Project Location: The village of Raufarhöfn is the community that lies farthest north in Iceland. It is located in the eastern part of Melrakkasletta close to the Arctic Circle. The population of Raufarhöfn is about 200 and most of the people there earn their living from fishing and fish processing. The harbor is very beautiful and partly shaped by nature itself. A wide and untouched open area surrounds the village with a lot of birds and varied vegetation. In summer one will observe wild migratory birds within the village being a part of the village life with the villagers most often waking up in the morning to the songs of birds. The coastline with its inlets and creeks is filled with driftwood and reaches out into the Arctic Sea. Away and on the surface of the sea various sea-birds will be spotted and an occasional seal. On the beach waders strut and inland on the grassy moorlands there are dozens of lakes filled with trout. In the vicinity many species of ducks, waders and species that favor heaths and moorlands may be observed.
Work: the purpose of this camp is very diverse. During these camp volunteers will be able to cooperate in different tasks. Depending to the season or month where volunteers will participate in the camp the themes will be different. WF owns a center in the village. During the first month of the summer the camp will be more focused on cultural activities for the people and the youth of the village. Activities such as cultural coffees , international evenings, workshop which volunteers can develop, renovation work such us painting and cleaning the House and visual arts project such a sharing photography knowledge’s, video filming and editing.
During the last 2 months of the summer volunteers will work more on environmental tasks such as cleaning the coast line. During this time the local Youth goes back to school and is more difficult to gather people for cultural evening. Another reason to avoid environmental work during the first 2 months is due to the migrant birds known as CRIA in Iceland. About this time they are nesting and is not good to disturb the areas. At the end of August they fly back again and is perfect time for coastline cleaning. In August we will also pick berries and make some jam together. Also during this time volunteers will have the chance to share photo skills and video and edit and produce visual arts materials to be use afterwards on our website.
This work camp is a way to enjoy an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while they are exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.
Leisure: We will do a lot of hiking during the camp and we can also catch some fish in the port of Raufarhöfn.
WF Iceland will also organise reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.
Accommodation and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in the Worldwide Friends house offering basic facilities. Beds are provided, however volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags.
Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favorite recipes from home!
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. The closest national airport to the camp site is Thorshofn airport which is 40 km away from the project’s site.
Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Raufarhöfn for the price of 150 EURO which includes a trip around the island (Total 1.400 km) starting from Reykjavik going through the North to the East of the island. After the camp we will go through the east and south of Iceland. This trip includes unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents and icebergs.
Additional Information: There is an Extra participation fee of 200,- Euro for this work camp.