Is Volunteering Fun?

definitely

think so

🙂

How was

Volunteering is FUN

Youth exchange on discovering the world of local volunteering

Jurta camp, Vrábsko, Písek district
9-18/06/2025

Project number: 2024-1-CZ01-KA152-YOU-000217249
This project was co-funded by European Union.

Booklet

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What Volunteering Brought To Me?

We are keeping the anonymity of those who wished to stay anonymous, and using only the photos they told us to use (or icon if they didn’t want to be seen).

Right after the project, I went straight to help with a three-day event, which included assisting in the kitchen, preparing for the event (construction), and cleaning up afterwards. Volunteering always brings me joy, as I love helping those in need. Volunteering is always a nice way to do something good for someone else, and it also provides personal satisfaction by giving a helping hand to someone who truly needs it.

I volunteered in Turkey, where I helped a young girl learn English using a book and fun activities, such as games with kids. My main tasks were to teach her English and also take care of her as a babysitter.

Through this experience, I learned a lot about myself. I discovered a different version of me, as I had to adapt to someone else’s needs and be there for her in a specific way. I’m grateful for this experience because it taught me how my body and mind react to new situations, and now I understand myself better.

Of course, I would recommend volunteering to others. Every kind of volunteering is valuable and important. It brings joy and a sense of fulfillment because you know you are doing something good not only for others but also for yourself. It’s truly a win-win situation—it makes you feel better while making a positive difference in someone else’s life.

I volunteered for the Italian Erasmus organization T.N.T Erasmus Generation. My role was to create content for them, including photos, videos, and interviews. The main goal was to promote the organization and raise awareness about Erasmus+ projects, as they are still not very well known in our area. We wanted as many people as possible to discover the Erasmus world and understand how much it can change their lives.

Volunteering gave me a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that I was doing something useful not only for the organization but also for those who will learn about the opportunities Erasmus+ offers through the content I helped create.

Yes, I would absolutely recommend volunteering to others. One of the best parts of volunteering is seeing people come together, not for financial gain, but because they genuinely want to make a difference and contribute to something that benefits everyone in unique ways. It also brings an incredible feeling of gratitude and fulfillment, knowing you are part of something meaningful that creates a positive impact.

Maja Mlekuž

I volunteered at Mačja Preja cat shelter. My tasks included cleaning, washing and drying laundry, socializing with the cats, playing with them, and sharing their photos on social media to help them get adopted.

Volunteering there gave me a deep sense of peace and belonging. It made me feel like I can do anything and that the world can still be a better place. Spending time with the cats brought me happiness and pure joy.

Yes, I would definitely recommend volunteering to others because it offers a unique experience, different from usual opportunities or jobs. It gives people a fresh perspective on the world and shows them the impact they can make through kindness and care.

Ivana Štular

I volunteered at the caving club Simon Robič, where we introduced children to the world of caving. We gave them the opportunity to experience the equipment and explore the underground environment in a safe and fun way.

This experience was quite different for me and also a challenge, as I don’t usually work with children and don’t particularly enjoy it. However, it gave me hope and confidence that I do have the patience needed when I am introducing something I am passionate about.

I would recommend volunteering to others because it gives you the rewarding feeling of doing something good for others, with the “reward” being something much deeper than money. Some of my friends have shown interest in volunteering, and I truly hope they take the next step and experience it for themselves.

I volunteered at Lesė and Tautmilės Globa, two animal shelters. My main tasks included walking the dogs and helping with cleaning inside the shelters.

Volunteering gave me a real sense of purpose and connection. Spending time with the dogs, seeing their excitement, and knowing that I was making their day a little better was incredibly rewarding. It also made me feel more grounded — I wasn’t just giving my time, I was also receiving so much back in the form of joy and perspective.

Yes, absolutely! I even brought a friend with me, and it was her very first time volunteering. She enjoyed the experience so much that she has already returned on her own. I think that shows how meaningful volunteering can be. It gives you the chance to help others, meet new people, and realize how even small actions can have a big and lasting impact.

