With a little bit of enthusiasm and innovative approach, volunteering camps can still be a great way to reconnect with nature and other people. Young Researchers of Serbia made it their mission this summer!

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While the Covid-19 pandemic has affected our core activities at Young Researchers of Serbia, we haven’t allowed them to come to a halt. Since most international camps are under the question mark, we’re working hard to give our young volunteers a memorable experience and help them discover natural wonders that are just around the corner.

From July 7 to July 21, dozens of volunteers had an amazing opportunity to attend a camp “Soul of the Danube” in Kusjak near Negotin, organized by the Association for Nature Conservation and Environmental Protection “Familia Nature”.

Located in the river’s canyon, Kusjak is a hidden gem for adventurers and budding local tourism entrepreneurs. Two major European cyclist routes cut through this picturesque town – Euro Velo 6 and Iron Curtain 13. Alongside locals, the volunteers cleaned and marked the local forest path, turning it into a new cyclist route. They also placed numerous signposts, information boards, and took part in constructing benches and tables for the hikers and cyclists.

Our volunteers also learned how to use topographic maps, produce wine, and grow and harvest cherries. These activities were part of a greater effort to encourage young people to grow tourism in their local community through developing picturesque cyclist routes and attractions, as well as promoting local wine producers.

The camp has been a great success, and we’re on the lookout for new camps that will allow young people to reconnect with nature, local community and other people, with all safety precautions in mind.

Eco System is another ongoing project of Young Researchers of Serbia supported by Sweden. We’re currently preparing a large-scale environmental awareness campaign, which will be followed by two years of open calls and grants for civil society organizations dedicated to environmental protection. Our goal is to keep civil society involved in decision-making processes and help them adopt a proactive and authoritative role in shaping a better and greener future for all of us!