Summer Volunteering Camp:
Inclusion, Civic Engagement and Community Service
Join a two-week international volunteer camp in Galați, organized by “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, taking place from June 4–18, 2026. This unique experience brings together students from across Europe who are eager to learn, connect, and work together to support the local community and gain practical experience. The program provides an opportunity to collaborate directly with local NGOs and institutions on activities focused on children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. Volunteers will participate in educational, social, and environmental activities, including creative workshops, community support initiatives, first aid sessions, and ecological projects. The program combines volunteering with intercultural exchange, providing participants with the chance to collaborate with people from different countries and share their experiences and perspectives. Participants will also explore Galați County's cultural and social environment, including on a themed excursion. This experience fosters active engagement, initiative, and teamwork, developing practical skills and civic responsibility.
Throughout the program, participants will work closely with local NGOs and public institutions, including the Inima de Copil Foundation, the Galați Red Cross, SMURD, the Galați County Council, and the Galați City Hall. Participants will be involved in activities that address real community needs. These activities include working with children from vulnerable backgrounds and refugee families, supporting educational and social programs, organizing community activities for the elderly, conducting introductory first aid sessions, and participating in environmental protection initiatives.
The program provides a dynamic and varied experience by combining volunteering with intercultural exchange. Students will work in international teams, interact with the local community, and actively participate in activities organized by partners. Activities vary from day to day depending on the needs of each organization.
Participants will receive accommodations in university dormitories, transportation to and from activity locations, a hot meal on workdays, and a themed excursion in Galați County. This program provides an opportunity to gain practical experience, build connections, and contribute to the community.
By the end of this volunteer camp, participants will have actively contributed to meeting the community’s real needs, gaining practical experience in working with diverse groups, including children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities. Students will develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving through direct involvement in social, educational, and environmental activities. By working in an international environment, participants will strengthen their intercultural skills and ability to collaborate in a diverse and inclusive setting. The program encourages initiative, creativity, and responsibility, offering students the opportunity to actively contribute to the organization and implementation of activities alongside local organizations. In addition to the volunteer component, participants will discover the cultural and social context of the Galați region, enjoying a comprehensive and meaningful experience. The program aims to foster civic engagement and active participation in the community.
4th of June 2026 to 18th of June 2026
English
To be defined by each home Institution.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students (EQF 6–7) from RUN-EU partner universities, with interest in volunteering, community engagement and teamwork activities. Participants should demonstrate motivation for active involvement in volunteering activities, openness to teamwork in an international environment, and availability for the entire duration of the programme (10 days). Basic communication skills in English are recommended.
Please contact your International Relations Office/ RUN-EU at your Home Institution.
Programme at a glance
04/06/2026
• Arrival of participants
• Accommodation in UDJG student dormitories
• Informal welcome and orientation
• No formal activities
Day 2 –
05/06/2026
(10:00–15:00) – Opening & Programme Setup
• Opening round table with: UDJG, Galați County Council, NGOs
• Presentation of volunteering programme and partner organisations
• Introduction to activity structure and working groups
Transport:
• 09:30 pick-up from dormitory
• Return after activities
Day 3 –
06/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
Inima de Copil – Educational & Intercultural Activities
• Activities with children (Romanian and Ukrainian refugees)
• Interactive games and intercultural exchange
• Personal development and social inclusion activities
• Group-based engagement
Day 4 –
07/06/2026 (Free Day)
• No organised activities
Day 5 –
08/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
Inima de Copil – Galați Day Centre
Location: Bd. Dunărea 42A
• Educational and recreational activities in the day centre
• Interaction with children from vulnerable backgrounds
• Guided activities coordinated with NGO staff
Day 6 –
09/06/2026
(10:00–15:00 or 12:00–17:00)
Inima de Copil – Community Centre (Rural Intervention & Refugee Families)
• Activities with children and families
• Intercultural and educational interaction
• Flexible schedule depending on beneficiaries
Day 7 –
10/06/2026
(12:00–17:00)
Inima de Copil – Pechea Day Centre & School Visit
• Activities with children from disadvantaged rural backgrounds
• Possible visit to local school
• Educational games and group activities
Day 8 –
11/06/2026 (≈5 hours + excursion)
Inima de Copil – Recovery Centre + Social Workshop
• Activities with children with disabilities
• Adapted educational and creative activities
• Interaction in NGO social workshop (handmade products)
+ Thematic Excursion (County Council)
• Cultural and regional exploration of Galați County
Day 9 –
12/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
SMURD & Romanian Red Cross – First Aid Training
• Introduction to first aid principles
• Demonstrations and basic exercises
• Emergency awareness
Day 10 –
13/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
SMURD & Romanian Red Cross – Practical Sessions
• Practical exercises and simulations
• Civic responsibility and teamwork
Participation is educational only (no operational intervention)
Day 11 –
14/06/2026 (Free Day)
Day 12 –
15/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
Romanian Red Cross – Food Bank Project
• Participation in food collection and distribution
• Logistics and support activities
• Interaction with vulnerable groups
Day 13 –
16/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
Romanian Red Cross – Food Bank (continued)
• Continued involvement in distribution and organisation
• Team coordination and field work
Day 14 –
17/06/2026 (≈5 hours)
Environmental Action & Final Reflection
• Environmental activity (Parc Aventura – waste collection)
• Contribution to local sustainability actions
• Open-air round table with partners
• Final reflection and evaluation
Day 15 –
18/06/2026 (Departure)
• Departure of participants
Operational Conditions:
• Accommodation: UDJG dormitories
• Transport: daily minibus (dormitory ↔ activity locations)
• Meals: one hot meal per working day (12 days)
• Activities supervised by NGO staff
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Learner Exchange School, learners will be able to:
- Collaborate effectively in international teams, strengthening adaptability, resilience, and initiative.
- Take responsibility and make decisions in real-world volunteering contexts.
- Work with local youth and communities, fostering respect, empathy, and cultural awareness.
- Actively contribute to educational, social, and environmental development in the municipality.
Selection criteria
Motivation and interest in volunteering and community activities. Balanced representation of participants (gender, study level, partner institutions), where applicable.
Involved organisations and persons
"Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați
Lead Organisation- Adriana Iuliana Stancu (Lead Instructor)
- Liliana-Maria Ghinea (Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674
