Eco Farm Rehab – Rehabilitation in nature

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Deep experience in nature.
  • Tranquility and relaxation for your mind.
  • Self-constructive activities.

Highlights

  • Deep experience in nature.
  • Tranquility and relaxation for your mind.
  • Self-constructive activities.
  • Tours around the farm, such as trails and waterfalls.
  • going back to the basics. Living in simplicity.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    We receive people with mental and psychological health problems to promote recovery through a natural and community life in a eco farm in the middle of the mountains.

    What you'll be doing?

    A community environment with Brazilian volunteers, international, with peace and nature form a good team. We live together and hold weekly meetings to discuss work, life, our differences, and promote connection and respect. Over the past years we have received several people ...

    About the program

    What you'll be doing?

    A community environment with Brazilian volunteers, international, with peace and nature form a good team. We live together and hold weekly meetings to discuss work, life, our differences, and promote connection and respect. Over the past years we have received several people with mental health issues who recovered successfully. The success of recovery farms has recently been studies, indicating incredible results. Read more about this research done at Norwegian farms

    We live in a simple place for everyone to focus on the true essence that really matters in life.

    We often welcome people who are tired of the standard and conventional way of life and plunge into a fresh, refreshing, nonjudgmental environment.

    You will have organic and nutritious meals, prepared with great affection by other residents here or even you can help. 

    You will be appointed a buddy who will guide you throughout the programme. This buddy will be there for the you from the first day through to the last. There are scheduled daily chats and you can contact him/her 24-7. Once you is more comfortable in programme, these chats will reduce, as the goal is recovery and independence.

    You will have the opportunity to learn about agroforestry, permaculture and bioconstruction. 

    There are no deadlines. We only expect people to be motivated and do their best.

    Location

    Eco Caminhos is located in the beautiful inner mountains of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in the outskirts of a small rural city called Nova Friburgo. This area of Brazil is well know for being one of the world’s ecosystems with the highest amounts of biodiversity in both flora and fauna called the Atlantic Forest Biome. Eco Caminhos has several waterfalls both inside and around it, pure drinkable rivers all in the middle of truly amazing and imposing mountains, get inmersed in the magic of South American nature and the calmness that comes from it’s deep light blue skies and stary nights. 



    Typical day

    In the rehab program, you wake up with the singing of the birds and open the window to a beautiful landscape. 
    Still a typical day schedule always looks something like: 

    • 6:00 AM - Wake up and breakfast
    • 7:00 AM - Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry or Trail and Tourism
    • 9.30 AM - ...

    Typical day

    In the rehab program, you wake up with the singing of the birds and open the window to a beautiful landscape. 
    Still a typical day schedule always looks something like: 

    • 6:00 AM - Wake up and breakfast
    • 7:00 AM - Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry or Trail and Tourism
    • 9.30 AM - Coffe Break
    • 12:00 PM - Lunch & Break
    • 13:00 PM - Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry or Trail and Tourism
    • 16:00 PM - Finish work or tourism
    • 17:00 PM - Chat with Buddy
    • 19:00 PM - Dinner
    • 20:00 PM - Portuguese or English Class, Games Night, Free Time, Movie Night or Campfire

    Free-time activities

    We will advise you of our proposals and align them according to your wishes and interests.
    In your free time, you can have a good time with other volunteers, play games, bonfires, watch movies, meditate, go to the waterfalls, do trails and observe the view from the mountains, camp and stroll through ...

    Free-time activities

    We will advise you of our proposals and align them according to your wishes and interests.
    In your free time, you can have a good time with other volunteers, play games, bonfires, watch movies, meditate, go to the waterfalls, do trails and observe the view from the mountains, camp and stroll through the city.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Portuguese (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Copy of Passport or Travel ID

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    We have a few very simple criteria to be able to join the programme: - No drug or alcohol addiction (we lack structure to deal with these addictions) - Motivation to participate in the structure of the programme - Recognition of the problem and willingness to get better

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Eco Caminhos

    INCLUDED: 

    • - Accommodation & Food
    •  - Buddy: a personal guide
    •  - Learn about bioconstruction and farming
    •  - Activities: hikes, cinema, camping, visiting touristic sites.


    NOT INCLUDED: 


    • Guidance of a psychologist or psychiatrist: this  is optional and involves additional costs
    • - Transportation
    • - Luxuries
    • - Activities and attractions that have entrance fees
    • - Health insurance: People are expected to have an international health insurance policy
    • - Airport Transfer: If requested we can put you in contact with our trusted driver Dutra, he can pick you up at the airport and leave you at Eco Caminhos doorstep. This however is not included, but Dutra charges R$ 900 per leg (approx 169 Euros).

    Accommodation

    We can offer 2 housing options. Option 1 is staying in the volunteer house and living with other volunteers and workers that are already accustomed to the routine of the farm. This is an ideal environment for those who feel comfortable enough to share and live with others from day 1. The alternative option is doing a homestay with the Bijen family. The Bijen family has over 12 years of experience in social work with youth and volunteers. You will have a private room, prepared food, and personal attention from the family. The accommodation is really incredible and this is certainly a more comfortable way to start. After 4 weeks of homestay and having had the chance to get used to the routine, the farm, and the people, you should hopefully be ready to move to the volunteer house in order to progress towards the goal of recovery and independence.

