Location
Nimrod is a small Israeli settlement in the Golan Heights on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon. It is a cooperative agricultural community and the highest Jewish settlement in Israel at 1,110 meters (3,642 ft) above sea level. Nimrod is located approximately 4 hours north of Tel Aviv.
About the project
Situated on one of the highest peaks in Israel, the Nimrod Mountain Eco Lodge is an impressive center for eco-tourism and experimental bio-farming. The Lodge sets an example of modern sustainable living on the rugged Golan Heights using down to earth techniques such as grey water systems, construction from recycled materials, natural insulation and bio-farming. The Lodge is in the process of creating a living and working eco community for people with special needs.
GoEco volunteer will be involved with the daily tasks of running the lodge and bio-farm.
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 arrival day. 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.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will address and overcome the challenges involved with running and developing the Mountain Eco Lodge. Volunteer tasks will include some of the following:
Physical work: Ecologically minded building, daily maintenance of the Eco Lodge, cleaning, cooking, bio farming and picking crops (spring - autumn).
Office work: Answering phones and emails, hosting guests from around the world, website translations and writing texts for promotion.
Participants are invited and encouraged to bring their own special skills to the project. There is plenty of room for innovation, so whether the volunteers' specialty is a trade skill, web design, yoga, painting, botany, or virtually anything else, there is room at the eco lodge for them to add their own personal touch to the program. Volunteers are expected to work 30 - 35 hours, 5 days a week.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay in a comfortable dorm cabin suited for 4 people with beds, bathroom with hot shower and fully equipped kitchen. Food provisions will be provided for cooking.
Internet: Shared computer for emails
Laundry: Washing machine available
Travel Highlights
Nimrod is nestled on the southern slopes of Mt. Hermon. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to the breathtaking views of the Golan Heights and the surrounding area. Travelers can visit the ancient ruins of Nimrod Fortress which dates back to the Crusaders era. Beautiful national parks in this region include the Banias Waterfall, Tel Dan Nature Reserve and Mt Hermon, which has skiing during January - March. The mountian villages of Majdal Shams and Mas'ade offers a unique insight to Druze culture and cuisine.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Conversational English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Strong work ethic
- Motivation to do physical and demanding work
- Full travel & medical insurance