2026 ESC – WILD VIBES: A Rural Retreat to Reset and Thrive, Mrachenik
Smokinya Foundation
Mrachenik, Bulgaria
Description
Smokinya Foundation offers a 6-12 months experience in rural Bulgaria. This project includes shared responsibilities, communal living, and collaboration in the foundation tasks. This summer we focus on environment, sustainability and local impact. We will focus on revitalization of local hiking trails. If your goal is free travel and vacation, this project is not for you. Mrachenik is isolated and small, no bars, atms, pharmacies, 1 small shop (cash only). Life can be demanding in a rural village a requires adaptability. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person, both in skills and capacity. Over 300 young people from 20+ countries have joined us so far to learn, grow, and leave their mark. https://smokinya.com/2025/09/volunteering-project-in-bulgaria-wild-vibes-nature-community-education/ https://tinyurl.com/wild-vibes-esc
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
You will be hosted in tents in the volunteering centre's yard; we provide 2 spaces and 3 spaces tents, mattresses, linens and pillows. The centre has functional bathroom and showers, a fully equipped kitchen; drinkable water, electricity and wifi. Your travel arrival and departure are reimbursed by ESC guidelines at the end of your project. Those who stay in the autumn and winter will be living in a house, sharing rooms with another person. https://smokinya.com/2025/09/volunteering-project-in-bulgaria-wild-vibes-nature-community-education/ https://tinyurl.com/wild-vibes-esc
Training during the activity
Volunteers will receive onboarding upon arrival. https://smokinya.com/2025/09/volunteering-project-in-bulgaria-wild-vibes-nature-community-education/ https://tinyurl.com/wild-vibes-esc
Participant profile
Only for people ready to step forward, jump out of the comfort zone, invest themselves in purpose building, and thrive. 📍 Mrachenik, Bulgaria | ⏳ 6-12 months | 🧑🤝🧑 Ages 18–30 Step into a different rhythm of life — one shaped by nature, simplicity, and meaningful contribution. For the past 3 seasons, Smokinya Foundation has been building a learning and volunteering centre in Mrachenik, a tiny Bulgarian village surrounded by forests and mountains. Over 200 young people from 20+ countries have joined us so far — to learn, grow, and leave their mark. https://smokinya.com/2025/09/volunteering-project-in-bulgaria-wild-vibes-nature-community-education/ https://tinyurl.com/wild-vibes-esc
Activity dates
From 01/08/2026 to 30/04/2027
Activity location
Uchilishtna Str., Mrachenik, Bulgaria
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
No application deadline
Project code
2025-1-BG01-ESC51-VTJ-000346228