    Food & Beverages

    All meals are included. Most of our meals are vegetarian, we’re used to having lunches all together with meat options too, however if you want to eat more, you will have to arrange it on your own.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) in Rio De Janeiro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The tropical weather at Eco Caminhos allow us to receive volunteers all year long, only depending of required positions.

    If you are interested, we can do an online interview to get to know each other and answer all your questions. 


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 2,006€
    5 weeks 2,306€
    6 weeks 2,607€
    7 weeks 2,908€
    8 weeks 3,208€
    9 weeks 3,410€
    10 weeks 3,610€
    11 weeks 3,811€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 3,910€
    Average fees 413€/week

    Program fees

    413€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Eco Caminhos during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Eco Caminhos

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (76 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bart

    Spoken languages: Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, German

    About the project

    EcoCaminhos it’s an EcoFarm, a community, one that aims to become fully self sustainable and give back to nature and society following the principles of Permaculture.

    Meet your organization

    Since 2014 Eco Caminhos has worked as a international volunteer based community that strives to become a role model when it comes to environmental practices, healthy human development and self-sustainability. We are located in one of the ecosystems with the highest levels of biodiversity, the Atlantic Forest mountain Biome of Brazil.

    We believe the current way of doing things is coming into conflict with the world’s natural life sustaining cycles, besides we consider the out of balance and stressful  nature of it to be also the root cause for many of the social and individual problems we humans are dealing with today. We want to help build a more humane and sustainable option where both the environment and people can develop and grow in balance. 

    To turn this into a reality at EcoCaminhos we follow the Permaculture ideals, we focus on Organic Farming, Sustainable Bioconstruction, Agroforestry and we believe in working hard and together as a community. We also think that in order for society to take the next step in the right direction all this practices need to be supported by modern technologies but implemented in such a way that their impact is positive, with moderation and responsability.

    We are located away from the heptic lifestyle of moder society, in a rural area where we can focus on nature and developing our sustainable community, but still we want to have a positive impact in the life of others and society, and in order to do this we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, ecotourism experiences and even an apprenticeship programme for brazilian teenegers in need. We do this in order to both carry and expand our knowledge to others and to share the experience of what it is to live here with us to the world, it is not for personal or financial gain but instead to keep moving forward this community with which we truly believe we would be able to help heal the wound that we as a species have inflicted against the environment and hence against ourselves. 

    Our Volunteer Opportunities combine hands-on experience with introduction theoretical presentations on Organic Farming, Bioconstruction and Agroforestry. We also organize a variety of tourism experiences such as trips to the city, sightseeing,  hikes, horseback riding, movie nights and others. Volunteers can come for both short term and long term and we even organize Experiences for entire Groups

    At Eco Caminhos we want to make a difference and help to positively change the world and the life's of all the people and volunteers we come in contact with, both from our local community and abroad. 

    “If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope. If you assume that there is an instinct for freedom, that there are opportunities to change things, then there is a possibility that you can contribute to making a better world.”― Noam Chomsky

    76 reviews · rating4.9

    My two weeks during the month of June at EcoCaminhos were focused on becoming familiar and implementing basic concepts in agroforestry and bioconstruction with like minded individuals. I’m a psychotherapist and social worker in the U.S. and decided to share some time with EcoCaminhos as part of ...
    I spent a week at Eco Cahminos and it was definitely one of my favorite times in Brazil during my month there. I feel like I learned so much in just a week from Bart and the other staff. Everyone is welcoming and really cares about the great work they are doing. The work is tough but very rewarding ...
    Valuable, impactful and unforgettable volunteer experience in an incredibly bio diverse part of the world. You have the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and building practices with people of all ages and backgrounds while also exploring the local area. The community at Eco Caminhos ...
    Noelma Alcantara rating5

    2024 at Eco Experience on an Eco Farm

    Incrível incrível!!! Pessoas incríveis!!! Ter a oportunidade, de conhecer e crescer em prol da natureza, da vida e do futuro e sentir-se em família!?! realmente é um previlégio. *** english *** Incredible incredible!!! Incredible people! To have the opportunity to get to know and grow for ...
    Dammn, had such a meaningful experience at Eco Caminhos. Couldn't spend these two weeks anywhere better. Nice staff to work with, and a stunning landscape to work in. Besides working there is also some time to explore the beautiful region! I think it's a very promising project where there is also a ...
    Spending 2 weeks at Eco Caminhos was an amazing experience. Their vision to regenerate the forest and develop a sustainable model for others to follow is inspiring. The setting is beautiful - we woke up to a view of the mountains and Atlantic Forest each day. The people are knowledgeable, ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Nova Friburgo

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    Contact Bart
      Excellent response rate
    Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, German

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