Centre for All: Adventure Afloat

Volunteers will assist in creating the program for a camp designed for children and youth (age 6 to 30) with disabilities (mostly menthal as autism, down syndrom, a few of them with physical disability like wheelchair) and will also help with child and youth supervision. Their role includes supporting the children and motivating them to participate in activities. The camp theme will be a pirate adventure, so the activities will be inspired by pirates. The first few days will be dedicated to orientation, training, and possibly excursions for the volunteers. Volunteers will cooperate with Czech assistants and help their fellow campers with daily tasks such as dressing, eating, personal hygiene and participation in the camp program. During the camp, volunteers might work longer hours (from 7:30 AM to 5 PM), nevertheless, there will be enough time to rest and take trips before and after the camp.) Work that involves mental effort can also manifest as physical fatigue. Those who are not used to working with children may not realize how much energy it consumes! Everyone has their own boundaries and limits, so while some may find working with a wheelchair exhausting, others may feel drained by an energetic child they need to constantly chase around…

There will be two accommodation places. Before the camp, volunteers will stay at the scout center. The rooms have three beds each, and the showers and toilets are located in the same building. Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, and a small kitchen will also be accessible. During this time, volunteers will prepare all their meals themselves. Once the camp starts, volunteers will move to the campsite. They will sleep on mattresses in a shared hall (while the children sleep at their homes). Lunch will be provided, and volunteers will eat together with the children. All dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Location: The project takes place in the small village of Velky Osek (approximately 2,600 inhabitants), the nearest bigger towns are Podebrady or Kolin. There are small shops in the village, an ATM, and phone coverage is good. Leisure time: Before and after the camp, volunteers will have enough free time to explore the surroundings or go on trips. Volunteers will have opportunities to hike in the beautiful countryside of the Czech Republic, as well as go on a trip to the marvellous city of Prague/Kutná Hora or spa Poděbrady based on preferences. An international evening will be organized, where each volunteer will have a chance to share the cuisine, culture, and traditions of their country and will learn about the countries of the others. Study part: Volunteers will learn about different types of disabilities. Through their trained campleaders, they will get to know how to assist the people in their daily life. Volunteers will be able to learn some basic Czech phrases – which will be helpful during the camp.