Volunteering / permaculture internship
Here at Bogata Šuma we love to host people from all over the world! It brings us inspiration, new ideas and insights, first hand views on international politics, new games or recipes, a rhythm in our day and fun for us and our kids.
We also believe that we make the world a better place by giving you skills and knowledge about a more natural life. How to make wine from flowers or berries? How to grow vegetables? How to make natural cleaning products? How to propagate fruit shrubs? We like to share our simple and natural way of living with you.
How does it work?
We host people from spring -> autumn for a minimum of 3 weeks after the introduction week (so 4 in total). Only when you have superpowers in cooking or construction, we make exceptions.
Normally a volunteering period here starts with a week long permaculture, sustainability and self sufficiency course. This introduction course is all about:
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a sustainable life in harmony with nature,
- permaculture solutions and how they work in practice,
- self sufficiency, taking care of your own needs
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how you can use permaculture design methods for setting up your own sustainable life
> Apply here for a volunteer spot
Who is this for?
Volunteering at Bogata Šuma is for people who love food (vegetarian is possible, vegan is not), who are genuinly interested in sustainable living and permaculture, who are independent and have an adult approach of life.
"Nearly never leaving and having a daily party because of it, the place keeps you there despite planning other things. Building a roof together & you being the most gracious and generous hosts I could wish for. You are brilliant examples of how to live well."
Hannah Hunter, Canada >> more
More about our program below
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If you are a chef, >> click here for more info.
If you know your way around with wood and/or construction, >> click here.
For people that want to learn about permaculture, self sufficiency and a sustainable lifestyle, we developed a special program:
Sustainable living, permaculture and self sufficiency program
The first week of your stay is an immersive program to learn about practical permaculture in real life. What is sustainability, what is permaculture, how did we design our land and our life with permaculture ethics and principles as decision making tools. How to setup an ecological garden for self sufficiency, how to take care of yourself with herbs. It gives you an overview of "all" aspects of living a sustainable life in the countryside.
Subjects that we will cover in this week:
- What is sustainable living (and what not!),
- What is permaculture and how can you do this,
- How did we setup a good life in harmony with nature,
- Growing food for self sufficiency and setting up an ecologic food growing system with mulch, compost and natural fertilizers,
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How did we setup our food savana and forest garden and what mistakes did we make. We'll feature seed saving, planting, pruning and propagating techniques,
- Natural building techniques: strawbale, cob, wood construction,
- Animals, their functions, food and care,
- Herbal health: finding, collecting, drying and storing herbs, making teas, making tinctures, kitchen herbs, herbal oil,
- Storing & preserving the harvest, drying, cannning, jam, syrup, fermenting: making your own sourdough, sauerkraut and wine making.
After this course week you can stay for another 3-99 weeks as a volunteer, and go more in depth with the subjects that interest you the most. That is: if we feel a mutual match, of course.
This week is a mandatory introduction week for general volunteers (chefs and wood workers can apply also for other times). It will be held a few times a year, when we have openings for volunteering.
For this year (2022) we're fully booked. The next possibilities:
Mon 20 - Fri 24 March
Mon 24 - Fri 28 April
Mon 29 May - Fri 2 June
Mon 3 - Fri 7 July
Mon 11 - Fri 15 September
> Apply here for a volunteer spot starting one of these dates
What if you can't volunteer for 3 weeks after the course?
You can choose to only follow the course. In every course we have 4 spots for people who can't come and volunteer. afterwards.
What if you want to stay longer than the 4 weeks?
That is possible. We have hosted people for months!
You will grow into another position after a month and you can setup diferent (bigger) projects if you like. If you have a permaculture background you can help Barbara with her Diploma designs or help her give courses. If you have a background in wood work you might enjoy building your own house and stay forever? :-D
More information only by e-mail: volunteers@bogatasuma.eu
Using a chicken in the garden to catch caterpillars
>> More pictures with volunteers
