Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Because volunteers usually come from several different countries, you get the rare
chance to build bonds with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Think of it as a mini
UN right there in the work camp. The idea is that the better we get to know folks from oth-
er countries and the more we practice working together, the easier it will be to create world
peace.
International work camps emerged in Europe right after World War II. The Vermont
VFP, which serves as an affiliate of UNESCO's Coordinating Committee for International
Voluntary Service, an umbrella organization for nongovernmental volunteer agencies, sprang
up in 1982.
More than 85 percent of the work camps are set up between July and September, and at
least a fourth of volunteers register for several work camps, thus giving them a whole sum-
mer abroad. With so many camps to choose from, you can name a month you want to travel
and it's almost guaranteed you'll find a VFP project that will appeal. The
International Work
Camp Directory
(nearly 300 pages of projects) is posted on the website in March and avail-
able for mailing in early April. Send $20 to the address below for a hard copy.
A $250 registration fee per two- to three-week camp covers room and board. Transport-
ation is arranged and paid for by the volunteer. Each volunteer must also pay a mandatory
onetime VFP membership of $20.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
Volunteers
for
Peace,
1034
Tiffany
Road,
Belmont,
VT
05730,
802-259-2759,
www.vfp.org.
