ESC Volunteering in Bohinj
A unique volunteering experience in the heart of Slovenian Alps.
6–8 weeks, 35–36 hours of work/week, 2 days off
ESC Bohinj is a short-term European Solidarity Corps volunteering opportunity hosted by Zveza tabornikov Slovenije / The Scout Association of Slovenia. The volunteering takes place at the Scout Center Bohinj, in the Triglav National Park.
As a volunteer, you will live and learn in a scout and outdoor environment. You will help by supporting the youth programme, community life and help to take care of the centre and its natural surroundings. The project is designed as a learning experience: you will start with observation and supportedtasks, then gradually take on more responsibility according to your abilities, interests, safety requirements and learning goals.
ABOUT THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF SLOVENIA AND SCOUT CENTER BOHINJ
Scout Association of Slovenia is the largest national youth organisation. Its work is based on experiential learning, teamwork, outdoor education, volunteering and youth leadership. Through its programmes, young people develop responsibility, independence, solidarity and active citizenship.
In Bohinj, Scout Association of Slovenia runs a scout center and campsites that host youth groups, camps, training courses and community projects. The center is a meeting point for young people from Slovenia and abroad. It offers direct contact with nature, practical learning and intercultural community life.
ABOUT SHORT-TERM VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
The ESC Bohinj volunteering opportunity is based in Ukanc, Bohinj, Slovenia, and lasts for approximately 2—8 weeks [1]. Volunteers engage in a weekly rhythm of around 35 to 36 hours, which includes supporting the programme, sharing daily duties, dedicated learning time, mentoring sessions, and work on personal or team projects. In return, participants enjoy two free days per week to explore the area.
[1] Please note that the exact dates, arrival arrangements, and specific task focus are confirmed individually before the volunteer agreement is finalized.
support youth programme ☆ take responsibility ☆ discover scout methods ☆ live in nature ☆ learn by doing ☆ mentoring ☆ personal projects ☆ team projects ☆ sustainable practices ☆ youth work ☆ community life ☆ shared duties ☆ free time ☆ canoeing ☆ cycling ☆ campfire activities ☆ support youth programme ☆ take responsibility ☆ discover scout methods ☆ live in nature ☆ learn by doing ☆ mentoring ☆ personal projects ☆ team projects ☆ sustainable practices ☆ youth work ☆ community life ☆ shared duties ☆ free time ☆ canoeing ☆ cycling ☆ campfire activities
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
The exact weekly tasks depend on the season, weather, youth groups present at the centre, safety conditions and the volunteer’s learning goals. Tasks are supportive and educational. Volunteers do not replace paid staff, traineeships or regular jobs.
OUTDOOR YOUTH PROGRAMME SUPPORT
You’ll help prepare, check, and tidy equipment for youth activities, while supporting sessions such as canoeing, cycling, orientation, archery, scout skills, group games, and campfire gatherings according to your competence and under supervision. You will also assist with warm-ups, deliver simple instructions, provide group support, and facilitate closing reflections. Through this hands-on involvement, you’ll learn how outdoor education and youth work methods are applied in a scout setting.
HOSPITALITY, KITCHEN LEARNING AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRACTICES
You’ll support dining room preparation, cleaning routines, and shared community duties, while observing and assisting experienced kitchen staff, especially during your first days. You will help with simple food preparation, carrying ingredients, washing dishes, and keeping shared areas clean. Through these tasks, you’ll learn about hygiene, food safety basics, sustainable food practices, and how to reduce food waste. Please note that you will only use professional kitchen equipment after a proper demonstration and under direct supervision.
CENTER, CAMPSITE AND NATURAL AREA CARE
You’ll help keep shared indoor and outdoor spaces clean, safe, and ready for youth groups. You will support simple maintenance tasks such as tidying, moving materials, painting wooden elements, checking signs, and caring for campfire areas. Additionally, you’ll help maintain meadows, paths, and natural areas in line with the environmental standards of Triglav National Park, while supporting small practical improvements connected to the centre’s specific needs.
WHERE WILL YOU STAY?
You will be staying at Forest School Bohinj in Ukanc, a scout center nestled close to Lake Bohinj within Triglav National Park. You will be accommodated on-site, using shared indoor and outdoor spaces while following the centre’s house rules. Meals are provided, with dietary restrictions accommodated if you communicate them in advance. While you’ll have access to basic internet, specific details regarding laundry, room allocation, and sleeping equipment will be confirmed before your arrival. Given the unique location within a national park, your respect for nature and local regulations will be essential.
WHAT IS COVERED?
Your essential needs and learning journey are fully supported throughout your stay. From accommodation and meals to mentoring and financial aid, below is a breakdown of what is included in your volunteering experience.
You will receive full accommodation at the Scout Center Bohinj. Three meals per day are provided, and dietary restrictions are considered whenever possible.
ESC Bohinj is designed as a structured learning process, not just practical volunteering. You will be supported by a coordinator, task supervisors, and a dedicated mentor. From the initial centre tour and safety briefing to regular check-ins focused on your well-being and learning goals, you are guided every step of the way. You will receive clear instructions before starting new tasks and are encouraged to reflect on your experiences to document your progress for the Youthpass. Safety is paramount: you are expected to ask questions whenever instructions are unclear and to immediately report any injuries or unsafe conditions.
Upon arrival, you will receive a local “orienteering” session, an introduction to house rules, and comprehensive safety procedures. Language support is available, and all instructions are provided in English.
Pocket money and travel support are provided in accordance with European Solidarity Corps rules and the specifics of your final volunteer agreement.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We welcome young people aged 18–30 who are eager to immerse themselves in nature, youth work, scouting, and community life. You should be ready to live in a scout centre environment, sharing everyday responsibilities with the team. While you need to communicate in basic English, no advanced language skills, formal education, or previous professional experience are required.
The ideal candidate is open to “learning by doing”, comfortable with asking questions, receiving feedback, and reflecting on their progress. Most importantly, we look for individuals who are responsible, respectful, inclusive, and committed to following safety and house rules.
HOW TO APPLY?
Apply directly through the European Solidarity Corps portal or the indicated channel by submitting your basic info, motivation, availability, and any support needs. After carefully reading the opportunity details, shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online interview. Selection is based on eligibility, motivation, learning goals, and readiness for community life, with no discriminatory criteria used. We discuss accessibility and support needs respectfully to ensure proper preparation.
I’VE BEEN SELECTED, WHAT NOW?
Once your application is successful, careful preparation ensures a smooth start to your adventure. Below you will find essential details on the administrative steps to complete, what to pack for the mountain environment, and the core principles for living together at the center.
Once selected, you will need to confirm your availability and exact activity dates, then complete the required European Solidarity Corps administrative steps. You will agree on travel planning with ZTS (and your supporting organisation, if applicable) and confirm your insurance, health documentation, and emergency contact information. Before departure, you will receive a welcome pack containing house rules, a packing list, and arrival instructions. We also encourage you to start preparing your learning goals and any initial ideas for your personal project.
In general, you should bring practical clothing suitable for outdoor work, shared community tasks, and the changing mountain weather typical of the Bohinj area. Ensure your gear is robust and adaptable to various conditions.
The full set of house rules will be explained in detail before or upon your arrival. However, there are key principles essential for everyone living at the scout centre, focusing on respect, safety, and community harmony. These guidelines ensure a smooth and positive experience for all volunteers and staff.
NEED MORE INFO?
Browse through taborniki.si, taborniski-center.taborniki.si or write us an e-mail to rpp-zts@taborniki.si.