Hey there, eco-conscious changemakers aged 18 to 30!
Are you ready for a transformative adventure? Imagine spending months immersed in nature, cultivating joy and sustainability. At EcoHeart, we’re inviting passionate volunteers to join us for an enriching experience in off-grid living and community engagement.
From mid-April to mid-August, you’ll connect with children through play and learning, nurture a thriving garden, and contribute to exciting eco-projects—from natural building to renewable energy solutions. Dive into a lifestyle of sustainability, creativity, and meaningful impact.
Are you in? Let’s grow together! At Joyce ‘n’ Fun, we’re inviting you to join us from mid-April for an unforgettable experience in communal living, funded by the European Solidarity Corps.
What ?
ESC Individual volunteering : EcoHeart: Nurturing Children, Cultivating Joy ( Infopack HERE)
Who ?
For 18-30-year-olds eager to embrace community living, sustainability, and hands-on experiences while sharing skills and learning together..
Where?
On the magical mountain of the beautiful island of Skiathos, Greece, in our newly-established farm, Joy’ce Kingdom
When ?
From mid-April (arrival day of the long-term volunteers) or mid-June (arrival day of the short-term volunteers) to mid-August 2025
Accomodation ?
Wild camping style, in the nature, in tents, caravans and vans, with compost toilets and outdoor showers.
How to arrive ?
Here are some options for getting to Skiathos:
-
Direct Flight from Athens: The easiest way is to check which days there are flights from Athens to Skiathos and plan your arrival in Athens accordingly. While it might be slightly more expensive than taking the bus and boat, it’s definitely more convenient.
-
Bus and Boat from Athens: The second easiest way is to take a bus from Athens to Mantoudi and catch a boat to Skiathos. When booking your bus ticket, remember that the port is called Kymasi—don’t head to the village of Mantoudi! Alternatively, boats also depart from Agios Konstantinos and Volos. You can check the schedules for all these routes on Openseas.
-
Charter Flights: During the summer, there are charter flights directly to Skiathos or Volos from England, Italy, France, Germany and more. It’s worth checking these options as well!
What will happen ?
EcoHeart: Nurturing Children, Cultivating Joy
At Joyce ‘n’ Fun, we believe in the transformative power of community and the profound connection between people, nature, and learning. Our EcoHeart Volunteering Program is an opportunity for individuals who are passionate about nurturing the next generation, building meaningful community connections, and cultivating sustainable practices. With a focus on children, community, and the garden, this program allows volunteers to immerse themselves in hands-on, heart-centered projects that make a tangible impact.
The program revolves around three main focuses or roles: Children, Garden, and Community. Each of these roles plays an integral part in our mission to foster growth, connection, and a sustainable way of life.
Children: Sparking Creativity & Joy
Volunteers in this role will have the joy of working with the children at the Octopus School, where they’ll engage in creative play, organised activities, and nurturing educational experiences. Volunteers will visit the school three times a week, creating an inspiring environment filled with fun, learning, and exploration. On the remaining days, volunteers will collaborate to design activities on the land, fostering outdoor learning and hands-on projects that connect children to nature.
Garden: Planting Seeds for the Future
The garden is at the heart of our EcoHeart program. Volunteers in the garden will be responsible for its layout, planting, and ongoing care. By participating in this work, they will not only learn about sustainable gardening practices but also contribute to a project that promotes environmental stewardship. In addition, volunteers will prepare gardening workshops for local students, teaching them about sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and the importance of growing their own food. It’s a perfect blend of learning, teaching, and growing together.
Community: Strengthening Bonds, Sharing Skills
Volunteers will play a crucial role in building and nurturing our community. In this role, you’ll welcome new volunteers, manage our social media updates, and take part in organizing Awareness Circles. You’ll be helping to build a platform for connection and communication, allowing us to stay grounded in our mission of inclusivity, sustainability, and shared learning. Your contributions will strengthen the ties that bind us and bring our shared vision to life.
Living Off-Grid: Embracing Sustainable Living
At Joyce ‘n’ Fun, we live off the grid, and sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our volunteers are given the chance to dive into essential skills that support a self-sufficient lifestyle, such as natural building, renewable energy, water management, and composting. Volunteers will actively contribute to projects like:
- Natural Building & Insulation: Help insulate the house with straw clay, build wooden walls for storage spaces, and more.
- Renewable Energy & Water Management: Create solar heaters, design rainwater catchment systems, and contribute to energy solutions.
- Community & Aesthetics: Get creative with mural painting, improve play areas, and enhance community spaces.
- Practical Projects: Explore van conversions and other hands-on activities that support sustainable living.
Learning, growing & Creating together
Every volunteer project at Joyce ‘n’ Fun is an opportunity for personal growth, creative expression, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re helping design the layout of a garden, constructing a solar-powered water system, or brainstorming new ways to make the community more sustainable, you’ll be encouraged to bring your ideas to life. We also bring in specialists to share their expertise in areas like natural building, permaculture, and sustainable design, giving you even more opportunities to learn while making a real difference.
But Joyce ‘n’ Fun isn’t just a place—it’s an experience where people from around the world come together to learn, connect, and thrive. Whether you’re looking to discover new cultures, meet like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability and education, or immerse yourself in a hands-on, heart-centered experience, this is your chance to do it all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Embrace Nature & Adventure
Living on the stunning island of Skiathos means embracing nature at its finest. Volunteers will enjoy breathtaking hikes, explore pristine beaches, and dive into crystal-clear waters. In the evenings, gather around the campfire or participate in jam sessions under the stars. The natural beauty of Skiathos enhances the volunteering experience, offering a unique opportunity to connect with both nature and fellow volunteers in a truly special way.
Love & Joy
At Joyce ‘n’ Fun, it’s not just about work—it’s about building relationships and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Our community includes adorable dogs, cats, and plenty of opportunities to bond with the children and fellow volunteers. Every day is filled with moments of laughter, shared experiences, and the joy of creating together.
Affordable Adventure
We believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, which is why our program is fully funded by the European Solidarity Corps. This means that your stay—accommodation, three daily vegetarian/vegan meals, and pocket money—is covered. Travel costs are reimbursed up to 211, 309, or 395 EUR, depending on your location, and you’ll receive 7 EUR per day for personal expenses. With everything provided for, all you need to do is show up ready to learn, connect, and contribute!
How to Apply
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers aged 18-30 who are excited to embrace community living, sustainability, and hands-on learning. If you’re ready to dive into a life-changing experience, we’d love to have you join us!
Apply by filling out THIS FORM before the 20th of March to secure your spot for our upcoming season of EcoHeart!