TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNION FORUM (information about organisation)
About UNION FORUM voluntary work camps
About Ukraine
Summary list of UNION FORUM work camps 2006 and map
Detailed work camp information
page
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UNION FORUM
UNION FORUM - nonpolitical, nongovernmental, nonprofit youth organization
founded in 1990 in Lviv, Ukraine, involved in voluntary service since 1989.
OUR MISSION:
to make the world a better place through promotion of humanitarian values; to make
a positive difference in lives of youth and to encourage them to play an active role in
society; to contribute to Ukraine’s development into a democratic and stable society.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
- to promote Ukrainian youth integration into the world community through
involvement them in international actions and socially useful activities;
- to deepen young people commitment to prosocial values such as kindness,
helpfulness, personal responsibility, and respect for others - qualities we believe are
essential to leading humane and productive lives;
- to give Ukraine a concrete help with voluntary work in places where help is
needed;
- to shape humanitarian attitudes among the public and create modern culture of
mutual help.
POSTAL ADDRESS:
TEL/ FAX:
E-MAIL:
OR
WEB
Union FORUM
P.O. Box 2114
LVIV-7,
79007
UKRAINE
+38 0322 726934
ukrforum@ipm.lviv.ua
info@union-forum.org
www.union-forum.org
CONTACT PERSONS:
general enquiries and incoming Inga Vorobyova, International Director
outgoing volunteers
Natali Dmytrovych, Exchange Co-ordinator
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ABOUT UNION FORUM VOLUNTARY WORK CAMPS
UF offers international voluntary projects (in other words-workcamps) of different
types. They last 2 weeks and take place in summer. The number of volunteers on
each project varies from 8 to 14 including Ukrainian volunteers.
WORK
As an average volunteers work 30 hours per week, spread over 5 days.
BOARD AND LODGING
is provided. BOARD AND LODGING is usually basic. Volunteers should take their
own sleeping bags if not specified other. Volunteers mostly cook for themselves
from food provided, so don’t forget to bring recipes.
LEISURE TIME
A few excursions are always included. Other leisure activities are limited by
workcamp’s budget, so please bring your own pocket money. The coordinator will
do his best to support volunteers initiatives for the recreation programme.
VISAS
ATTENTION: Ukraine visas are no longer required for staying less than 90 days in
Ukraine for the citizens of the following states: EU (including the new states) ,
Switzerland and Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Japan, Principality of Andorra,
Vatican, the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of
Norway and the Republic of San Marino. BUT! We suggest anyway to check visa
issue in Ukrainian Embassy in your country 30 days before travel, because our world
is fast changing.
All other nationalities should apply for visa in nearest Ukrainian Embassy or
Council. Please note it could take 2-4 weeks. The sending organisation will receive
from UNION FORUM an official invitation letter for each volunteer.
APPLICATIONS
- Union FORUM offers projects most fitting for young people. Anyone from 18 to 30
are welcome.
- We consider participants on their positive qualities without adverse discrimination
on ground of race, disability, religion or other.
- The language of the projects is English, but knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian will
be helpful, especially on social and kids camps.
- Union FORUM exchanges only with partners organisations.
- We have no fee on our camps.
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ABOUT UKRAINE (GENERAL INFO)
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and
economic change as it moves to a market economy and integrates into Western
institutions. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and
services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.
Ukraine bordering Belarus at the north, the Russian Federation at the east and the
north, Poland, Slovakia at the west, and Hungary, Romania and Moldova at the
southwest. On the south Ukraine is washed by the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. The
capital of the country is Kyiv (KIEV).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for sixth months beyond date of travel
and for VISA countries- a valid single entry visa required. Visas, for those needed
must be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Travellers must declare all cash and jewellery,
regardless of value, upon entering Ukraine. Any undeclared items are subject to
confiscation.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Ukraine is a cash economy. When bringing into
Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition because those that are worn, torn or
written on may not be accepted.
The Ukrainian national currency is Hryvna (UAH). One hryvna = 100 kopecks.
Exchange rate for Hryvna as on 1 January 2006 is 5, 10 Hryvna for 1 USD
6,10 Hryvna for 1 Euro
Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange desks at hotels, shops or licensed
exchange windows. VISA, MasterCard / EuroCard are accepted in major hotels,
restaurants, casinos, stores, ATM's. Beware of changing money on the streets or
with individuals. It’s illegal, and it can be dangerous
Owners of American Express, Dinners will experience problems when using their
cards even in big cities.
