Sustainable education and cultural exchange in our scout camp in Cioclovina, Romania

Details

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  Description

  Nestled in the bucolic mountains of Transylvania, Camp is a not-for-profit facility serving local and international communities for the purposes of constructive education, cultural exchange, and strengthening our connection with nature.
  The property consists of a main farmhouse, several rustic cabins, a food garden, and designated campgrounds with outdoor showers and outhouses. It is also home to 40+ families of honeybees. Our closest neighbour is a small dairy farm so we regularly enjoy fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt. Daily bovine traffic is to be expected.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Get to know the Carpathian mountains, known as the largest expanse of wilderness in Europe. Enjoy hiking through the forest, climbing rocks, explore numerous caves, encounter Dacian ruins, or just be still and listen to the birds.
  Opportunity for cultural exchange with local Romanians and beyond—throughout the year, the camp hosts numerous groups and organizations that gather from around the globe. Many evenings are spent playing guitar around the campfire and singing along.
  And if interested, you can also learn about local bee-keeping practices.

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  Help

  Open to travellers with love and respect for nature who are skilled and knowledgeable in carpentry and/or gardening.
  
  Over the years, the cabins have been lovingly restored little by little. There is one cabin now that we're aiming to make comfortably habitable–a finished roof would be a great start. It also needs insulation, windows, some kind of flooring, and wooden fencing for the entrance patio. Some skills and experience will be needed in working with building materials and tools. We prefer to use salvaged items whenever we can, so creative ideas and solutions are always welcome.
  
  There are 3 plots designated for vegetable gardening. Experience in gardening not necessary, just the ability to enjoy getting dirty. There are also numerous fruiting trees that just drip produce when in-season, but we haven't the time and hands yet to harvest properly. We'd love to start a regular production of apple juice or cider and cherry jams.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Romanian: Fluent
  Chinese (Cantonese): Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner
  Japanese: Beginner
  Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am fluent in English, and Cantonese. Also basics of Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese. Now starting with beginner level Romanian. The founder of camp, Gherman, speaks fluent Romanian with intermediate skills in French and English. We are both eager to build our language skills to better facilitate international cultural exchange.
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  Accommodation

  All facilities are shared. Dormitories are furnished with bunk beds, basic linens provided, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag.
  There are 2 indoor bathrooms equipped with toilets and showers.
  Option to pitch tent on campground with access to outdoor shower/toilet facilities.
  Use of common kitchen, washing machine.
  
  During high season (May-September), one can expect at least two prepared meals per day.
  During low season, due to limited staffing, you may need to prepare your own meal, sourcing from our pantry.
  In cases of specific dietary needs, do plan well-ahead and bring your own supply as a) our location is 30min+ drive to town/shops and b) local shops may not stock specific products.
  
  Those are the general guidelines, we are always open and flexible to accommodate any basic needs whenever possible.

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  What else ...

  - Hiking
  - Rock-climbing
  - Spelunking
  - Biking
  - Ping Pong
  - Guitar-playing
  - Star-gazing

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We do have space to situate campers and camper vans. Availability is limited, please contact for further details.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  There are 2 large autonomous dogs that hang out on the property: They are considered local guardians of camp and are friendly with (or tolerant of) other dogs, but not cats.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week