Ekomar - the Association for the Promotion and Ecological Marketing of Natural Values ​​has been actively operating since 2015 with the aim of protecting the environment and raising environmental awareness. We place a special focus on working with young people, through the education of primary and secondary school students, as well as students, through various projects and programs. In this context, we are again applying for the organization of the camp, relying on our previous experience and developed organizational capacities.

One of our key projects is the Ecological Information Center "Jezero Gruža", a unique place for education about the importance of preserving freshwater ecosystems. Through workshops, camps and interactive educational programs, every year we involve young people, enabling them to acquire knowledge about biodiversity, nature protection and sustainable development through practical work and research. Since 2022, over 3,000 participants have participated in our programs, while in 2025, we successfully organized the first international volunteer camp, which further improved the quality and scope of our activities.

Our team consists of experts in the fields of biology, ecology and pedagogy, with extensive experience in the implementation of projects of local to international importance, as well as many years of experience in working with young people, from preschool age to students.

Through continuous work with young people and active participation in the creation and implementation of environmental policies, we continue to build an environmentally conscious community and contribute to the preservation of natural values.

Volunteers will be involved in two main types of activities during the camp. The first work activity refers to the removal of invasive species of fish in Lake Gruža, which will be carried out in cooperation with local fishermen, with prior familiarization of volunteers with the basics of freshwater ecosystems, the importance of controlling invasive species and the rules of safe stay on the water. Activities will take place on and near the lake, in smaller groups and with the constant presence of experienced fishermen and members of the organizational team.

In addition, during the camp, two to three organized actions to clean up the shores of Lake Gruža are planned, which will include the removal of waste from coastal areas and raising awareness of a responsible attitude towards natural resources. These activities will be carried out with the coordination of association members and the participation of the local population.

Another work activity will be focused on the preparation and improvement of educational settings in the Ecological Information Center "Jezero Gruža", including the creation and installation of interactive boards, marking of educational paths and the preparation of educational content that will be used in working with visitors to the center, especially children and young people.

Work activities are planned for 5 to 6 hours a day, in the morning and early afternoon (approximately from 9 to 15/16), after which free time and recreational activities are planned.

As part of the program, special days are planned for a walk in nature, a stay at the lake and a visit to the local fair in Knić, in order for the volunteers to get to know the local environment and community. Throughout the camp, volunteers will be assisted in their work by camp coordinators, association members and local fishermen.

Accommodation for camp participants will be organized in the premises of the Ecological Information Center "Jezero Gruža". The participants will be accommodated in the closed rooms of the center, on camping beds with appropriate pads, and bedding is provided. Accommodation will be organized in smaller rooms, with two to three campers per room, which ensures adequate conditions for rest and stay.

Food will be organized within the Ecological Information Center "Jezero Gruža", with the use of the center's kitchen. Camp participants will independently prepare meals from foods that will be provided in cooperation with rural households and local producers. The kitchen will be available for storing food, as well as for preparing meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Sanitary conditions are adapted to the needs of the participants, with provided toilets and areas for maintaining personal hygiene. All enclosed facilities of the center will be available for participants to store personal belongings and will be securely locked, thus ensuring a safe and controlled environment for all volunteers.

Lake Gruža is an artificial reservoir in central Serbia, located in the municipality of Knić. It was created by damming the Gruža River, and today it represents a key source of water supply for Kragujevac and the surrounding settlements. Surrounded by untouched nature, the lake is a habitat for rich flora and fauna and a favorite destination for fishermen, hikers and nature lovers.

Lake Gruža is an internationally important bird habitat (IBA area), where rare and protected species live. It is also one of the most important fishing waters in Serbia, rich in carp, perch and other types of fish. In the immediate vicinity is the Borački karst, a geomorphological monument of nature, which further enriches the natural and touristic importance of this area.

The camp will be held in the immediate vicinity of Lake Gruža, in the Ecological Information Center (EIC) "Jezero Gruža", which is an educational and research center dedicated to nature protection, especially water protection. This space is ideal for spending time in nature, with infrastructure adapted for workshops, lectures and practical outdoor activities.

In the EIC "Jezero Gruža" there is a permanent exhibition "Life in water", which shows the most important aquatic organisms from the waters of Serbia and the Balkans. Camp participants will gain new knowledge about nature conservation, the importance of freshwater ecosystems and sustainable development through interactive programs, environmental actions and teamwork, with the opportunity to explore biodiversity and observe birds in the natural environment.

Wil be in info sheet!