Summer Heritage Camps

Program Description

Volunteering Matters run a collection of week-long Heritage Camps for 16-25 year olds in cathedrals, churches and various other historic sites across the UK. Each camp brings together young people from Britain as well as throughout the EU to take part in activities that help to maintain Britain's architectural heritage. Our volunteers learn new skills as well as build on existing ones while acquiring knowledge of the cultural and historical value of the structures.

Heritage Camps has been running for over 30 years and each summer in July and August, camps take place throughout the UK. The volunteering roles vary depending on the demands of the site, yet the volunteering tasks could consist of:

*maintaining, cleaning and helping to conserve the buildings and grounds
*restoring monuments and statues
*re-laying stone pathways
*maintaining ornamental woodwork and brass features
*clearing crypts and cellars
*painting
*gardening or restoring graveyards

Each camp varies in size from 8-15 volunteers plus 2 volunteer camp leaders who themselves are young people. The camps introduce volunteers to the heritage of these great buildings as well as teach them to function as a group whilst providing an opportunity to make new friends and have fun. Each camp runs from Wednesday to Wednesday with some time off at the weekends. Each volunteer pays £200 per camp, that includes all meals, accommodation and equipment.

Highlights

Not only do our volunteers establish skills and experience around the conservation of historic buildings, our volunteers take part in Heritage Camps to:
* Fulfill the residential section of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
* Improve practical as well as organisational skills
* Build effective team working skills
* Meet various other young people from the UK as well as Europe
* Try out new activities
* Build on their CV and gain experience
* Have fun!

Qualifications

No previous experience or qualifications are required. Volunteers should have the ability to understand and follow instructions in English. Volunteers would need to be eligible to volunteer in the UK.