ANCIENT OLYMPIA
CODE: ELIX22-01-ESC
NAME: ANCIENT OLYMPIA
DATE : 04-18 May 2022
WORK: Environmental, manual – ESC Individual Volunteering
AGE: 18-30
TOTAL VOLS: 7
Summary
ELIX is looking for interested volunteers to participate in Ancient Olympia ESC project.
In western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it sprawls over the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush, green landscape. During this project you will live, share experiences with people from different places of Europe, visit important historical sites of the area and offer some time in a community service project.
Partner and work
ELIX volunteers have been active in a previous environmental reconstruction project in 2008, after the great fire of 2007. That fire destroyed large parts of the surrounding hills of the area. In the summer of 2021, a new fire burnt down everything on the Galani Hill and ELIX volunteers, in cooperation with a local group, organised several reforestation projects.
An important part of your experience is a Community Service Project that is much needed in Olympia. The work has environmental tasks. The first aim of the project is the cleaning of the paths of one of the hills around the archaeological site, the Galani Hill, as it is called, from the burnt branches and restructure the existing hiking trails which have been destroyed from the fire. The second aim is the preparation of the Botanical Garden that is located in Olympia. One of the most important tasks at the Botanical Garden is to be accessible again for the lovers of nature. There will be tasks like cleaning the bushes and plants and other similar tasks which will require creativity and hand crafts like carpentry and woodworking.
Volunteers during this work-camp will have the opportunity to interact with the local community, brainstorm ideas and find ways to sensibilize people for nature. The work offered is very important, not only for the local community of Olympia, but also it has an important contribution to the cultural heritage, as Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, a place of great historical and cultural importance.
Contribute…
…in a worthy community project, while exercising and awakening your body!
Food and Accommodation
You will stay in the premises of a big hotel, situated a few hundred yards from the sacred site of Ancient Olympia. The facilities among others include a conference centre, various sports facilities (soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming pool), bedrooms and dormitories, restaurant, cafeteria, wi-fi access. Meals will be included for the volunteers
Activities
Participants will have the opportunity to experience the everyday life of Olympia; they may attend different events during the period of their stay like excursions, hiking, guided tours, speeches, empowerment exercises, familiarity with the local community, group activities that will help foster socialization among the participants and give a special identity to the programme.
Requirements
This is an ESC project, individual short-term volunteering, supported by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Commission. Compared to the usual workcamp, some main financial and administrative differences must be underlined. This project is open to 18–30-year-old participants. You do not have to pay any (participation) fees to participate in the project. You must be present for the entire duration of the camp in order to get your pocket money (5€/day) for common leisure activities and travel expenses. There is a maximum amount of financial support for your travel expenses. The cost of travel is returned to the participants after the completion of the programme up to € 275 for each participant. Volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the ESC portal.
What to Bring
The spring in Greece is usually mild, although we might face some rain. Check on Greek weather: https://www.meteo.gr/index-en.cfm
Here is a list of ideas about what to bring, apart from your personal items (i.e. toiletries and clothing):
- Loose clothing (preferably, old used ones), which you would not mind getting dirty during work;
- long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect you from vegetation and cold
- a warm sweater and socks, bring at least 4 pairs in case they get wet during gardening
- raincoat and/or umbrella
- working shoes (not sandals)
If you take any special medication, please bring enough supplies with you.
Part of the experience in this project is to get to know more about other people’s countries, culture, and background. We will organise “Circles of Interest” during some evenings where you will have the opportunity to participate in team building activities and games.
Location: Ancient Olympia (Archaia Olympia) https://goo.gl/maps/UShSXV9xqu1seuDp7
Nearest Airport: Athens, Greece
How to apply
Send a VEF through your organisation or fill in the application form:
For any additional information or questions please contact the project team at: youth@elix.org.gr
Bring with you your good will, your passion and sense of humour!
We wish you a safe, easy journey and an unforgettable experience in Olympia – Greece!
All you need to do is focus on what’s important: using your time, energy, and skills to actively make a difference!