Nature camp in Amsterdam: outdoor play & cultural exchange
Who we are
We run small-scale nature camps where children are given the time and space to play freely in nature. Our camp is located within the borders of Amsterdam, in the city’s largest natural landscape, where our collective maintains over 90 hectares of green land. It truly offers the best of both worlds: a quiet rural area and private forest, just a short bike ride away from the vibrant city.
| Child safeguarding and boundaries This exchange takes place in a children’s environment. Participation happens during daytime camp activities and alongside staff. Participants have a supportive and observational role, with no independent responsibility and no unsupervised childcare. Please follow staff guidance at all times and respect privacy. Do not take or share photos of children, and do not exchange private contact details with minors. |
What participants do
As part of the Nature Camp Immersion Exchange, participants join the daily rhythm of camp through shared activities, observation, and learning alongside our camp counselor staff. The role is supportive, observational, and unstructured, with freedom to contribute in ways that feel natural and enjoyable – such as nature art, music, movement, storytelling, martial arts, games, or other playful expressions that align with our values. The focus is on immersion, cultural exchange, and having fun in a nature-based environment.
What we offer (food & accommodation)
Accommodation is provided in a private room, caravan, or large independent tent, depending on availability. Toilets, showers, and kitchen facilities are shared, and camping experience is a plus. Meals are included (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). We are a friendly, transient community that respects your time and encourages independence – participants are free to organize or join shared meals and gatherings or cook on their own schedule. A bike can be borrowed to get around.
Key rules & practical information
Participation typically takes place during daytime camp activities (roughly 9:00–15:00, Monday–Friday). Applicants must have the legal right to participate in the Netherlands (EEA/Swiss nationality or residence permit, or a valid cultural exchange or working holiday visa); we cannot sponsor visas. Because this exchange takes place in a children’s environment, participants may be asked to provide a relevant police clearance or equivalent document where required.
What category best describes your hosting arrangement? 🏡
- Organization / NGO
Location (city/town, region, country) 📍
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
What are you looking for help with?
- Childcare support (supervised only) 👩🍼
- Building 🛠
- Cleaning 🧹
- Film-Making 🎥
- General Help 💁♀️
Sensitive activities clarification (only if relevant)
Participation always takes place within the camp environment during daytime activities and under the guidance of our staff. Exchange participants take on a supportive and observational role and are present alongside staff as part of a learning and cultural exchange. They do not hold independent responsibility and are not involved in decision-making or supervision.
What’s the mission of your community? 🎯
Our mission is to reconnect children with nature in a way that naturally builds care, respect, and responsibility for the natural world. By giving children the freedom to play, explore, and spend time outdoors, we foster a lasting relationship with nature that can grow into stewardship later in life. Through free play and shared outdoor experiences, we help lay the foundation for future stewards of the natural world.
Volunteers with disabilities ♿
Possibly, depending on needs (please explain in the note below)👇
Notes about requirements and accessibility ✍
Participants should have an intermediate level of English to communicate comfortably within the camp environment. Other languages are very welcome and seen as a plus, as cultural and linguistic diversity is part of the exchange experience. A basic level of physical comfort with outdoor living is helpful, and participants should be able to navigate uneven natural terrain. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, feel free to reach out so we can explore what’s possible together.
How many volunteers could you host? 🎎
- 3–5 volunteers
When do you usually need volunteers? 📅
- April, July and August
How many hours of help per day? ⏱
- 6 hours/day
How many days of help per week? 🌒
- 5 days/week
Notes about the work, schedule, and house rules (optional)
Participation follows the natural rhythm of the camp and typically takes place during daytime activities (roughly 9:00–15:00, Monday–Friday), with flexibility built in. The role is not structured as a job; participants are encouraged to take initiative, follow what feels meaningful to them, and contribute in ways that are enjoyable and aligned with the camp environment.
We value independence, mutual respect, and simple, mindful living. Everyone is responsible for their own space, personal belongings, and time outside of camp activities. Shared areas (kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor spaces) are kept clean and respectful, and we ask participants to be mindful of energy and water use, keeping consumption low where possible. Quiet hours may apply in the evenings to support rest.
This is a community setting rather than a workplace. Participants are free to join shared meals, gatherings, or activities, or to spend time on their own. We ask everyone to be respectful toward children, fellow participants, staff, and the natural environment at all times.
Are accommodation and food included? 🏠🍜
- Yes, food and accommodation are included
What type of accommodation can you provide? 🏕
- Private room for a couple 🎎
- Tent 🎪
- Other (please explain below) 💁♀️
Diet – nutrition information 🥗🥤
Meals are included as part of the exchange.
We offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, prepared simply and shared within the community. Participants with specific preferences, allergies, or special dietary needs are welcome to organize additional food at their own expense. Everyone is free to join shared meals or cook independently, depending on what suits them best.
Fee transparency (required) 💳
- No fee. Accommodation and meals are included. Transport, visa costs, and personal travel or medical insurance are not included. Participants are expected to arrange appropriate travel insurance for the duration of their stay.
VISA SUPPORT – Are you able to assist with visa support, information, or provide invitation letters? 🛂
- No, volunteers must arrange visas independently ❌
What volunteers receive (in addition to food/accommodation) 🏆🏅
Participants receive a nature-based immersion and cultural exchange experience within a supportive community setting. This includes opportunities to learn from daily life in a nature camp, observe and explore different ways of engaging children through free play outdoors, and share skills, creativity, and perspectives with others. Participants also gain time in a unique natural landscape within Amsterdam, space for reflection and personal projects, and the use of a borrowed bike to explore the surrounding area.
Above all, the exchange offers meaningful connection – to nature, to people, and to a slower, more grounded way of living.
What are the available activities during free time? 🚴🚣🦒
During free time, participants are free to enjoy the surrounding nature and open green spaces, explore the private forest, or relax at the camp. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, reading, journaling, or working on personal creative projects. With a bike, it’s easy to reach nearby neighbourhoods and the city of Amsterdam to enjoy cafés, cultural events, museums, or simply explore. Free time is self-directed, allowing everyone to balance rest, exploration, and personal interests in their own way.
Languages spoken on site 🗣 🗣🇬🇧
English (required), Dutch, Spanish
Geography 🌳
Amsterdam has unpredictable weather, so we recommend bringing a variety of clothing for different conditions. In any season, it’s useful to have rain or garden boots and a rain jacket, as we spend time outdoors regardless of the weather. Layered clothing works best for changing temperatures. The landscape is very flat, making biking easy and accessible for getting around.
How to get to your site ✈ 🗺
TRAIN 🚆
Halfweg train station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk (pickup available from both).
BUS 🚌
Closest bus lines are 80, 63, or 369 (from Schiphol). Pickup can be arranged from nearby stops.
Is there internet access? 🌐
- Yes, limited/slow Wi-Fi
CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧
If you’re interested in this volunteer project, please email a brief introduction to voluntouring.freelist@gmail.com
. Use this subject line so we can send the host contact details and info quickly: Nature camp volunteer exchange in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
