Health and Environment Supporter
Coordinator | Sebastian
Coordinator | Sebastian
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Enjoy a bath in a natural thermal river at Hveragerði!
Learn how Iceland cultivates food using greenhouses and thermal energy.
Explore the Icelandic south coast, visit the most impressive waterfalls, the unique black beach, and admire the Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Be surrounded by nature and embark on hiking adventures.
Meet volunteers from all around the world and learn new cultures and traditions.
Volunteer in a geothermal Greenhouse in the south of Iceland. You will have the opportunity to prepare organic medicines and learn from organic agriculture.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
*Project location:
Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field.
This provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers, and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means“hot springs garden”. Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeline and chances are you won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely “Steam Valley” behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents.
Our host is a non-profit organization called the NLFI Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is a part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. Every year approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patient's own health. Since its foundation in 1955, the clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, for the personal and effective care of patients. It is one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland. In the last few years, this ongoing camp has been the most popular camp in our organization.
*Work:
The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where Worldwide Friends volunteers work most of the time. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control and sometimes you will also be gardening. The agriculture that is practiced in the center is organic/bio.
The main activities, but not limited to are; Agriculture: cultivating soil; planting; raising, and harvesting crops. Horticulture: growing fruits, vegetables, and plants. Working involves working with herbs. Renovation around the property. During winter the work might include snowplowing.
If you have any specific allergies please check before booking.
The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly. Volunteers should bring clothes appropriate for outdoor work, but also clothes for working inside the warm greenhouses. Working hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and volunteers will have a coffee break in the morning and a one-hour lunch break.
*Participants: We host international volunteers, most of them around 18 to 25 years old.
*Camp leaders:
There are always one or more leaders for each camp, depending on the size of the group. Leaders represent the link between the hosting community and the group of volunteers. They coordinate the work, organize leisurely activities, plan excursions, organize the shopping, house chores, and cooking sessions. Apart from these additional responsibilities, they are equal to other volunteers. Most of our camp leaders are from other countries, as we are very open-minded in hosting international leaders from other organizations
We strongly recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the first day of your workcamp and depart no earlier than one day after the last day of your workcamp.
*What to pack?
Hiking boots
Work gloves
Water bottle
Work clothes (for outside & inside the Greenhouse)
Warm sleeping bag (we only provide bed sheets)
Towel
Swimsuit (to take advantage of the traditional swimming pools and hot springs)
Warm and waterproof clothes/shoes (you will spend time outside)
Slippers/shoes for indoors, we don’t bring shoes inside the houses!
Raincoat
Pillow
Medication
Food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for Intercultural Nights
Cash (ISK or Euros) for camp fees and excursions as we do not accept credit card payments on the spot.
Baggage allowance: 1 large suitcase & small carry-on
Typical day
- 7:30 Breakfast
- 8:00 - 10:30 Working in the greenhouse
- 10:30 - 11:00 Break
- 11:00 - 12:00 Working in the greenhouse
- 12: 00 Lunch
- 13:00 - 15:00 Working in the greenhouse
- 15:00 Free time
- 18:00 Workshop
- 19:00 Dinner
- 20:00 Planned activity (Ex. Movie night, Game night, Aurora hunting)
Free-time activities
Excursions:
WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend or one-day excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs;
- Golden Circle (Included in the camp fee)
- South Coast (80 EUR)
- Geldinganes volcano
- And more….
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
CV and ID
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Volunteers must be in good health and capable of doing physical work.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 15:00
What's Included
The fee includes:
- Trip from the meeting point to the accommodation
- The Golden Circle Excursion
- Accommodation
- All the meals
- Meaningful volunteering
- Return trip from the accommodation to the meeting point on the last day
WF Cancellation fees & charges
As we start to incur costs from the time the contract is confirmed we will apply cancellation charges as shown below from the time when written notification of the cancellation is received:
- With a notice of more than 30th days, the cancellation will be free of charge.
- With a notice between 30th – 14th days, 50% of the total fee will be charged.
- With a notice of less than 14th days, 100% of the total fee will be charged.
- Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF, no refund shall be given.
Code of Conduct
In order to have adequate conduct during the program, the following points are established that must be complied with without exception.
- WF is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and to fostering a climate in which all participants can have an exceptional experience.
- Clothing. Appropriate footwear and suitable outdoor clothing must be worn. We reserve the right to refuse participation to participants who are dressed inappropriately or with inappropriate footwear since this will put the participant’s well-being and safety at risk.
- Non-prescription Drugs. We reserve the right to terminate the program to participants we believe are under the influence of drugs, in such circumstances, no refund shall be given.
- WF reserves the right to refuse participation and to cancel the stay to any participant whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense, upset, or put other participants in danger. Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF.
Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in a fully equipped bungalow
consisting of several double bedrooms and a living room. Fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and toilets. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow, but beds and sheets are provided.
Bedroom (Double)
Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning.
We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options. We try to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet by cutting down our meat intake and we usually encourage volunteers to try more sustainable dishes.
Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favorite recipes or ingredients from home!
*Breakfast is in individual activity
*Lunch at Hveragerdi is served at the cafeteria (35 min, plus 25 min free time)
*Dinner is prepared by the group
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik. We assist you to find cheap flights to Iceland.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Iceland provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Iceland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Iceland.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
First and last day of the program: (The first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day)
Arrival
Participants will be picked up at the City Hall of Reykjavik in Tjarnargata 11 101 Reykjavik at 09.00 am at the first day of the camp.
Departure
Drop off will be on the evening of the last day of the program at BSI Bus Station. You will arrive no sooner than 18:00. The time may vary due to adverse weather conditions and other related conditions.
Note: the night of the last day of the camp is NOT included. Keep in mind that you need to arrange for your stay in Iceland before and after the work camp. We strongly recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the first day of the camp and to depart no earlier than one day after the last day of the program.
Start Dates on Monday to Monday, every 2 weeks;
- 09.01
- 23.01
- 06.02
- 20.02
- 06.03
- 20.03
- 03.04
- 17.04
- 01.05
- 15.05
- 29.05
- 12.06
- 26.06
- 10.07
- 24.07
- 07.08
- 21.08
- 04.09
- 18.09
- 02.10
- 16.10
- 30.10
- 13.11
- 27.11
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 13 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$684
3 weeks
$1,026
4 weeks
$1,368
5 weeks
$1,710
6 weeks
$2,052
7 weeks
$2,394
8 weeks
$2,736
13 weeks
(max. stay)
$4,446
Average fees
$342
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Worldwide Friends
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Worldwide Friends during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Health and Environment Supporter
Volunteer in a geothermal Greenhouse in the south of Iceland. You will have the opportunity to prepare organic medicines and learn from organic agriculture.
$300/week
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