Special eco-volunteering trip for teenagers in Iceland. During this summer camp, open to 15–17-year-olds, you’ll help protect the environment and discover Iceland’s stunning landscapes. See all trips for under-18s here.
The project in Iceland
Our partner is an Icelandic charity dedicated to volunteering, founded in 2001.
It promotes initiatives focused on nature, peace and intercultural cooperation. Volunteers gain practical experience in environmental and community projects. Taking part in one of our partner’s programmes offers you a unique opportunity to discover Iceland’s landscapes and culture, whilst working alongside international volunteers and local residents.
You will benefit from:
- Practical experience of environmental and community projects
- Developing intercultural skills
- International meetings
The summer camp in Siglufjörður
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome (Monday)
The group is welcomed on arrival and you travel together to the accommodation.
The teenagers meet their supervisors, explore the local area and take part in activities to get to know one another. A relaxed evening with games, dinner and a welcome speech.
Day 2 – The Golden Circle Adventure
The group explores some of Iceland’s most famous natural sites: geysers, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.
A full day out with photo stops, quizzes and a group picnic — perfect for bonding and making new friends.
Day 3 – Transfer to Siglufjörður
A stunning road trip through northern Iceland.
Short stops for photos and snacks.
The scenery is unforgettable.
Days 4–5 – Forestry & environmental projects
Taking part in meaningful conservation work such as tree planting, trail maintenance and various outdoor environmental tasks.
All activities are suitable for young people and supervised by trained staff.
It is here that they learn about teamwork, responsibility and environmental awareness.
Afternoons: free time to relax, explore the town or take part in optional activities such as team games, cookery evenings, sports, short hikes or film nights.
Day 6 – A day of adventure in Mývatn
A highlight of the camp!
The group explores one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural areas — lava formations, geothermal areas and scenery straight out of a film.
Day 7 – Day of hiking
Guided hike, featuring safe routes, breathtaking views and fun team-building activities.
Days 8–12 – Forestry Week
A full week of outdoor teamwork in the beautiful forests near Siglufjörður.
The group takes turns with the tasks so that everyone can try out different roles.
The evenings include:
- Workshops
- Board games
- Sport
- Musical evenings
- Walks around the harbour
- Commercial kitchen
- A visit to small local shops
- Sunset walks
Day 13 – Whale watching & a visit to Akureyri
A magical day!
The group sets off into the fjord to go whale-watching — everyone’s favourite activity.
Next, explore Akureyri, the charming capital of northern Iceland, with some free time to pick up souvenirs and sample local specialities.
Day 14 – Kayaking
A guided and supervised kayaking session on calm waters, designed for beginners.
Ideal for building self-confidence and teamwork — and, of course, great fun.
Days 15–16 – Farewell days
The final days include reflective activities, group games, a small celebration and the creation of souvenir albums or photo displays.
The leaders help the group to look back on everything they have achieved together.
Day 17 – Transfer to the farm
A comfortable journey south.
Music, games and stops along the way to make the trip enjoyable.
Day 18 – Drop-off at BSÍ (bus station)
We say goodbye after an unforgettable adventure!
The staff assist the group with the departure procedures and ensure that every teenager is dropped off safely.
- From 13 June 2026 to 2 July 2026
- From 13 July 2026 to 29 July 2026
- Price: €1,800
- English is the main language spoken at the camps; a basic knowledge of the language is therefore required.
- Volunteers are asked to be considerate and respectful towards others and to speak their native language only when necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to practise and improve your English whilst interacting with people from all over the world.
- Aged 15 to 17
- 2 to 3 supervisors for a group of 12 to 14 participants
- Motivation
Location
Siglufjörður is a small town of around 1,300 inhabitants located in northern Iceland, and is the northernmost town on the mainland. It is about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík. Together with the neighbouring community of Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður forms part of the municipality of Fjallabyggð. Siglufjörður is a charming town with a rich history. Once known as the ‘Herring Capital of the North’, it was one of Iceland’s most dynamic and prosperous towns in the early and mid-20th century. Although the herring era came to an end in the 1960s, Siglufjörður has preserved its maritime heritage through museums, restored buildings and local traditions.
Today, it is a peaceful yet active community, celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, strong historical character and deep connection to Iceland’s maritime heritage.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay at the partner
organisation’s house, which features a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms and comfortable communal areas.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the accommodation.
There is a washing machine on site.
Food
A balanced and healthy variety of ingredients is provided, including: whole grains, seasonal fruit and vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products and vegetarian/vegan options. To reduce our carbon footprint, meat consumption is limited.
There are no fizzy drinks or sweets, but plenty of ingredients to make delicious snacks.
Please inform the association in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary requirements so that we can cater for you appropriately.
Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to contribute equally to cooking and cleaning.
Camp leaders
There are always one or more camp leaders for each camp, depending on the size of the group.
The camp leaders act as a vital link between the host community, Worldwide Friends and the group of volunteers.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Coordinate day-to-day work activities and ensure that tasks are carried out safely and efficiently
- Organise leisure activities, cultural events and excursions
- Manage shopping lists, meal planning and household schedules
- Document the camp’s activities (photos, reports, feedback) for WF Iceland
Apart from these additional responsibilities, camp leaders are regarded as full members of the volunteer team and take part in all activities alongside the others.
Coordinator
Each project has a designated coordinator who plays a key role in supporting volunteers and maintaining a positive group dynamic.
Its main tasks are to:
- Facilitate communication and chair group meetings to ensure smooth coordination and effective teamwork
- Provide ongoing support and mentoring to volunteers throughout the project
- Be available and approachable whenever volunteers need support or advice during their stay
- To ensure the safety, well-being and morale of all participants
- Support conflict resolution and foster a cooperative, respectful and inclusive atmosphere within the group
Most camp leaders come from different countries.
All leaders begin their role with a week of training, which prepares them to manage projects effectively and ensure a rewarding experience for everyone.
First and last day
The first day of the camp is the day of arrival, and the last day is the day of departure.
The minibus will be at the BSÍ bus station, the meeting point in Reykjavík, on the morning of the first day of the camp, and will return to the BSÍ bus station on the evening of the last day.
As a volunteer, please use the following online code to receive a 50% discount on the transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík and back:
https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/
Code: WF
The Flybus is a very safe and reliable option for all passengers.
On arrival at the airport, you can easily find the Flybus desk — open 24 hours a day — just after collecting your luggage.
The staff will direct you, and the bus departs from the car park just outside the terminal.
The Flybus will take you directly to the BSÍ station in Reykjavík, where a member of the team will welcome you personally.
It is a smooth, secure and well-organised process, ensuring a comfortable start to the programme.
Arrival at the site
During the day of travel, you will make several stops along the way.
Upon arrival at the project site, you will be warmly welcomed by your camp leaders and the other volunteers at the house.
The camp leader will show you around and take you to your room.
You will share a room and the communal areas with the other participants.
After a long day of travelling, dinner will usually be ready for you.
However, sometimes the leaders will travel with you to the house; in this case, you will prepare the first group dinner together.
This first day is a time to settle in, meet the other volunteers and get ready for the experiences ahead.
- A tour of Iceland’s magnificent landscapes
- A useful environmental camp
- An immersion in an international group
Tous les avis sur les missions Worldwide Friends
About the organisation
Our partner is an Icelandic non-profit organisation founded in 2001, dedicated to environmental protection, the promotion of peace and volunteering. Its team works on biodiversity conservation as well as the circular economy and education, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN. Our partner organises short- and long-term volunteering placements in Iceland. Through volunteering, the organisation protects nature and promotes peace by bringing together volunteers of different nationalities to work together.
