Cacarejo in the Village – EcoFest will be a community-based ecological festival that promotes sustainability, environmental awareness and active youth participation in a rural context. The camp will involve young people in the organisation and production of the festival, encouraging hands-on learning, teamwork and civic engagement. Its main aims will be to strengthen environmental responsibility, support community life, and empower young people to take an active role in creating sustainable cultural events rooted in local traditions.

Volunteers will be responsible for the overall logistics of the camp and the EcoFest, including the daily organization of activities and shared responsibilities within the group. They will take part in the preparation and cooking of meals, as well as in cleaning and maintenance tasks, working in rotating teams.
Volunteers will actively support the organization and production of the ecological festival, helping with set-up, decoration using sustainable materials, technical support and coordination of activities. They will also participate in environmental awareness actions, workshops on sustainability, recycling and responsible consumption, and contribute to promoting eco-friendly practices during the event.
In addition, volunteers will engage in group dynamics and intercultural activities, share cultural traditions from their countries of origin, and collaborate with the local community. Through these tasks, volunteers will develop teamwork, responsibility and a strong sense of active participation in a sustainable community initiative.

The accommodation is located in a former primary school that has been carefully transformed into a space dedicated to artistic residencies and the hosting of young volunteers. The volunteers’ house is organized into two large dormitory areas, each subdivided into three double rooms with bunk beds, ensuring comfort, privacy and a balanced distribution of participants. The accommodation is divided by gender.
The facility includes several bathrooms to meet the needs of all participants, as well as a common living room, a fully equipped kitchen for shared meal preparation and reliable internet access. An outdoor area is also available for leisure, group dynamics and informal activities.
Participants will have four meals per day: breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner. Meals will be prepared as a team, mainly by the young volunteers, with the support of CAISA staff, encouraging responsibility, cooperation and community living. Different dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, will be respected. Whenever possible, meals will be prepared using local and seasonal products, reinforcing the ecological and sustainable values of the camp.

Location and Setting: The camp is located in the parish of Vermil, in the municipality of Guimarães, a predominantly rural area in northern Portugal. Surrounded by natural landscapes such as green hills and agricultural fields, the site provides a serene and welcoming environment, ideal for activities connected to nature.
Accessibility: Vermil is situated approximately 8 km from the historic center of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is easily accessible by road, with Guimarães train station just a 15-minute drive away. The nearest airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, is about 50 km away.
Population and Surroundings: The parish of Vermil is home to around 1,200 inhabitants who live in a peaceful, rural environment. The local community is known for its hospitality and strong ties to traditional and agricultural activities. The region is also close to cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Guimarães Castle and Penha.
Geo-Referencing and Coordinates: The camp is located approximately at 41.4357° N, 8.3123° W, offering scenic views of the Minho region’s rural landscape while maintaining proximity to urban areas and historical sites.

1. Health and Safety: Participants must inform the organizers of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions prior to arrival. A first aid kit is available on-site, and staff are trained to respond to basic medical needs.
2. Clothing and Equipment: Bring comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes for outdoor activities. A personal water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent are highly recommended.
3. Contribution to Activities: Participants are expected to actively contribute to group tasks, including meal preparation, cleaning, and scheduled activities. Enthusiasm, teamwork, and a positive attitude are key to a successful camp experience.
4. Eco-Friendly Practices: The camp encourages sustainable practices, such as minimizing waste, recycling, and conserving water and energy. Participants are encouraged to adhere to these principles.
5. Arrival and Departure: Participants must confirm their arrival and departure times in advance.

By Bus: From Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto), take a bus to Guimarães. Several companies operate this route, with travel times of approximately 1 hour. Once in Guimarães, local transportation (bus or taxi) can take you to Vermil.
By Train: From the airport, take the metro (Line E) to Campanhã Station in Porto (approximately 30 minutes). At Campanhã, board a train to Guimarães. The train journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Guimarães train station, local buses or taxis can reach Vermil in around 15 minutes
From Porto to Vermil: Take a train from Porto's São Bento Station or Porto Campanhã Station to Famalicão. Connection: Similar to Lisbon, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Famalicão to Vermil. Train Duration: Around 1 hour.