Israel - Multicultural Eco Summer Camp

Location

Situated in Northern Israel, Maghar is a unique  multicultural village, overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Maghar is historic, originally named "Zar" during the Roman Period. The many olive and grape presses testify to a long history of agriculture in the area, in addition to the numerous hillside caves showing signs of ancient habitation. Today the town has a diverse religious and ethnic makeup of Druze, Christians, and Muslims.

About the Project

Established in 1969, the Israel Association of Community Centers' mission is to advance the quality of life in Israel's most diverse communities. The center's aim is to tailor programs to the unique needs of each community. Some projects include innovative early childhood enrichment programs that encourage embracing each other's differences, to coexistence programs between Jews and Arabs. It offers the services of professional training, planning, development, and fundraising for special projects to meet the needs of its network that includes over 180 community centers (40 in the non-Jewish sector) throughout Israel.  

GoEco volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside the Community Center in the diverse town of Mughar and assist with its annual summer camp for Druze, Christian, and Muslim children. The themes of the camp are the principles of coexistence, arts, sports, and ecology in English.

The National Israeli Service for Adult Volunteering (SHALEM) will assist with organizing and facilitating the program.

Orientation in Jerusalem

The volunteer adventure will start off with a GoEco orientation at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem. The orientation is a great base to meet fellow volunteers / travelers and includes the following:

• Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
• Expert travel advice in Israel for during and after your volunteer placement
• Walking tour of Jerusalem, including the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market
• Discount card to experience Jerusalem's vibrant night-life
• 1 night dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)

The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday July 11th. The next morning, volunteers will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and the project will be provided upon registration.

During the first 2 days in Mughar volunteers will settle in with their host families and prepare for the summer camp.

Volunteers will depart the camp on Friday morning on the 26th of July. 

Volunteer Work and Contribution

During the project volunteers will assist the Mughar Community Center in running a unique and diverse summer care program for children. Activities include:

• Organizing various activities for the campers
• Setting up and conducting workshops on ecology, sports, music, and arts
• Rotating between the workshops to teach English
• Escorting day trips (e.g. swimming pool, nature hikes, theme park, etc.)

Volunteer hours during the camp day will be, 08:30 - 14:00. Between 14:00 - 16:00 volunteers will prepare activities for the next day.

Important note: schedule and activities may change according to demand and unforeseeable events.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations: volunteers will have the unique opportunity to live with a local family during the program. During this time, volunteers will learn more about local customs and cuisine. Home stay includes single or shared room with bed, linens, and shared bathroom.

Food: volunteers will eat breakfast and dinner at the homestay, and lunch will be given at the Community Center.

Internet and laundry facilities will be available yet limited. 

Travel Highlights

Volunteers will join day trips to the beautiful Sea of Galilee and other local attractions. During the evenings volunteers can socialize and use the local gym. The community center and host families will try and organize unique events as well, such as cooking classes and lectures.

Minimum Requirements

• High level of English (very important)
• Age 20 - 40 
• Excellent state of health
• No alcohol during stay at village
• Clothes that cover shoulders and knees 
• Motivation to work with children
• Open mind and willingness to experience new cultures
• Police Clearance Form
• C.V / Resume
  
   

Cultural Points

This program is a unique cultural experience and volunteers need to respect local customs that are very different from what is common back home, for example: 

• It is forbidden for volunteers to drink alcohol while staying at the village
• Volunteers are expected to inform their host families where they are going after volunteer hours and not return late at night. 
• Volunteers need to be highly motivated to work and practice English with children and host families, even though it may be difficult communicate.
• Other cultural points will be given during the orientation and camp.