The project
As a camp team leader, you support and guide an international group of young volunteers (usually aged 18–25) as they live and work together on a short-term project. Camps run for 2–4 weeks and each one is supported by two trained leaders.
Your role may include:
Facilitating teamwork, communication and group decision‑making
Supporting volunteers during project tasks (environmental, cultural, construction, community‑based or educational)
Coordinating daily schedules, shared meals, budgets and logistics
Encouraging intercultural learning and maintaining positive group dynamics
Acting as the link between IJGD staff, partners and the volunteer group
Ensuring participation, safety and wellbeing of everyone
No specialist background or teaching qualification is required. Motivation, openness and readiness to learn are the essential qualities.
Team leader training and the leadership period can also be recognised as an educational internship, adding professional value.
Leaders receive an expenses allowance of €200 per week while leading a camp.
If you like the idea of getting involved in a volunteer camp but don't fancy leading, check our our projects page for 100's of camps and projects across Europe and beyond.
Accommodation & food
Accommodation varies depending on the project location. Groups typically stay in simple shared facilities such as community buildings, youth centres or school halls. As a leader, you live together with your international group in shared, communal conditions.
Camps follow a self‑organised living model, where the group collectively manages:
Cooking and meal planning
Using the shared food budget
Cleaning and household responsibilities
IJGD promotes flat hierarchies, letting leaders and volunteers shape the daily life of the camp together and encouraging democratic decision‑making.
Accommodation details are provided for each specific project.
Location & leisure
IJGD runs 50–60 projects across Germany each year, located in cities, villages and rural environments.
Depending on the project location, leisure opportunities may include:
Hiking, nature walks or swimming
Trips to local towns or major cities
Campfires, cultural evenings and group games
Visits to museums, parks or community events
Exploring local festivals or attractions
Transport options vary by camp; some locations provide access to a minibus or good public transport connections.
Project host
These projects are organised by Concordia's partner IJGD (Internationale Jugendgemeinschaftsdienste), one of Germany’s oldest and largest youth volunteering organisations, active since 1949.
IJGD’s programmes are built on eight core principles:
Ecological learning
Voluntary contribution
Self‑organisation
Social learning
Intercultural learning
Gender equality
Anti-racism & anti-discrimination
Political education
IJGD staff and regional teams support leaders throughout preparation and the project period.
Before you get started as a leader, you'll need to attend one of the following training course:
13-19 April - Kastellaun, Rhineland-Palatinate
23-28 May - Alfeld, Lower Saxony
26-28 June - Online & Berlin (Hybrid)
6-10 July - Online & Berlin (Hybrid)
2-8 Oct - Berlin
28 Dec-3 Jan 2027 - Alfeld, Lower Saxony
Training fee: €95 (€75 students)
50% travel reimbursement for attending the training (maximum amount applies).
Digital training courses are free.
Leading a project in the same season means your training fee is refunded.
“Bring a Friend”: €20 discount if two people register together.
Interested?
Thinking about joining this project but not sure if it’s right for you? Or maybe a parent looking for more details?
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