free time. Public buses are available, but since the centre is located in the countryside, departures are limited

Training during the activity

Volunteers receive hands-on training for all tasks at the centre. We offer "Volunteer Onboarding Sessions" during the first month, followed by 5-week mid-term evaluation sessions halfway through the project. You will also participate in the official on-arrival and mid-term training cycles organised by the National Agency.

The centre is situated on a beautiful, forested peninsula. In your free time, you are more than welcome to go canoeing, kayaking, or use the centre's many other outdoor facilities.

Participant profile

We are looking for volunteers between 18 and 26 years old. You do not have to be a scout, but you should enjoy outdoor life, as the centre is located in the countryside, surrounded by forest and water.

Many tasks are practical, but you do not need to be a handyman or handywoman beforehand—the most important thing is a willingness to learn new skills, and we will teach you everything you need to know. A valid driver's licence is a great advantage, as the centre covers a large area where you will occasionally need to drive a car or a tractor.

Since you will live in a multicultural apartment, you should enjoy an international atmosphere, speak English, and be social and curious about your housemates. The daily tasks can vary from week to week, so adaptability is key. However, if you have specific needs that require a more structured plan, we are very open to accommodating this.

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

From 01/08/2027 to 31/08/2028

Location

Houens Odde 14, Kolding, Denmark

Deadline

15/01/2027

Project code

2026-1-DK01-ESC51-VTJ-000400745

Topics

Looking for participants from

22 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇩🇰 Denmark.