Call for Volunteers in Austia
🗓️ 🗓️ When
September 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
📍 Where
Vienna, Austria – Naturkindergruppe am Himmel “Gatschhüpfer”
Forest kindergarten located in the hills above Vienna
💡 What will you do?
Support teachers and children in a nature-based kindergarten environment where learning takes place mostly outdoors.
Your tasks may include:
• Joining children in play, songs, crafts, storytelling, and creative activities
• Supporting children with daily routines such as dressing or organizing their backpacks
• Accompanying nature walks and outdoor exploration activities
• Helping children with basic hygiene and daily needs
• Supporting teachers in preparing and serving lunch and snacks
• Participating in nature-based learning activities and forest excursions
• Assisting with simple gardening and taking care of the yurt and outdoor space
• Leading small creative activities or projects based on your own interests
• Participating in team meetings and learning reflections with mentors
You will work closely with the pedagogical team and become a buddy and supportive presence for the children.
🏫 A Typical Day
08:00 – Children arrive at the kindergarten (yurt location)
09:00 – Morning snack and circle time
09:30 – Walk through nature to the indoor kindergarten space
11:00–12:00 – Arrival at indoor space
12:00 – Lunch (vegan option always available)
12:30 – Quiet activities or free play
13:30–14:00 – Indoor or outdoor activities
14:30–15:00 – Snack time
16:00 – Kindergarten closes
Volunteers typically support activities between 9:00 and 16:00, depending on the agreed schedule.
🎁 What you get
💶 Pocket money: according to ESC programme rules
🍽 Food allowance: according to ESC programme standards
🏠 Accommodation: arranged by the coordinating organization
✈️ Travel costs: reimbursed according to ESC distance calculator limits
📚 Additional support:
• Mentorship and supervision
• Participation in ESC training sessions
• German language learning support
• Youthpass certificate after the project
🌱 What you will learn
During the project you will gain experience in:
• Nature-based education and outdoor learning
• Supporting children's self-directed play and development
• Non-violent communication and conflict resolution
• Working in a democratic and parent-run organization
• Intercultural communication and teamwork
• Austrian culture and everyday life
👤 Who can apply?
• Young people aged 18–30 eligible for the European Solidarity Corps
• People who enjoy spending time with children
• Interested in nature, outdoor education, and respectful pedagogy
• Open-minded and motivated to work in a team environment
• Willing to learn German (basic German needed for communication with children)
Experience in childcare or education is welcome but not mandatory.
