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What: Volunteering project in Bulgaria | Wild Vibes – Nature, Community, Education
Period: 3 months; June 9th – September 9th 2026
Venue, Country: Mrachenik, Bulgaria
Participating Countries: EU residents.
Opened positions: 18. Field team: 14; Kitchen team: 4.
We are happy to announce our new long-term ESC volunteering project Wild Vibes in Mrachenik!
‘Wild Vibes’ is an immersive programme offering participants a unique 3 month experience in rural Bulgaria. Designed for a wide group, the project combines communal living with active participation in local initiatives. Participants live and work together, sharing responsibilities and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
Objectives: Creating a cleaner, greener, litter-free environment in the village of Mrachenik.
2 weeks will be spent refurbishing a barn into an upcycling center and workshop. For 1.5 months, we will work as a team to clean up dumpsites around the village and sort materials that can be given a second life in the upcycling center. The final month will focus on revitalization of local hiking trails; cleaning up, creating maps, and making info boards.
Work distribution: 14 participants will work 4 full days on our revitalization clean-up, and 4 participants will be our dedicated cooking and support crew. The fifth day of the week will be a half day dedicated to planning the following week and having participant-led workshops. Participants will live in tents on site, where communal living is the core of creating a community.
The programme emphasizes: practical skill development, teamwork, adaptability, and a deep understanding of rural life. By engaging directly with local projects, participants experience a lifestyle centered on collaboration, community, and sustainability.
Our aims focus is on:
- Engaging youth for rural revitalization
- Connecting youth and adults
- Empowering youth to take charge
- Promoting democracy and participation
- Environmental and mental health
Learning outcomes:
- Teamwork Skills: Collaborating in small groups teaches cooperation and conflict resolution.;
- Practical Abilities: Engaging in rural work develops hands-on skills applicable in diverse settings.;
- Cultural Exchange: You will be in direct contact with Bulgarian culture and values, as well as with international group from all over Europe;
- Personal Growth: You can focus on yourself in a quiet environment, in contact with nature and without the stress of the city.;
COST AND FEES
This project is funded by European solidarity corps programme: accommodation, food, materials, the programme and the travel costs up to the maximum allowed amount are fully covered. No fees.
Read more details in the infopack.
Important! Read carefully the info letter, it contains important details.
Get to know all provided information in the info letter before you submit your application form.
Apply only when you know you want to participate and you have the dates available.
Travel reimbursement is only sent to those who fully participate in all phases
General applications are disregarded.
Apply by filling in the form: Application form.
Website of the organizer: Smokinya Foundation
Should you have a question, contact us: info@smokinya.com.
By applying to this project you take responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks.
This program is co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union.
Финансирано от Европейския съюз. Изразените възгледи и мнения обаче принадлежат изцяло на техния(ите) автор(и) и не отразяват непременно възгледите и мненията на Европейския съюз или на Европейската изпълнителна агенция за образование и култура (EACEA). За тях не носи отговорност нито Европейският съюз, нито EACEA.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