Marta Djordjevic

In September 2025, I volunteered with Young Researchers as a camp leader at an international archaeological camp in Kupinovo, Serbia, where excavations are being carried out to conserve a medieval castle. As government funding for the research has been decreasing, volunteers play an essential role in supporting and continuing this important work.

My tasks included serving as a link between the volunteers—who came from all over the world—and the local archaeologists leading the project. I managed logistics, organized schedules for cleaning duties and meal preparation, and created activities for the volunteers during their free time, aiming to present Serbia to them in the best possible way. I also worked alongside the team on-site, participating in excavation work, examining findings, washing artifacts, and helping wherever needed.

Volunteering at this camp gave me an experience I could never have had otherwise. I built lasting friendships with people from different countries and gained valuable experience working in an international team. Collaborating with archaeologists and volunteers taught me practical skills in organization, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. It also deepened my appreciation for Serbia’s cultural heritage and showed me how collective effort and community spirit can keep history alive, even with limited resources.

Volunteering gives you the chance to step outside your comfort zone, work on something meaningful, and make a real contribution to society. I spent my entire summer volunteering, and I can honestly say that the existential crisis I faced earlier this year has nearly disappeared. Through volunteering, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of myself, my skills, and my talents—and a renewed sense of purpose.

Natália Juranová

I volunteered at the animal shelter Sloboda zvierat in Bratislava. I took some of the dogs for a walk in the nearby forest and played with them. Volunteering makes me feel a sense of purpose, it helps me feel like I am a part of a community and this specific type of volunteering gives me the opportunity to spend time with dogs, which I don’t usually have.

I do recommend volunteering to my friends. There are many different ways to volunteer and anyone could find one that suits them the most. And once someone finds the type that suits them they can discover all the advantages, such as feeling connected, helpful, gaining new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Eszter Égi-Matus

I volunteered at a five-day summer camp for teenagers aged 13 to 15 at Balaton. The camp’s main topic was art, and its purpose was to connect the participants by introducing them to different kinds of creative activities. My tasks included assisting the camp leaders with the children and supporting the running of the programs by preparing the necessary supplies, helping the kids throughout the activities, and guiding them in the creative thinking process. I was also responsible for ensuring that they cleaned up after themselves.

After every activity we did together, seeing the joy it brought them filled me with positive emotions as well. Watching them listen to me and take my advice increased my confidence. It was refreshing to hear and see so many different ways of thinking through the medium of art. It really opened my eyes to how each person works and how beautiful human beings are.

Working with teenagers also helped me increase my patience. I learned how to react when things don’t go as planned, which is something I improved upon. I feel like I gained many new social and emotional skills that will contribute to my personal development.

I would recommend volunteering to everyone because, if anything, it can only help you grow as a person. It can guide you to find your purpose, and by contributing to something bigger than yourself, you will gain a sense of fulfillment. You can acquire useful social skills and build great connections with people.

I was at the Senior Day Centre. My main tasks were spending time with residents, organizing simple music and memory activities, assisting with mealtimes, and accompanying some participants on short walks around the neighbourhood.

Volunteering there reminded me of the importance of presence. Often the most valuable thing I offered was listening and sharing small moments. The role improved my communication and active-listening skills and gave me a humbling perspective on ageing, resilience, and the value of intergenerational exchange.

Definitely yes — I would encourage others to volunteer with elders. It’s a powerful way to practice patience, reduce loneliness for others, and gain life lessons you won’t find in books.

Abdul Hakim Hossainy

I volunteered at my university dormitory by organizing a donation project. My main task was to collect unused clothes, shoes, and kitchen supplies from students who were moving out or no longer needed these items. I then donated all the collected items to a second-hand store called Draugas Draugai, which supports people in need. Through this project, I not only helped students declutter but also supported the store in its mission to assist underprivileged communities.

