Building a Home for the Trolls

  Iceland

Reykjavik

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: June 22 - July 6

Description: This project will take place in Reykjanesbær which is a major center of fishing and fish processing, although in recent years tourism has played an increasingly important role in the local economy. Reykjanes has something for everyone. Steeped in a rich vein of history, folklore and tradition, the region is also home to some of the world's greatest geological wonders, including the Reykjanes Ridge, meeting place of the Eurasian and American continental plates. Teeming with a wealth of bird and marine life whose habitats lie amid some of Iceland's most spectacular coastal scenery, Reykjanes is the natural choice for all lovers of the outdoors.
In this town, the authorities are very open for new ideas, for example here you can find the former NATO base which is now becoming a University village and a centre of art and film making.

The authorities are now planning to build a home for Trolls near to the port of the town, close to the center. Like elves, trolls are also part of the ancient heritage of the Scandinavian mythology. Although they are human-like in form, they are still inhumanly strong, huge and ugly. They are very often thought to be fearsome and cruel creatures. But, like elves, trolls often treat people as they are treated and they return favors for favors, exerting vengeance if harmed. Trolls live in mountains, caves and cliffs, especially bird cliffs. Like humans, they live together socially. They fish, cultivate land and keep animals. They are also very good at handicrafts and hold feasts.

Four volunteer groups will be joining the project in the following dates:
June 22 - July 6, 2008
July 8 - July 22, 2008
July 24 - August 7, 2008
August 10 - August 24, 2008

There is a very well known art group here in Iceland called Nordan Bál that has been doing all kind of art and performances in Iceland. This group will do the construction of the Cave (home) of the Trolls and also make the furniture and other things that they need for their daily life. Everything will be oversized so it will fit the big creatures. The international volunteers will help the art group to build the home and will also do some environmental work in the area around the place. Please notice that we will work with heavy things so the work can be physically demanding.

Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Excursions will be organized by the locals.

There is an extra fee of 80 Euro that goes to support the local host of the project.

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative young person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.