Traveler’s checks and credit cards can be cashed less out of a bank fee (which is 14% of the amount) at the majority of banks. Most popular Travelers checks in
Ukraine are Thomas Cook and Visa. To cash travelers checks, the receipt of purchase
and passport of check owner is required.
International time:
When you come to Ukraine you shouldn’t forget that Ukraine’s time is two hours
later than Greenwich Mean Time.
Leaving Ukraine: When you leave Ukraine, you will be asked to present the customs
declaration and the immigration card that you received upon entry.
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UNION FORUM WORKCAMPS 2006
UF1
YOSYPOVYCHY 24/06- 8/07
Stryy, Lviv reg
RENO
No of
vols
14
UF2
BUS’K
16/07-30/07
Bus’k, Lviv reg
RENO
14
UF3
16/07-30/07
Brody, Lviv reg
RENO
14
ENVI
10
UF6
PIDGIRTSI
PRIMEVAL
FORESTS
ANTIQUE
OLBIA
ZOLOCHIV
UF7
UF8
Code
UF4
UF5
UF9
Name
Dates
Location
Type
15/07 -29/07 Svalyava, Carpathians
30/07-12/08
Mykolaiv reg
ARCH
10
12/08-26/08
Lviv reg
RENO
14
BELZ
12/08-26/08
Lviv reg
RENO/
ARCH
14
DOVIRA
ACTIVE
SUMMER
29/07-12/08
LVIV
SOCI
14
KIDS
15
12/08-26/08 Morshyn, Lviv reg
The type of work of the projects is shown by abbreviations as follows:
ENVI - environmental, gardening; RENO - renovation or construction; SOCI - work
with mentally or physically disabled; KIDS - work with children or youth.
Lviv region camps (1,2,3,6,7,8,9)
UF -4
UF-7
UF-2
UF -5
UF -8
UF -1
UF -3
UF -9
UF -6
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UF - 1, YOSYPOVYCHY , LVIV REGION 24/06-31/07 RENO 14 VOLS
(INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
PROJECT PARTNER: Lviv youth centre.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: this project will take place at Yosypovychy village,
Orphanage, Lviv region. In this small orphan house live about 20 social orphans
from 2 to 10 years old.
Volunteers help needed to provide renehwal and territory maintenance, to make the
school and surrounding garden nicer. And hence to make the children who live there
almost all year round little happier.
WORK: Volunteers will work in the orphanage premises and on its territory,
windows, doors and wall painting, gardening, other improvements which can make
the place nice.
VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills needed. Those
who are not indifferent to living conditions of homeless children are very welcome.
BOARD AND LODGING: Orphanage premises. Basic washing and cooking
facilities will be provided. Food will be provided
LEISURE TIME: will include tours to historical places, including Lviv (Lvov,
Lwow)- the pearl of Ukraine, castles, beautiful landscapes near by, for instance the
nature reservation track of national importance – the birch grove situated here.
WHAT TO BRING: strong footwear, sleeping bags, and own sanitarian belongings
(towel, teeth-brush etc.). .
LANGUAGE:
English
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF - 2, BUS’K, LVIV REGION 16/07-30/07 RENO 14 VOLS (INCLUDING
UKRAINIAN)
PROJECT PARTNER: Lviv regional youth labour centre.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: The camp will be located in Bus’k. This is an ancient
town recently celebrated its 1500 anniversary. The town of Bus’k - the regional
centre, located 50 km north east from Lvov (Lviv) on right bank of the Western Bug
river. The population is 8500 persons. Many small rivers cross Bus’k and divide it
into parts. Not so long time ago the connections of city centre with suburbs were,
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mostly, through artificial dams and 68 greater or smaller bridges. During flooding the
population used boats. Through this city quite often was named "Galytska Venice".
The symbol of the town is a stork ( the word BUS’KA in Ukrainian means STORK).
The camp will take place at historical & architectural complex which includes the
Earl Badeni Castle (18th cent.) and a park-memorial of landscape architecture with
age-old trees around it. This is a place of national heritage which requires the
volunteers help, because unfortunately the very poor town budget is not able to
maintain it.
WORK: all work will be on park territory improvements: maintenance of small
bridges, painting at children playground, bushes cutting, footpath clearance.
LEISURE TIME: will include tours to historical places, including Lviv (Lvov,
Lwow)- the pearl of Ukraine, castles, beautiful landscapes near by.
BOARD AND LODGING: Volunteers will be accommodated in the hostel.
Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by volunteers, the dinner will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, swimming suit,
mosquito repellents, sleeping bag or volunteers can rent the bedding for reasonable
cost (10 Euros or less).