Volunteering brought me inner peace, happiness, and a deep sense of purpose. It reminded me of the importance of kindness, empathy, and helping others without expecting anything in return. I felt proud knowing that I could bring a small but meaningful positive change to someone’s life. Volunteering also taught me to stay humble and grounded, especially in a world where many people focus only on personal gain. Most importantly, it strengthened my belief that humanity and compassion still matter, and that even small acts of giving can have a big impact.

Yes, I would definitely recommend others to participate in volunteering activities. Volunteering brings inner peace and emotional satisfaction. It makes people feel genuinely happy—especially when they see the joy on someone’s face and realize they have made a difference. It’s a powerful and heartwarming experience. Volunteering also reminds us that we are all human beings, and sometimes we need to support and care for each other without expecting anything in return. It teaches kindness, empathy, and the value of giving—qualities that many people tend to forget in today’s fast-paced world.

Jad Mahmoud

I have been volunteering for one year with an association called ESN (Erasmus Student Network). This association includes students from all over Europe and aims to create and maintain live interactions between students at local, national, and international levels.

I volunteer for the local section in Pisa, where the main objective is to support students participating in mobility projects in the city. I don’t have a fixed role; instead, I help organize events, workshops, and provide general support to international students.

Volunteering with ESN has brought me — and continues to bring me — a lot of joy and happiness, especially thanks to the meaningful connections it creates. I will never forget the moment when a student came to me and said that I had made their Erasmus experience so much better. That memory will stay with me forever.

Yes, I would definitely recommend volunteering to others. It helps improve self-awareness and brings peace and joy by exchanging some of your personal time, not for money, but for the simple and powerful purpose of helping someone else.

Tkhi Liliia Chan

Brno, Czech Republic

The goal of the volunteering event was to raise funds for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers and to support the personal needs of the brigade. I volunteered as a barista, with tasks including preparing drinks and cleaning the workspace.

This experience gave me a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I could physically contribute to supporting my values.

I would recommend volunteering to everyone. It provides an opportunity to feel like a valuable part of a bigger chain. For me personally, it created a space to prove that my voice matters and that I am capable of making a real difference in the world.

I volunteered at a festival focused on non-violent communication. My tasks included helping participants find everything they needed, taking care of the facilitators’ well-being, and providing translation support.

This experience made me feel like I was truly part of something meaningful. I enjoyed supporting others and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Yes, I would definitely recommend volunteering. It’s a perfect way to gain new skills, grow personally, and improve at what you want to do.

I volunteered with the Ukrainian Youth Group in Lithuania (UYGL), an NGO that organizes various events for Ukrainian youth, such as poetry evenings, charity marathons, and art exhibitions. They are an amazing community that regularly fundraises money to support Ukraine.

I joined the organization and now regularly help them by documenting their events through photography. This role allows me to practice and improve my photography skills while supporting a cause and community I deeply care about. Many members of the group are my friends, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a meaningful and welcoming community.

I would definitely recommend volunteering with an organization like this. It’s always fun, gives you unique experiences, allows you to give back to the community, and helps you meet amazing, like-minded people.

Hanan Zaid Alkilani

I did online volunteering by providing eSIM cards for Palestinian people in crisis in Gaza City. This allowed them to have a way to communicate with each other and with people outside, as well as to document online what they are going through.

This experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be fortunate to be born in a safe country. It taught me to truly appreciate what I have in my life and showed me how something small that I can provide can mean so much to others.

Yes, I would definitely recommend volunteering. It teaches empathy, gratitude, and the joy of knowing that even small actions can change someone else’s life. Volunteering creates a dynamic that works both ways: we don’t give only for the sake of giving—we also receive something in return, even if it’s just a small sign of appreciation or the smile we bring to someone’s face.

