Hosted by Bona Fides Association (Poland 🇵🇱) and Hyvärilä Youth & Holiday Centre (Finland 🇫🇮), this exciting 2-month ESC project takes place in the beautiful snowy landscapes of Nurmes, North Karelia 🇫🇮. Volunteers will explore Finnish culture, traditions, and mythology — especially the famous Kalevala epics — and creatively reinterpret them to design new youth programs for young people aged 13–25 visiting the Hyvärilä Youth Centre.
With access to a nearby movie set, volunteers will combine creativity, storytelling, and culture to develop an innovative learning experience. Participants will also explore both the cultural and natural heritage of North Karelia and learn foundations of adventure education and youth centre pedagogy. Only 4 volunteers will be selected for this unique winter adventure!

Project Activities 🎬🎨📚

  • 🎭 Exploring Finnish culture, folklore & Kalevala epics
  • 🎬 Using a nearby movie set to design creative youth activities
  • 🧑‍🏫 Creating & piloting a cultural program for young people (13–25)
  • 🌲 Discovering local history, natural heritage & rural traditions
  • 🧗 Learning basics of adventure education & youth centre pedagogy
  • 🤝 Working in an international volunteer team
  • ❄️ Experiencing rural Finland during its coldest (and coziest!) months

Accommodation, Food & Transport 🏠🍽️🚴

  • 🏡 Accommodation in a cosy wooden house at Hyvärilä Youth Centre
  • 🛏️ Single room + shared kitchen, shower & living spaces
  • 🍽️ Meals provided in the centre cafeteria
  • 🚴 Bicycle available for trips to Nurmes (3.5 km)
  • 🧥 Warm clothes available to borrow
  • ✈️ Travel costs covered according to ESC rules
  • 💶 Pocket money: 7 EUR/day
  • 🌨️ 2 paid holiday days per month (Finnish work law)

Training During the Activity 🎓❄️

  • 🧭 On-arrival training
  • 📅 Introduction week at Hyvärilä Youth Centre
  • 🎯 Continuous mentoring & creative guidance

Participant Profile 👥✨

The project seeks volunteers who are:

  • 🎨 Artistic, creative & interested in culture, folklore, history
  • 🌿 Passionate about nature & rural life
  • 🤝 Motivated to work with young people
  • 🌍 Excited for intercultural teamwork
  • ❄️ Comfortable in calm, secluded environments
  • 🇵🇱 Important: This opportunity is ONLY for volunteers living in Poland
    (Applications from outside Poland will not be considered.)

Eligible Countries 🌍🇪🇺

🇵🇱 Poland (ONLY)

Application Deadline 📅

01 December 2025

Application Link 🔗

https://evs.bonafides.pl/2025/11/esc-in-nurmes-finland/

⚠️ 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.