Volunteering Summer Fest 2025

Location: Bergolo, Piedmont, Italy

Dates: 25 August – 18 September 2025 (including travel days)

Infopack HERE

The Volunteering Summer Fest (VSF) is a one-month international volunteering programme hosted in the rural setting of Alta Langa, Italy. Supported by the European Solidarity Corps, this initiative gathers 15 young individuals aged 18 to 30 for 24 days (+1 travel day) of service, learning and intercultural exchange.

The project is designed for young people who are currently facing life challenges and are looking for meaningful engagement, personal growth, and the opportunity to develop new skills in a supportive, community-oriented environment.

Objectives of the Project

  • Promote social inclusion and solidarity through hands-on volunteering

  • Foster personal development, intercultural understanding, and cooperation

  • Equip participants with practical skills and experience in community engagement

  • Encourage active citizenship and initiative-taking

Participant Profile

Participants should:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old

  • Reside in one of the eligible programme countries

  • Be facing personal, social or economic challenges as outlined in the programme criteria

  • Be motivated to engage in community life, live in a rural environment, and collaborate with international peers

  • Have an interest in acquiring manual, practical and team-working skills

  • Be open to reflection and sharing in a self-managed group setting

Main Volunteering Areas

Volunteers will rotate among several work areas to ensure diverse learning and engagement:

  • Renovation and restoration: including wall preparation and painting, building flower beds, and creating furniture from recycled materials

  • Gardening and environmental maintenance: such as weeding public paths and supporting garden activities

  • Cooking: preparing meals for the group within a self-managed community kitchen

  • Festival preparation: assisting in the planning and execution of the annual Bergolo town festival

Please note: The programme is flexible, and specific tasks may change based on local needs and weather conditions.

Benefits for Participants

  • Acquisition of technical and manual skills in cooking, restoration and handcrafting

  • Enhanced group work and problem-solving competencies

  • Experience living in a peaceful rural environment

  • Reflection time to explore new interests and directions

  • Intercultural learning and new international friendships

  • Youthpass certificate to document your learning and boost your CV

Accommodation and Living Conditions

Participants will be accommodated in the Alveare Hostel (“The Hive”) in Bergolo, which offers:

  • Shared bedrooms (2–4 beds per room)

  • A fully equipped kitchen

  • Communal dining and leisure areas

  • A large terrace with panoramic views

  • Wi-Fi and laundry facilities

Quiet hours begin at 23:00 in line with the tranquil setting of the village. A designated space called the “Cozy Area” may be used for late-evening activities under specific conditions until 00:00.

Please note: This is an alcohol-free programme — no alcohol is permitted in project venues, including the hostel and activity areas.

Financial and Logistical Support

  • Pocket money: €6 per day

  • Travel reimbursement: based on the ESC distance calculator, up to €580 depending on distance

  • Food: a shared weekly food budget will be provided for group meal preparation (vegan/vegetarian focus)

  • Insurance: full coverage provided by the European Solidarity Corps (HENNER insurance)

  • Local transport: bicycles will be available, and weekly transport to the supermarket will be arranged

Project Timeline

  • July 2025: Participant selection, pre-departure preparation and online meetings with support organisations

  • 25 August – 18 September 2025: On-site volunteering programme in Bergolo

  • September–October 2025: Post-project follow-up, including reflection, dissemination of outcomes, and implementation of personal action plans

Support Structure

  • Sending/support organisations in each participant’s home country will offer preparation and follow-up

  • On-site supervisors will coordinate the volunteering tasks

  • Local mentors, including long-term volunteers from Vagamondo, will facilitate daily reflections and provide cultural orientation

  • Professional facilitators will guide specific tasks and activities

Application Process

To apply, please fill in the online application form here: Apply Now

For further questions, contact:
vsf8@vagamondo.info

This project offers a unique opportunity to step away from the ordinary, learn by doing, and contribute meaningfully to a small community in Italy while building friendships, skills, and self-confidence for the future.

The program is co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps and includes 24 days of volunteering programme (+1 travel day)

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