Danylo Tiagnyriadno

I volunteered at various events by UYGL (Ukrainian Youth Group in Lithuania) in Vilnius, Lithuania. It is a Ukrainian student organisation at Vilnius University that focuses on helping Ukrainian refugees, fundraising for the Ukrainian military and spreading awareness about the Russo-Ukrainian war. The main two events I volunteered at were two marathons for charity.

I participated in two stages of volunteering at the first marathon, the preparation and the marathon itself. During the preparation stage, we were manufacturing Ukrainian flags by hand from colored paper and dividing the tasks for the following day among the volunteers. During the marathon, I helped set up the registration and prize desks, as well as a place where runners could store their belongings, I then also participated in handing out medals and prizes to the marathon runners.

At the second marathon I was tasked with showing the runners the right direction to go – over the bridge. This time there was cold pouring rain, and it was definitely not pleasant as I did not have an umbrella. I had a friend there suffer the same fate though, so we were at least not alone in our misfortune.

I also recall packing Christmas toys for either orphaned Ukrainian children or children of veterans with the same organisation last Christmas. The toys we received were charity that anyone could contribute. We were then tasked with neatly packing the toys into Christmas packaging.” Volunteering brought me a sense of cohesion, a team of people united by a shared goal and intentions – to do something benevolent, to help out without getting anything in return. It also brought me lots of fun – surprisingly, doing various tasks without anyone forcing you to is a fun way to spend time and possibly discover new things.I would definitely recommend other people to at least try it. Before trying it out, I never had the intention of doing it again, much less regularly. I just saw an add on Instagram of a youth organisation looking for volunteers and decided to sign up for fun. In the end, I enjoyed it very much, which was a big discovery for me. If you haven’t tried volunteering before, you should definitely go for it because you will discover something new about yourself and the world, and quite possibly, have lots of fun doing it.

I volunteered with a community garden project. My tasks included preparing beds, planting seasonal crops, maintaining compost, leading weekend workshops on basic organic gardening, and coordinating a monthly plant-swap event.

Volunteering there gave me a deep sense of belonging and calm. Working with my hands outside and seeing plants grow from seeds to food was incredibly grounding. I also learned practical skills in gardening and small-scale project coordination, and I discovered how much I enjoy teaching others simple, sustainable practices.

I would absolutely recommend volunteering. It connects you to people and the land, teaches tangible skills, and gives you a daily reminder that small, steady efforts can make a visible difference.

I helped online with The Learning Bridge Project, an NGO supporting refugee youth. I tutored two teenagers in English twice a week, helped with homework, prepared simple interactive lessons, and occasionally acted as a mentor when they had questions about school or life in a new country.

This experience increased my patience and empathy. Adapting lessons to different learning styles pushed me to be creative and flexible. I learned how meaningful consistent support can be for someone navigating a new system, and I felt proud knowing my small weekly sessions helped them feel more confident in class.

Yes — I recommend remote volunteering. It’s flexible, can fit into a busy schedule, and still builds real relationships while offering valuable support to people who need it.

Zuzana Kasanová

I volunteered by creating a 34-page booklet summarizing the whole experience of the project – Volunteering is fun. The booklet includes explanations about what volunteering is, details about the project’s activities, message, accommodation…

I interviewed some of the participants to collect their subjective experiences and favourite activities. I prepared short informative texts and handled the graphic design and layout of the publication. This gave me the opportunity to reflect on the project and express its atmosphere through visual storytelling. By carefully selecting photos and writing texts, I aimed to evoke in readers the same feelings I experienced during the project. This process taught me how to tell a story through design and helped me improve my skills in graphic design programs. It was a creative experience that strengthened both my artistic and communication abilities.

I would recommend volunteering – it helps you grow, meet new people and gain valuable experiences. It’s a meaningful way to learn, help others, and discover more about yourself.

Rana Muhammad Aqdas Khan

I volunteered for my organization, TNT. Since TNT is based in Sicily, where there isn’t much awareness about Erasmus+ projects, my goal was to create short-form content, such as reels, that would be fun and engaging for young people. Through this content, we aimed to raise awareness about Erasmus+ projects—their benefits, how to join, and what the Erasmus+ experience really looks like.