LANGUAGE: English
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF -3 , PIDGIRTSI, LVIV REGION 16/07-30/07 RENO 14 VOLS
(INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
PROJECT PARTNER: Lviv regional youth labour centre, Lviv Institute of
Architecture
ABOUT THE PROJECT: The camp will be located in Pidgirtsi village, 75 km east
from Lviv. This village is widely famous by it unique and outstanding in it beauty
castle – one of the most beautiful in Ukraine.
Pidhirtsi Castle is a unique architectural monument three- store palace and a fortress
in the late Renaissance style dating to 1635-1640. It belonged to the aristocratic
family, was not intended as a defense structure and should be more accurately called
a palace. Pidhirtsi Castle is surrounded by a moat and includes a Baroque church of
St. Joseph (1752-1766). It has a wall with a heavy gate and a park with old trees.
Pidhirtsi Castle has been under restoration after years when it was used as a Soviet
hospital. It may take many years before it regains it pervious glory.
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This palace is included in so called "Golden Horseshoe Castles" of Ukraine, as the
group of most famous. Fortresses are located in a sort of an arc stretching east and
southeast of Lviv. The castles in Olesko, Svyrzh and Zolochiv are the best preserved
ones.
Last few years the students and young scientists carry out the research works on the
territory of the palace, doing the measurements of different parts of the palace,
outside and inside, of architectural items in the palace park zone. International
volunteers are invited to joint the research group for inventory taking of particular
memorials on the palace territory and at historical cemetery.
WORK: photographing, sketching, short description and putting it all on computer
base.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: especially welcomed those who can do simple
drawings (sketching), can manage computer, video and photo equipment.
LEISURE TIME: will include tours to historical places, including Lviv (Lvov,
Lwow)- the pearl of Ukraine, castles, beautiful landscapes near by.
ACCOMODATION: in premises (will be specified in infosheets). Breakfast and
lunch will be prepared by volunteers, the dinner will be provided.
What to bring: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, swimming suit, mosquito
repellents, sleeping bag.
LANGUAGE: English
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF -4, PRIMEVAL FORESTS , CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS JULY (to be
confirmed) ENVI 10VOLS (INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
ABOUT THE PROJECT: In difficult of access areas of the Ukrainian
Carpathian Mountains, at the height of 800-1100 meters above a sea level in the
valley of the river Borzhava, the primeval beech forests locate. They formed through
ages without interference of a man. This plot of primeval forests is the exclusive
remained in Europe.
This year camp will be aimed on preparation of this absolute unique aria to become
an ecology studying place. It is planed to create here the ecotourism route for nature
preservation education, for forming ecological culture of people.
OUR PARTNERS:
The project is organized in partnership with Lviv State
Forestry Engineering University, which is carrying out a research of these primeval
beech forests and Svalyava forestry.
WORK: landscape studies, detection and marking of interesting objects and
sightseeing views, marking, route maps drawing, footpaths cleaning and
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strengthening, working up the variants of bridges cross streams and waterlogged
places, some other conservation and research work.
VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills needed. The
forestry students/graduates or familiar with this topic are very welcome as well as all
indifferent to environment, wishing to mix with wild nature.
BOARD AND LODGING: In tents or in the forest-guard wooden house in bad
weather. Washing and cooking facilities are basic and provided outside. The
convinces are relative- “natural”. Volunteers should bring with them rainproof and
warm clothing, strong footwear, sleeping bags and mats, anti mosquito cream. The
group will cook for themselves on open fire.
MEETING POINT:
In LVIV. More detailed information and maps will come
with infosheets.
IMPORTANT: NO LATENESS ON THIS PROJECT IS POSSIBLE. GROUP
WILL LEAVE LVIV FOR DIFFICULT OF ACCESS AREAS ON
MONDAY!!!
PROJECT LANGUAGE: English
UF -5, ANTIQUE OLBIA, PARUTINO VIL, MYKOLAIV REG AUGUST (to
be confirmed) ARCH 10 VOLS (INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Olbia - is an antique city on the coast of the sea
(Bugsky estuary), by modern settlement Parutino village. Olbia was a significant
industrial and trade centre of Greek colonization of the Northern Black Sea Coast. It
was founded in VII cent BC and was a slave-holding and democratic republic. From
the II cent AD the Roman garrison was billeted in the city. The nomadic hordes of
Huns destroyed the city- state Olbia in the end of IV c. Read more on:
www.museum.com.ua/en/istor/sev-zap/sev-zap.htm
Volunteers will stay at beautiful place on the coast immediately near archeological
dig place. Each summer large groups of students, scientists and enthusiasts gather
here for archeological digging. It’s carried our under the supervision of National
Preserve of Academy of Science of Ukraine and Archeological Scientific Expedition
of the Archeological Institute.
