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Xodos: All Hands on Deck I

Xodos, Castellón, Spain

In partnership with

De Amicitia is an international NGO dedicated to promoting environmental protection and social inclusion through voluntary service. This project is particularly special as it marks the first collaboration between De Amicitia and the Town Hall of Xodos. Together, they aim to revitalize this rural community by connecting international volunteers with local heritage and needs, fostering a unique intercultural exchange in this pioneering initiative.


Description of the Work

In the "All Hands on Deck" project in Xodos, young volunteers will become a driving force for the local community through a diverse and dynamic work program. A fundamental part of the workcamp consists of rotating shifts where participants act as essential support for the local Summer School (Escoleta d'Estiu), which hosts around 20 to 25 children from the village and surrounding areas. Here, the teenagers will prepare games and lead multicultural activities, fostering international exchange from an early age. Additionally, participants will have the unique opportunity to learn the "dry stone" technique (a UNESCO World Heritage skill) from a specialist. This ancestral method involves building structures by carefully stacking stones without using any mortar or cement, relying solely on balance and gravity. Finally, the group will carry out basic maintenance tasks to improve the village, such as painting, restoring fences, and creating artistic murals. It is a comprehensive experience that combines social action, the preservation of historical heritage, and the enhancement of public spaces in a stunning natural environment.


Accommodation & Food

Participants will be hosted in a house in the village with basic living conditions. The facilities include two bathrooms with showers, a washing machine, and a complete kitchen. Sleeping arrangements consist of several shared rooms equipped with sleeping mats. Additionally, the house features a multipurpose hall for group activities and relaxation.

Regarding food, participants will have the opportunity to cook in groups on a rotating basis, under the guidance of the De Amicitia campleaders. This is a central part of the community experience, allowing everyone to share international recipes and work as a team.


Location & Leisure

Xodos is a hidden treasure tucked away in the interior of the province of Castellón, a picturesque village perched on a rocky cliff at an altitude of 1,070 meters. With only 107 inhabitants, this medieval town preserves an authentic charm and absolute tranquility, where life moves at a peaceful pace through its narrow, cobblestone streets. Known as "the balcony of the Maestrat," its skyline is dominated by the remains of its ancient castle and the Church of San Pedro.

Located at the foot of the imposing Penyagolosa Massif, Xodos serves as the perfect gateway for nature lovers. The surroundings are defined by deep ravines and dense forests, offering an ideal refuge with a cool summer climate. It is the perfect place for a total disconnection experience, where the small local community welcomes visitors to a setting where time seems to have stood still.


Host Organization

De Amicitia is an Environmental non-profit non-governmental organisation inscribed in the Spanish National Associations Register since 1998. No.: 164471 Tax No.: G82128281. De Amicitia is located in Gargantilla del Lozoya, a small town 80Km. Away from Madrid in a rural area surrounded by mountains. We run courses and seminars aimed at managers, students or environmental NGOs on environmental law, conservation and volunteering. We also give legal advice on environmental issues primarily aimed at NGOs and other private or public organisations that want to protect the natural environment. De Amicitia complements its legal work with volunteer projects. We are a partner of network SCI international, especially active within YUWG working with less opportunities youngsters. We are active in a WWOOF network of organic farming, also. We take part in other European programs and foundations like Youth in Action (actions 1.1, 1.3, 3.1 and action 2 European Voluntary Service), Europe for citizens, Leonardo, Fondo Social Europeo, Galsina Leaderplus Program, BIJs, Amicus or European Youth Foundation. De Amicitia gives an opportunity to volunteers, youngsters and adults, to take part to local and international volunteering activities, aimed especially on environmental protection and sustainable development. Between these belong mainly International Workcamps or integration of less opportunities young people, but also local activities such as reforestations