I recorded interviews with myself and other participants from our project and created reels using the footage we captured throughout our Erasmus journey.

This experience pushed me to be creative, especially in transforming our Erasmus+ experience into something engaging and relatable for young people. I learned how to communicate ideas clearly, work effectively with others, and adapt messages to suit an audience that might not know anything about Erasmus+. It also boosted my confidence both in front of the camera and behind it, as I planned, filmed, and edited all the content myself. Most importantly, it reminded me why this kind of work matters: helping others discover opportunities they didn’t know existed.

Yes, 100%! I would absolutely recommend volunteering to others. It’s not just about giving back; it’s also about what you gain in the process. You meet people from different backgrounds, build valuable real-world skills, and step outside your comfort zone in the best possible way. For anyone unsure about what they want to do or how to grow personally and professionally, volunteering offers the perfect space to explore that. It can bring confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of belonging. Plus, it feels incredibly rewarding to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Tommy Chang

Tasks: Cleaning routine, event setup.

Feelings: Joy and fulfillment.

Why volunteering matters: It brings purpose to life and creates a meaningful impact.

Ahmed Sohail

I was a volunteer at a study camp in Sachsenhausen, Germany. Sachsenhausen was a former Nazi concentration camp and is now a museum and memorial.

My tasks included creating videos and taking photos of the memorial while learning more about the history and the atrocities that took place there. I also worked inside the depot, registering historical objects from the camp, and collaborated with the museum’s media team to produce videos.

This experience gave me a completely new perspective. It taught me to look beyond personal gains and realize that sometimes you need to devote your time and energy to causes that bring peace and benefit the community. I learned so much about World War II, the Nazis, the Holocaust, and the unimaginable suffering of the prisoners in the camp.

Living in a new country for three weeks, working in teams with other volunteers, and stepping outside my comfort zone were all deeply transformative experiences. This opportunity contributed greatly to my personal growth and gave me a profound sense of tranquility, knowing that I was working for a meaningful cause.

Dora Smole

I volunteered at my local town’s fall festival, called Mihaelov sejem. I helped run a clothes exchange for the visitors. My tasks included preparing tables, carrying boxes of clothes, folding them, and arranging the space as new clothes arrived. I also spoke with visitors about our clothes exchange—why we do it, how we do it, why we find it important, and the values connected to it. Together with other volunteers, we also made an approximate plan for how we want to upgrade the project next year to make it even more impactful and to challenge ourselves with new ideas.

I find volunteering with the Youth Center important because it keeps me connected to the broader community of my town. It allows me to meet people from different generations and backgrounds while gaining insight into their relationships with fashion, as well as their habits and values when it comes to buying clothes. Being at the festival also gave me the chance to discover other initiatives happening in my town and to appreciate the valuable work others are doing for the community.

I would encourage others to try any kind of volunteering. I see it as a safe and supportive environment where you can challenge yourself and grow. My favorite part is witnessing how big of an impact one person—or even a small group of dedicated people—can have on the lives of others and on the overall atmosphere within the community.

I am volunteering at an animal-focused non-profit organization for Animal Assisted Projects as a PlusBoss. This position involves becoming a foster owner for dogs whose owners struggle to fit their pets’ care into their schedules. My tasks include walking the dogs, spending time with them, and playing with them to ensure their well-being.

My volunteering experience has taught me a great deal of patience. The process of becoming a PlusBoss was long and meticulous—it involved carefully choosing the right dog, getting to know them, going through necessary documents, and figuring out how to fit everything into my schedule. Once I officially became a PlusBoss, I was further tested in my role as a temporary dog owner, which was entirely new for me.

