In partnership with

The project has been in existence since 1926, meaning that Heideruh is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! In 1945, the ‘Heideruh’ recreation and meeting place was built by people who had been politically persecuted by the Nazis, e.g. for children whose parents had been persecuted, lived underground, were imprisoned in concentration camps or were murdered. Relatives, survivors and friends invested a great deal of time and energy in establishing and maintaining this site. To this day, Heideruh serves primarily as a place of education and encounter for people who speak out against fascist ideology and work for peace and a more just society. Like-minded people from several generations often meet here. The Volunteer Camp has been an integral part of the Heideruh year for 14 years. This reflects the internationalist attitude and is visible to everyone, especially in the intergenerational playground the groups were working on almost every year.

The camp language will be English. Many staff members and guests in Heideruh speak German, so it is a great place to learn or improve your German. Other languages (Russian, Farsi, French, Turkish, Danish, Italian, Arabic, etc.) are also spoken within the team.

In 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, seven international volunteer and study camps were held at memorial sites. Here you will find a collection of the results. They capture the spirit of these unforgettable camps and give an impression of what it is like to take part in such a camp: https://padlet.com/tanjamichalczyk27/80-years-after-ww-ii-where-are-we-now-o5u9s244nmjxi5fj

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Description of the Work

The work in the brigade will take place outdoors. Mecki Hartung's art sculpture ‘Welcome to Europe’ will be installed, the fire pit will be renovated, and the barefoot path will be maintained. The work will mainly involve wood. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn how to use woodworking machines under supervision.

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Location & Leisure

Forest explorations, chess, table tennis, outdoor games, etc. on the grounds, bowling, climbing wall, Icelandic horse riding nearby, visits to the cities of Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover. A women's queer event in Hamburg will be attended.

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Study themes of the project

World politics from a female perspective, with a focus on the threat of war and peacekeeping, will be a topic of discussion.
The diversity of lifestyles, including queer and gender diversity and gender roles, will be reflected upon.
The art installation will address Europe's policy of isolation towards refugees.
In addition, there will be a visit to the memorial site of the former Neuengamme concentration camp in Hamburg, which was partly designed by the Auschwitz Committee.
A review of the 100-year history of Heideruh, especially from the perspective of young people, will be discussed. A youth weekend will take place in Heideruh at the same time.

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Requirements

You should have interest in and awareness of feminism and anti-facism and also respect for diverse lifestyles and worldviews.

When registering, please indicate any allergies and your arrival time so that the project partner can plan accordingly.

Please bring ideas for evening activities and group dynamics with you.

Please indicate on your registration form whether you understand/speak German and would like to use it.

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Host Organization