Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V. is a non-profit children's and youth centre and one of the oldest self-managed establishments in Germany. Situated in the forest on the outskirts of the city of Darmstadt, we maintain the tradition of a place of learning and leisure close to nature and life with down-to-earth, resource-saving accommodation. For over forty years, groups of children, young people and adults, families, clubs and political initiatives have been coming together here and finding plenty of space to learn, run around, play, relax, meet, develop or simply be outdoors and be together. In spring and summer, we open the “ForstLove Café” on Sundays with a colourful musical programme. Day trippers, city travellers and fresh air fans can relax here in the green idyll of the large grounds. Our offer is aimed in particular at families and people on low incomes and the appreciation of heterogeneity and diversity is very important to us. You can find Jugendhof on the Internet: jugendhof.org.

Once again this year, a craft project will be the focus of the work camp. Together, we will plan and implement practical construction projects for the site, such as building furniture for the group accommodation or constructing ramps and other structural elements to make the centre more accessible. This involves sawing, drilling, screwing and hammering –under expert guidance and with professional tools and machines. No previous craftsmanship skills are required; what is important is an interest in practical work, team spirit and the desire to create something lasting together.
Depending on the course of the project, the group may also become socially active. This means that individual craft projects will not only take place at the youth centre, but may also benefit other inclusive projects and initiatives in the neighbourhood. In this way, your work will support local institutions or groups and contribute to strengthening inclusive structures in a very concrete way.
We are delighted that a group of young people from the region with different disabilities and abilities will be part of the project. Together with the international volunteers, we are forming small teams that can support each other, learn from each other and grow together in the tasks. These mentorships enable an inclusive exchange in which everyone can contribute their individual strengths. Our aim is to create an open and respectful atmosphere in which all participants can actively take part in the work camp and gain new experiences.

The volunteers live in our centrally located self-catering house ‘Sharewood Lodge’. In addition to a spacious kitchen and two bathrooms, there are three bedrooms in the house, each with five beds (maximum six). In general, the buildings on the extensive grounds allow for all-day outdoor living.

Region: Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V. is located on the edge of the forest between the city of Darmstadt and the village of Roßdorf. The suburban area marks the transition from the Rhine-Main region to the Odenwald low mountain range and is located 30 kilometres south of Frankfurt am Main and 50 kilometres north of the picturesque city of Heidelberg.
Leisure time: The Jugendhof is located on the edge of the Bessunger Forest, which is easy to explore from here. On hot summer days, the shady forest offers a good opportunity to cool off and the wide-open meadows invite you to enjoy a relaxing picnic. You can enjoy meetings in a wooden yurt, which was built from an international workcamp as well. An hour's walk through the woods and meadows takes you to a beautiful bathing lake with a small sandy beach. Darmstadt is also very interesting culturally, as it was one of the centres of European Art Nouveau at the beginning of the 20th century. The “Mathildenhöhe Artists Colony” in Darmstadt has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. We highly recommend a visit to the impressive and unique site, including the museum and the Orthodox chapel. Fancy more action? Then visit the climbing park high up in the trees with its very different levels of difficulty.

After registration, we require a self-declaration in terms of legal protection for children and vulnerable persons. You will need working clothes, rainwear and if you like swimming gear as well as sturdy closed shoes. Since it can get very cold in the forest at night, even in summer, please bring warm clothes and don't forget your sunscreen. Bed linen will be provided by the house. Please bring your own towels.

with train to Darmstadt, with bus to the venue