Caring for a young, energetic dog turned out to be quite challenging. It required not only maintaining the dog’s energy levels through activities but also making sure all their needs were fully met—a task that is tedious but absolutely crucial for the pet’s well-being. Through this experience, I learned composure, patience, and organizational skills, while also gaining a deeper understanding of how to give love and care to a domestic animal.

I would definitely recommend volunteering to others. It’s a fantastic way to develop new skills and gain unique experiences while giving back to the community you live in. Volunteering teaches you valuable soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, organization, professionalism, creativity, and work ethic. At the same time, it allows you to acquire more specific, practical skills in your chosen area—whether it’s pet care, public speaking, education, gardening, or any other field.

Romeo Alois Bican

I volunteered in Olomouc. In pairs, we walked around the city and collected money for people with disabilities during the event “Žlutá kachnička” organized by Charity Olomouc. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to help people in need, improve my communication skills, and see how small actions can have a meaningful impact.

Yes, I would recommend volunteering because it allows people to support a good cause, develop teamwork and empathy, and gain a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Samuel Zini

I volunteered at a venue called OCCII, which organizes concerts, children’s theater, and community events. I worked behind the bar, serving drinks and occasionally food to the bands and other volunteers. I had done this type of volunteering before, and I enjoy it a lot because it gives me the opportunity to support my community and meet other like-minded people. It’s also a great way to make new friends, get to know the surrounding community, and feel fulfilled after a good day of volunteering.

Varga Zoé Palmira

I started my volunteering journey in August. On Sundays during worship at my local church, I helped by babysitting. My task was to take care of the children and play games with them. We read books together and practiced different drawing methods. It was a very easy task, but I still felt really anxious the whole time, worrying that I might mess it up (I didn’t!). I wasn’t allowed to take pictures with the children, though.

Wanting to give volunteering another try, I decided to look for a different opportunity at the end of August. I found an organization called Bolygó, which is funded by Greenpeace and fundraising. They organize events where people can both learn about and contribute to solving environmental problems, creating sustainable solutions, and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting our planet.

I attended one of their events where a group of volunteers crafted bee hotels (or insect hotels, for any species to live in). Later, we placed these wooden habitats in different parts of the city. I loved the teamwork and the creative solutions we used to help nature. We also documented the entire process. I will definitely make time to attend their tree-planting event, activist training, and other volunteering activities as well.

I know our volunteering goals were supposed to be achievable, but I still feel like there is so much more to be done, more help to give, and many places where I can offer a helping hand. Both of these experiences were unforgettable, but I could relate more to my second attempt. I will definitely return to both places and keep being consistent with volunteering, but I’m also motivated now to explore new opportunities.

First of all, volunteering gave me a huge sense of importance. I didn’t expect that being needed would be such a boost for my self-love. I feel emotionally stronger and more motivated to keep helping. I think my mind is getting used to offering help more easily than before, and I also fear rejection a lot less.

I gained so much from volunteering—new skills, connections, fun—it never felt one-sided, not even for a moment. I’m grateful that the yurt camp started this positive change in me and pushed me to take action, something that otherwise would have been difficult to begin.

Would I recommend volunteering? Definitely yes!! The options are almost endless—there is always someone or something to help. I realized that every small step counts and that I don’t need to “save the world” to be useful. I’m sure it would bring others a lot of gratitude and valuable feedback about how well they are doing, morally and emotionally. I will encourage my friends to join me next time and to involve their loved ones too, so we can help each other together. <3

I was a backstage coordinator at a small community arts festival. My tasks were setting up stages, coordinating artist schedules, managing hospitality for performers, helping with ticketing during busy slots, and capturing short behind-the-scenes videos for the festival’s Instagram.

Volunteering boosted my organizational confidence and taught me how to stay calm under pressure. I loved the mix of practical problem-solving and creative energy — hearing an artist thank us after a smooth set felt immensely rewarding. I also gained useful skills in event logistics and basic video storytelling.

I would recommend volunteering. It’s fast-paced, social, and a great way to build transferable skills while supporting local culture.