This summer, our three-week volunteer program brought together 15 young people from different countries to learn, work, and live together on the small farm of Szent Ferenc Tanyaóvoda és Kertmuhely (St Francis Centre for Learning in Nature and Farm based Kindergarten).

A Rhythm of Work and Learning

Each day followed a schedule that balanced productivity with rest. Mornings were dedicated to hands-on work, followed by a quiet afternoon break before a shorter work session later in the day. This rhythm allowed participants to stay focused while still having time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy community life.

Every morning began with caring for the farm animals. Participants worked in small teams, taking responsibility for feeding and watering the goats, rabbits, poultry, donkeys, and dogs. They collected eggs, groomed the donkeys, harvested fresh branches for the goats, gathered greens for the rabbits, and took the dogs for walks in the surrounding fields.

These daily routines showed how closely connected every part of the farm is. Cleaning the animal enclosures was not simply about hygiene; the manure became a valuable resource for the gardens. Rabbit manure enriched the garlic beds, while straw manure from the goats and donkeys was used to build fertile deep-mulch garden beds.

Building Together

The main construction project was completing the goat shelter. Participants built the side walls, created separate enclosed areas, and later worked together to construct a new milking stand.

As the weeks progressed, participants became increasingly independent. Small groups took ownership of their own projects, including repairing the compost toilet, building a handwashing station next to the outdoor shower, restoring the fairy house built two years ago, and constructing a storage rack for poultry feed. Another important milestone was dismantling the old outdoor oven and preparing the site for a future one.

During the final week, attention shifted toward landscaping. New mulch-covered pathways connected different parts of the farm, the herb garden was weeded and expanded with new plants, and creative activities added a special touch. Participants painted decorative stones and, on the final day, each person painted a snail shell that now forms part of the Fibonacci Garden.

More Than Practical Skills

Although woodworking, gardening, and animal care were central to the program, perhaps the greatest learning happened through living together.

Sharing responsibilities, making decisions as a group, and respecting common rules required flexibility and patience. Like any community, there were challenges. Some participants naturally took on more responsibility than others, especially when it came to maintaining shared spaces. Fortunately, several participants emerged as natural leaders, helping to motivate the group and ensuring that work continued smoothly.

The introduction of independent project work during the second week proved especially valuable. It allowed participants to develop confidence, practice teamwork, and reduce the need for constant supervision.

A Truly International Community

This year's group was remarkably strong. While the amount of French spoken during the first few days made communication challenging for some participants, the group quickly adapted and became more inclusive. By the end of the program, most participants had formed close friendships and worked together with impressive cooperation.

The evenings were just as important as the working days. Shared meals, conversations, games, and informal gatherings strengthened the sense of community and created lasting memories.

Looking Back

Working with a group of fifteen participants also highlighted areas for improvement. With a larger group, having an additional work leader would make it easier to supervise activities while also handling the practical tasks of sourcing materials and equipment. We also learned that those who express the greatest desire to work independently are not always the ones most ready to do so.

Despite the challenges, the three weeks were incredibly rewarding. Participants left with new practical skills in woodworking, gardening, and sustainable farming, but perhaps even more importantly, with a deeper understanding of cooperation, responsibility, and the interconnected relationships between people, animals, and plants.

For us, this is what the program is truly about: creating a space where learning happens through meaningful work, shared responsibility, and community. Judging by this year's experience, we are already looking forward to welcoming the next group.