On The Hill Under The Rock 2026 | ESC Volunteering Teams in Spain (Fully Funded)

An excellent opportunity for 14 motivated young people from across Europe who are eager to learn about sustainability, rural life, and environmental protection, to join the ESC Volunteering Teams "On the Hill Under the Rock 2026" which takes place in Yernes y Tameza, Astúrias, Spain from 16- 31 August 2026. This volunteering project is organised by "DE AMICITIA" and funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. 

About the Volunteering Project 

On The Hill Under The Rock 2026 is an educational workcamp organised by "De AMICITIA" in Collaboration with Vital Foundation, focused on sustainable living and environmental education. The project brings together 14 volunteers from different European Countries for 2 weeks, who will receive training on renewable energy, water use, recycling, and basic survival. 

Tasks involve hands-on physical and maintenance work, such as painting, sanding, and minor repairs, as well as collecting firewood, caring for an organic garden, and cleaning natural areas. Volunteers might also assist with post-event cleanup following the local cattle festival (August 18–20). 

Educational components include workshops on climate change, identifying local flora and fauna, and basic geology, as well as visits to observe renewable energy systems such as a hydraulic ram and a microturbine. The project promotes cultural exchange, critical thinking, and practical learning in a beautiful natural environment.

Eligibility | Who can apply?

- Young people aged between 18 and 30 living in one of the following countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine)

- Motivated, curious, adaptable, eager to learn about sustainability, rural life, and environmental protection

- No specific skills are required, but participants should be willing to engage in manual work, live in basic conditions, and contribute to group life (cooking, cleaning, etc.)

- An interest in nature, teamwork, and cultural exchange is essential. 

- Volunteers should also be open to reflection and learning by doing.

Expenses and Benefits

- Volunteers will be accommodated in wooden houses under basic conditions provided by Vital Foundation.

- Food is provided and prepared by volunteers working in teams under the guidance of camp leaders, with dietary adjustments possible if communicated in advance. 

- Volunteers are entitled to receive a pocket money to cover their personal expenses.

-  There will be days off to enjoy the area and let volunteers explore and travel around.

- Each volunteer is entitled to get a travel reimbursement for (one return journey) up to the maximum cost as stated in the ESC programme rules, according to the following limits:

• from 10-99 km: standard travel (28 EUR), green travel (56 EUR)
• from 100 - 499 km: standard travel (211 EUR), green travel (285 EUR)
• from 500 - 1999 km: standard travel (309 EUR), green travel (417 EUR)
• from 2000 - 2999 km: standard travel (395 EUR), green travel (535 EUR)

Note: If you travel green (e.g., no planes at all), the travel cost limit rises, and you can travel longer (max 3 consecutive days in one way), as long as the travel is connected to the activity.

- Youthpass certificate: to recognise your own learning process and have a certificate to validate the skills acquired during the project.

- It is recommended to arrive at Asturias Airport (OVD) or, alternatively, consider Bilbao or Santander. From OVD, volunteers can take an ALSA bus to Oviedo city, which takes around 45 minutes and costs about €9. Volunteers should plan their arrival in Spain in the morning.

Timeline

Application deadline: 16 July 2026

Arrival day: 16 August 2026

Departure day: 31 August 2026

How to apply?

Step 1: Sign in to your account on the European Youth Portal. If you don't have an account, create an account  as a YOUNG PERSON from HERE

Step 2: Visit the opportunity page on the European Youth portal and click "Apply." From this page, you must write your motivation letter in English.

More Details

For more details about "On The Hill Under The Rock 2026", check the opportunity details on the ESC Portal from HERE 

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

By applying for this volunteering project, you take responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" cannot be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.