ENGLISH SUMMER CAMP CIVIC VALUES

SUPPORT AND ACCOMPANIMENT OF CIVIC AND DEMOCRATIC INITIATIVES

Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

From July 6 to July 18 

Profile

Students of any grade (from 1st grade on) with listening and empathy skills and motivation to work in a team. With an interest in working with children and young people. Experience in camps with children will be an asset. 

Positions

6

Location

Faculty of Education, Matej Bel University, 97401 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Dates

July 6 to July 18 + travelling days

Language

English or Slovak (you must be able to communicate in at least one of these languages).

Community partners

The intership is managed by two organisations in cooperation with two Universities. Community partners are the Centre for Community Organising and the Volunteer Centre in Banská Bystrica. Universities are Matej Bel University and Eastern Michigan University in the US.

The Centre for Community Organising (CKO) is a non-governmental organisation that has implemented its programs in Slovakia since 1999. CKO provides assistance to activists of civic initiatives and to communities to ensure that they become a part of the decision-making processes in local, regional, and national governments. CKO wants to accompany changes in Slovak society as it transforms into a society of active citizens in which the "voice of the people" is both requested and heard. CKO is also a leading organisation in Slovakia’s efforts to counter extremism and radicalisation. It works primarily with schools, local municipalities, and grassroots activism organisations.

Volunteer Centre, n.o. is an organisation originally established as a civic association at the beginning of 2000. Its creation was mainly driven by the situation in Banská Bystrica, where there was a growing need to connect people who wanted to volunteer with organisations that needed them. Another impetus for establishing the Volunteer Centre was to arouse enthusiasm and a love of volunteer work, especially among young people, and to bring it closer to all city residents. Over its years of operation, the Centre has maintained a stable position among non-governmental organisations and has long ceased to operate exclusively in Banská Bystrica, expanding its activities to the entire Banská Bystrica region and beyond. This profiling also contributed to the transformation of the association into a non-profit organisation with the same name, mission and goals. The volunteering centre is the heart of volunteering in the region. CD's mission is to develop people's potential and improve the quality of life through volunteering.

What are you going to do?

As part of the Community Engagement (CE) internship placement, students will participate in a two-phase program that combines preparation, experiential learning, and direct work with youth.

Week 1: Preparation and Training

During the first week, students will focus on preparation and learning through a variety of activities, including:

  • Thematic workshops tailored to the target group
  • Training sessions focused on youth work, facilitation, and group leadership
  • Visits to different communities and non-profit organisations
  • Collaborative planning and reflection activities

The goal of this week is to help students understand the program's context, develop relevant skills, and prepare for their roles in the summer camp.

Week 2: Summer Camp Implementation

In the second week, students will attend a summer camp for older children aged 11–16.
They will work together with students from the USA to support and deliver camp activities.

Key aspects of the camp include:

  • Children working in small groups
  • Group-based projects focused on various social, cultural, or creative themes
  • Emphasis on cooperation, creativity, and active participation

Student Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the internship students will be to:

  • Lead and facilitate activities during the camp
  • Support small group work and project development
  • Encourage participation, teamwork, and a positive learning environment
  • Collaborate with international student teams

This internship placement offers students hands-on experience in community engagement, youth work, and intercultural collaboration while contributing to a meaningful educational program for young participants.

Description of beneficiaries

The recipients are mostly children and young people from the general population and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Field support

Matej Bel University will provide field accompaniment throughout the project, as well as a person from the organisation who will accompany the experience in the field.

Mandatory Requirement – Police Clearance Certificate

This placement requires a police clearance certificate (criminal record check).

All selected students must:

  • Obtain a valid police clearance certificate in their home country

  • Bring the original document with them to the placement

  • Send a scanned copy to the organisers before arrival.

  • Please apply for this document as early as possible, as processing times may vary.

Accommodation (Slovakia – Matej Bel University)

The host institution, Matej Bel University (Slovakia), will assist students in arranging accommodation in a university residence near the project site. The university will also help facilitate the check-in process.

Cost: 13 EUR per night/student (double room)

Details about:

  • The total amount

  • Payment method

  • Payment deadline

will be communicated before arrival.

More information about the accommodation: https://www.umb.sk/student/sprava-ucelovych-zariadeni-umb/informacie/kratkodobe-a-dlhodobe-ubytovanie.html

Meals During the Stay

Students are responsible for covering their own meal expenses during the placement.

You will have the following options:

Self-cooking: Kitchen facilities are available in the student residence.

University Canteen: Lunch can be ordered in advance, approximate price: 7 EUR per lunch

We recommend budgeting for daily meals accordingly.

Transport

The student is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to the project site and must inform the project's reference university of their arrival date and time at least 30 days in advance.

University of reference for the project

Matej Bel University (Táto e-mailová adresa je chránená pred spamovacími robotmi. Na jej zobrazenie potrebujete mať nainštalovaný JavaScript.)

Video from 2024: https://youtu.be/PjFUEPG9lFU