Center for Sustainable Development Goals (an initiative by Sønderborg Municipality) works to inspire sustainable action with the UN Global Goals at heart.
The center is based at Lykkegaard, a 17th-century farm complex undergoing a long-term sustainable renovation towards opening in 2028. Until then, we host events that bring sustainability to life - like Byggefestivalen (the Building Festival): a family-friendly maker festival where people of all ages build creative projects with recycled materials, pro tools, and guidance from skilled craftspeople.
This year, we expect around 1,000–1,500 participants.

The festival takes place at Kær Vestermark - a beautiful 137-hectare nature area near Sønderborg - next to a permaculture garden and the future center site.

www.centerforverdensmaal.dk (website only in Danish)

You will help build the festival from the ground up. The international volunteers will take part in the construction alongside many other volunteers. Stages, camping areas, bars, workshop tents, a food waste kitchen, and a recycling center will all need to be built.

The Building Festival is being held for the third year. We expect up to 1,500 participants, primarily young people and families with children. Everything will be designed for quick assembly and easy disassembly, to reuse the setup again in 2027.

With our dedicated recycling station, all festival waste must be delivered and sorted. The aim is to keep waste to an absolute minimum and ensure as much material as possible is reused or recycled.

PHASE ONE: PREPARATION
In this phase, the goal is to build all parts of the festival. Since this is the third year we are running the festival, several festival elements have already been created, which we will reuse in the construction process. At the same time, many new structures must be built to ensure the festival continues to develop from year to year. Everything will be constructed in a way that allows for easy disassembly with the aim of reuse in 2027.

PHASE TWO: THE FESTIVAL
During the festival, the Camp participants will be responsible for the Food Waste Tent, including presenting the collected past-date food, ensuring that everything appears appealing and clean, and making sure that everyone uses the facility as intended and planned.

In addition to this fixed task, Camp participants are welcome to take part in the festival on equal terms with all other attendees.

PHASE THREE: DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING
After the festival wraps up, our goal is to take care of the cleaning, tidying, and dismantling of both the Food Waste Kitchen and the Recycling Station.

As a starting point, no craftsmanship experience is required – but any building skills you do have are welcome. A professional craftsperson will be part of the project to provide guidance and hands-on support throughout the construction process.

To ensure safety, all participants will take part in a tool handling course. In addition to the craftsperson, the camp will have a Camp Leader responsible for practical coordination and creating a good social atmosphere. We also aim to involve local young people from Sønderborg in the project.

Sleeping + bathroom facilities:
You’ll stay together at a rustic Firehut with two built-in shelters, 400 m from the festival site
You will be sleeping in a shared space with 3–4 people. Prefer privacy? Bring your own tent and camp right outside the Firehut.
We have a fireplace, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and stove, cold water tap, composting toilet by the Firehut, and a regular flushing toilet about 200 m away. We also have hot showers at the festival area.

We have Wi Fi at the festival site, not at the Firehut. A washing machine and dryer are available at the festival campground. Remember to bring a sleeping bag - and your tent if you want your own space.

Meals:
Before the festival, you will eat with the festival build crew, and some meals at the Firehut – where ingredients are provided by your host.
During the festival, you will dine with festival participants.

The Center of Sustainable Development Goals, the festival, and the Firehut are situated at Kær Vestermark, which is a 1,4 km2 beautiful recreational nature area 2-3 km north of Sønderborg City. Sønderborg inhabits approx 35000 people.

FREETIME
The first weekend is about team bonding, getting to know the area and enjoying social activities. During the weeks you can:
- Swim in the nearby Alssund Strait
- Explore Sønderborg (cozy harbour town, cafés, history and culture)
- Connect with local young people who may join parts of the project

We kick off our first full workday on 6 July.
Besides the activities mentioned, we’ll also make time for small excursions around the local area.

Who are we looking for?
- You enjoy hands-on work and learning by doing.
- You’re proactive, independent, and service-minded
- You’re ready to always speak English - even with friends from your own country
- You value safety and teamwork (you’ll complete our tool handling course)

Meeting point and Time:
The town of Sønderborg between 15.00-18.00 on July 3rd. You’ll be picked up at the airport, train, or busstation

Departure: In the morning, but before 12:00 on July 23rd. You’ll be driven to the nearest airport, train, or busstation.

Arrival at Sønderborg Airport:
This is a local airport, and not many international planes land here. We mention this airport as you can be picked up by the host, and it is 10 min. from the camp.

Arrival at Copenhagen Airport:
Your flight must land no later than 13:00 on the first camp day, which means you will reach the meeting point before 18:00. From the airport, take a direct ICL train to Sønderborg St. The total travel cost is approximately 70€. Book your ticket at dsb.dk/en/ - The price of the ticket will increase the closer it gets to your arrival date.

Further details on travel arrangements, including how to purchase train and bus tickets, will be provided in your info sheet after acceptance.

If you are unable to arrive at the meeting point on time, please consider arriving a day early and booking a hostel.