Overview
Nuorisokeskus Metsäkartano Rautavaara, Finland Volunteer opportunity: 6 months in METSÄKARTANO
Tasks Summary
- Come to volunteer at Metsäkartano, a youth and nature centre located deep in the Finnish forest, 20 km from the nearest village. Here we organise overnight camps for all kinds of groups in this beautiful and unique location surrounded by lake, wilderness, and silence — we make meaningful impact on the lives of young people. You could also have once in a lifetime experience and challenge yourself and your personal and professional growth with us. We focus on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainability. We host youth camps and educational activities for young people with fewer opportunities, and we use nature-based methods like “nuotiopedagogiikka” (campfire pedagogy) to build connection, confidence, and community. As a volunteer, you will become part of our close-knit team and support our youth work in different ways—from helping during youth camps and seasonal events, to working behind the scenes with communications, social media, photography, and daily practical tasks. Accommodation, food and transport arrangements Accommodation and Meals: Accommodation is organised in a shared apartment on-site. Meals are provided by the Metsäkartano restaurant — combination of ready-made meals from the restaurant buffet (when there are guests on-site) or as ingredients for self-cooking. Transportation: Metsäkartano is a remote area with no public transportation. However, staff members occasionally offer car rides to nearby villages when running errands or commuting. If the volunteer has a valid driving license, they may also book and use the Metsäkartano van for occasional personal trips, depending the availability. Training during the activity The volunteer will have a personal work mentor, one-week on-arrival training in another city in Finland, weekly meetings with the staff. Support is offered to work on personal learning goals and reflect on their learning. At Metsäkartano, the volunteer will receive orientation training and be introduced to the permanent staff, interns, and seasonal employees to help them settle in and get to know the community. But it's important volunteer also enjoy spending time alone and has hobbies such as hiking, cycling, or crafts. Being a proactive and open to connecting with others will help to enjoy! Participant profile We welcome open-minded, self-motivated people who are:
- Motivated
- Not at the moment in work or school
- Personal values fit to the values of ESC
- Interested in youth work, inclusion, and nature
- Comfortable with rural living and quiet surroundings
- Able to enjoy solo hobbies (reading, hiking, crafts, etc.)
- Willing to be proactive and get involved
- Ready to challenge themselves and learn new things HOW TO APPLY: What to Send Us:
- Your CV
- A Motivation Letter (1–2 pages) added at the end of your CV (same file is fine) or a link to a video motivation letter where you introduce yourself and your motivation Important: - Please write the application in your own English – not with AI or translator help. It doesn’t have to be perfect – we also don’t speak perfect English! :) We want to hear your real voice and personality through your words. APPLICANTS WHO NEED VISA - If you need a visa and visa invitation, unfortunately this opportunity is not possible right now. We have other opportunities for countries outside of EU and in those we work mainly through our existing partner organisations (it's always a good idea to connect with a local ESC organisations to find opportunities) We only take applications via this portal. Any applications coming outside of the portal will be ignored - applications to any of our other emails will be ignored. Questions can be asked via international@metsakartano.com
Experience Requirements
Please check EU Volunteers website for more details
Qualification Requirements
Please check EU Volunteers website for more details