This will be the 3rd year camp. Previous camps were very successful and volunteers
made a great contribution to archeological discoveries: it was our volunteers who
made the best find in a season (a vase with fully extant engraving) and the best find
from the very first digging day (200 years ago!!!) – the gravestone with clear and
fully extant epitaph. Volunteers also prepared a theatre play of Aristophanes and
performed it to all digging participants on Olbia debris. We very welcome this year
volunteers who can make their contribution to archeological discoveries, in ancient
culture riches saving.
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OUR PARTNERS:
The project is organized in partnership with young scientists
group from Expedition of Academy of Science of Ukraine.
WORK: Archeological digging and other connected works.
VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills. Everyone
interested in archaeology and history studying very welcome. Volunteers will also
make a theatre play of Ancient Greek authors on Olbia debris. So theater aptitudes
and initiatives will be very welcome.
BOARD AND LODGING: In a house in the Parutino village. Bed linen not
provided. The group will cook breakfast for themselves. The lunch and dinner will be
provided. Volunteers should bring with them working clothing, swimming suits,
anti-mosquito cream and sun defensive against UF cream, sleeping bags.
LEISURE TIME: preparation of theatre performance, excursions
MEETING POINT:
at Mykolaiv train station on agreed time. Volunteers
should travel via Kiev. More detailed information and maps will come with
infosheets.
PROJECT LANGUAGE: English
UF -6, ZOLOCHIV, LVIV REGION 12/08-26/08 RENO 14 VOLS
(INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
ABOUT THE PROJECT: The camp will be located in Zolochiv, 70 km east from
Lviv.
Zolochiv Castle was built as a citadel with bastions in the 1630s. In the 17th - 18th
centuries the castle belonged to the rich Polish King families of Sobieski and
Radziwill. In the days of Austro-Hungarian empire Zolochiv Castle was turned into a
prison and later became a grim prison under Stalin. A memorial and an exhibition to
commemorate those who perished here can now be seen in the castle as well as a
chapel outside the the castle walls.
Inside Zolochiv Castle visitors could see a newly restored Chinese palace built to
follow European fashion for Chinese art in late 17th century. To the right is a larger
residential palace undergoing restoration. From the bastions one could see
surrounding countryside and the town of Zolochiv.
This palace is included in so called "Golden Horseshoe Castles" of Ukraine, as the
group of fortresses are located in a sort of an arc stretching east and southeast of
Lviv. The castle in Zolochiv is among the 3 best preserved ones.
There are a lot of legends about this castle, which some period of time belonged to
Knights Templars, about the single in Ukraine China palace, situated inside the
castle, about the underground secret passages where still can be met the ghost of
unhappy King’s wife. Inside the castle everyone can fill the past grandeur of ancient
knights, which unfortunately slowly go to ruins because of luck of state funds to
main this unique memorial.
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Volunteers would also be taken to the old magic stone in the castle courtyard. It has
engraved inscriptions in unknown language and a hole in the middle that will help
fulfil your wishes if you put your finger there and turn.
WORK: the grading on fortification wall (bank), painting, other renovation works.
LEISURE TIME: will include tours to historical places, including Lviv (Lvov,
Lwow)- the pearl of Ukraine, castles, beautiful landscapes near by.
BOARD AND LODGING: big military tents on the territory of the castle.
Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by volunteers, the dinner will be provided.
What to bring: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, swimming suit, mosquito
repellents, sleeping bag.
LANGUAGE: English
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF -7 , BELZ, LVIV REGION 17/07-31/07 RENO 14 VOLS (INCLUDING
UKRAINIAN)
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Belz is a small ancient town in modern Lviv region of
Ukraine about 35 miles (60 km) north of Lviv, on the Ukrainian/Polish frontier. It
has 2,400 inhabitants. The town has existed since at least the 10th century. This year
Belz celebrates it 1000th anniversary.
Belz, probably best known for its mention in the Yiddish classic song “Mein Shtetele
Belz,” was once a thriving Jewish community that in the 19th century became the
birthplace of the Belz Chasidic movement.
Belz has got a status of the State Historical Cultural reserve. There are more then 50
architectural memorials in Belz, most of them are on national significance. There are
castle ruins (of 11-13 cent), Dominican abbey (14th cent) and others. The project on
heritage renascence start running from 2004. It included archaeological diggings in
different parts of the town.
