Collective and Participatory Volunteering Event: Spring Camptier at Ermitaj
10–17 May 2025
Spring has shaken up our plans… and brought a fresh wave of energy! We warmly invite you to join us for an intense week of collective living, hands-on work, learning, and play, in the heart of nature.
What is a camptier?
A camptier is a self-organised participatory volunteering camp. The term comes from French, combining “camp” and “chantier” (worksite), and captures the spirit of a temporary gathering where people come together to work, learn, live and have fun as a community.
Participants contribute to:
- daily life (cooking, organising, logistics),
- distributing tasks based on skills and energy,
- sharing knowledge in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere,
- creating a space for learning, play, and mutual support,
- a transformative collective experience, little by little.
Practical details
- Accommodation: in tent (a few dorm beds available).
- Food: we provide a balanced plant-based base; feel free to bring extras like meat, cheese, eggs, or your favourite treats.
- Schedule: 5–6 hours of work per day, with one lighter rest day during the week.
- Atmosphere: campfires, live music, pizza and bread from the oven… plus surprises!
What we’ll be doing
10–11 May
Shredding branches left from our arboriculture course, together with professional arborist Cosmin Iordache, his partner Diana, and their powerful shredder. Cosmin will share tips, stories, and insights into the arborist’s craft. We’ll need help prepping and feeding the beast!
12–17 May
Depending on the group’s energy and interest:
- Jean Pain composting demo using the shredded material (the event, initially planned for April, has been postponed),
- redesigning a vegetable garden area using the Bill Molisson lasagna gardening method (cardboard, compost, straw…),
- joyful weeding, broadfork & “campagnole” use, sowing, mulching – everything that spring invites us to do in the garden,
- clay plastering and painting,
- gathering and drying medicinal plants,
- and maybe even some light woodworking.
Every day
We’ll enjoy games, relaxation, meditation, walks, laughter, meaningful conversations, and celebrations of life.
Good to know
- Best arrival: 9 May. The 10th and 11th are key days!
- You can leave on 18 May or earlier if needed.
- We recommend staying at least 3 full days to truly experience the group rhythm — though the full week is the most enriching way to dive in.
How to register?
Write to us to register or ask questions.
Please help us spread the word! Online visibility is tough — your shares make a real difference.
We look forward to welcoming you!