Volunteering experience in charming village of Vrhovčak and Greenville Eco Farm

Arriving in the charming village of Vrhovčak, Croatia, felt like stepping into a storybook. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, serene forests, and welcoming locals, we were filled with excitement for our three-week European Solidarity Corps volunteer program.

Our adventure began on the first day, which was dedicated to settling in. After a long journey, the organizers warmly welcomed us, provided a brief orientation, and showed us our new living quarters. We took this time to get acquainted with each other and form a cohesive team of volunteers from across Europe, united by our shared goal of making a positive impact on the local environment and community.

The following day marked the official start of our program. We kicked off with introductions where each volunteer shared their background, motivations, and expectations. This exchange fostered a sense of unity and purpose among us. Engaging icebreakers further helped build team spirit, setting the stage for the collaborative efforts to come.

Our primary project was soon underway: creating a nature trail to highlight the area’s diverse plant species. We planned to install informative signs and QR codes along the trail and design natural play elements such as climbing structures and balance beams. This ambitious project required creativity, a deep connection to nature, and a strong team spirit.

As we moved into the first week, our focus shifted to cleaning the forest surrounding the project area. Equipped with gloves and tools, we cleared debris to make the trail more accessible. This physically demanding work was rewarding and gave us a chance to bond as a team. An unexpected delight was gathering fresh plums from nearby trees, which added a sweet touch to our labor.

A standout moment of the week was our psychology session. This session encouraged us to reflect on our experiences and personal growth, covering topics like stress management, maintaining calmness, and effective communication. It was crucial for keeping our group dynamic healthy and helped us understand each other better, strengthening our team cohesion.

With the first week behind us, we feel a stronger connection to both the environment and the local community. We’ve laid a solid foundation for the upcoming weeks, which will involve researching local plants, designing educational signs, and building play elements. We also plan to engage the local community in our efforts to promote environmental awareness and encourage their participation.

Our time in Vrhovčak has been a rewarding mix of hard work, learning, and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, we are excited about the impact we will make—not just on the environment, but on ourselves as individuals and as a team.

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