WORK: Volunteers will work on the territory of State Historical Cultural reserve,
doing different work: grading, grubbing up, painting, other renovation works.
Possibly will take part in archeological digging (if the permission from Ministry of
Culture).
LEISURE TIME: will include tours to historical places, including Lviv (Lvov,
Lwow)- the pearl of Ukraine, castles, beautiful landscapes near by.
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BOARD AND LODGING: Volunteers will be accommodated in the hostel.
Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by volunteers, the dinner will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, swimming suit,
mosquito repellents, sleeping bag or volunteers can rent the bedding for reasonable
cost (10 Euros or less).
LANGUAGE: English
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF -8 , DOVIRA, LVIV 29/07 – 12/08 SOCI/MENT 14 VOLS (INCLUDING
UKRAINIAN)
PROJECT: The Centre of rehabilitation ROMASHKA (Daisy) which is organized
and run by Charity NGO DOVIRA welcomes mentally handicapped young people,
mainly with Down Syndrome and autism. Centre offers everyday activities for young
people including education and leisure time, provides an individual support in
collaboration with the families. Despite of relatively severe mental problems this
young people have very active life attitude. They take part in Ukrainian and
international actions, in Olympic Games for disabled and even have champions - in
NAGANO one of boy with DOWN Syndrome won golden medal.
During the summers holidays there will run a couple of art workshops, trips in city
and to the Carpathians for herbs collecting. Volunteers help needed to accompany
disabled in the trip, to help them in planned activities, to organise the leisure time
(excursions, walks, games, parties, etc.)
WORK: Support and animation of mentally disabled youngsters (16 to 25 years old)
of the centre., joint useful and creative tasks, such as territory and garden
improvements, art workshops, etc. The activities will be simple and more attention
should be paid to the relation with the handicapped person. The types of handicap
will bring the volunteers to different types of communication: non-verbal, physical
contact, play of glance, etc. The volunteers won't take care of the sanitary aspect of
the residents.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION: The volunteers must be creative, imaginative and
curious of discovering the world of the handicapped persons. It would be very nice if
volunteers could learn at least a couple (20-50) of simple words in Russian or
Ukrainian (like Yes, No, Thank you, Please, Give, Take, etc). Come with ideas and
games!
LEISURE TIME: trips and tours together with wards to historical places, in Lviv
and around.
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BOARD AND LODGING: Volunteers will be accommodated in the rehabilitation
Centre premises. Breakfast will be prepared by volunteers, the lunch and dinner will
be provided. On trip to Carpathians accommodation will be either in tents or in a
house. The food might be cooked on open fire or feeding will be agreed with local
people.
WHAT TO BRING: swimming suit, mosquito repellents, sleeping bag or volunteers
can rent the bedding for reasonable cost (10 Euros or less).
LANGUAGE: English, Russian, Ukrainian
MEETING POINT:
infosheets.
In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
UF -9, ACTIVE SUMMER, MORSHYN LVIV reg. 12/08 – 26/08 KIDS 14
VOLS (INCLUDING UKRAINIAN)
PROJECT PARTNER: Lviv youth centre, Lviv city council
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Lviv city Council runs the project under which the
gifted children, who showed notable achievements in different fields during the
academic year are rewarded with a free opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in a
summer camp during their holidays. Volunteers are welcome to joint one of these
camps and bring there international spirit and so to encourage children to further
progress in their fields and in English language studying.
It will be English-Ukrainian teaching – studying project for both volunteers and
children  50 children aged 10-14. Informal teaching in form of games, songs and
possibly performance will be beneficial for children who rarely, if at all, visit foreign
countries and meet representatives of different cultures.
Volunteers will have a chance to share their enthusiasm, knowledge, experience with
children, who in their turn will help volunteers to discover Ukrainian culture and
traditions.
WORK: As it is a teaching camp, volunteers are expected to run 2 or 3 lessons per
day. It means some time either in the mornings or evenings will be devoted to
preparation. There will be breaks between lessons – a good chance to play outdoor
games and do various outdoor activities. There is a plan to prepare a performance
which can be staged and attended by children’s parents and guests at the end of the
camp.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Volunteers are expected to be creative with a very
good command of English. This camp requires motivation a letter.
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WHAT TO BRING: ideas and games, some interesting materials about their
countries in order to make their country presentation.
BOARD AND LODGING: the camp is located 70 km to the south off Lviv nearby
famous resort town Morshyn. Volunteers and kids will be lodged in an ex-pioneer
summer centre. Meals are provided.
LANGUAGE: English
MEETING POINT: In Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with
infosheets.
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