Restore, Explore, and Inspire: A Journey of Volunteering in Banat!

Join the Color the Village Volunteering Camp for Diaspora Teens!

About the Project

This summer, embark on a transformational experience in Banat! The Romanian United Foundation, in partnership with Asociația Acasă în Banat, invites Romanian diaspora teenagers (ages 15-21) to take part in an inspiring volunteering camp. During this journey, you will contribute to the Color the Village project, restore traditional homes, immerse yourself in authentic Romanian traditions, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Banat, including a hiking adventure on Via Transilvanica.

Color the Village 2025 will be held in Grădinari, Caraș-Severin, bringing together volunteers to restore homes and preserve the village's cultural heritage. Our camp will intersect with the second session of the event, actively contributing to the transformation of the community and engaging in meaningful cultural experiences.

APPLY HERE

Camp Details & Participation

Who Can Participate?

✅ Ages: 15-18 (with parental authorization) or 18+ (on personal responsibility)
✅ Good physical condition: Volunteers must be fit for outdoor and restoration work
✅ Volunteer contract required (includes rules & safety regulations)*
✅ GDPR & photography consent required (for media & promotional purposes)*
✅ Commitment to participate in the full program, including volunteer work.

* All forms will be provided once the registration is confirmed.

Accommodation & Meals

🏡 Stay with local families in Grădinari (as available)
🏫 Dormitory accommodation at Oravița High School (if needed)
⛺ Optional camping at Turnul din Grădinari

🍽 All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and water)
🥘 Local traditional food with vegetarian options available
⚠ Dietary restrictions must be communicated in advance

Transportation

🚗 Local transport covered for all scheduled activities
🚌 Transportation provided for planned excursions 

How to Apply

📅 Complete the sign-up form by April 25th

Costs and Contributions

Participating in this unique volunteering experience requires a fee of $600 per participant, which covers accommodation, meals, transportation, and cultural visits. We strongly encourage participants to seek fundraising opportunities within their communities, such as engaging with local businesses, securing sponsorships, or organizing small fundraising events to help cover the cost. This is a fantastic opportunity to rally support from family, friends, and organizations that believe in preserving Romania’s cultural heritage.

💲 Cost: $600 per participant ($300 by April 15th and $300 by June 15th)
🎯 Fundraising for: Asociația Acasă în Banat, a non-profit organization
🏡 At least $200 per participant will go directly toward renovating a house
✅ Includes: Accommodation, meals, transportation, and cultural visits

Program Schedule (June 30 – July 8, 2025)

📅 Monday, June 30 – Arrival & Orientation

• Welcome session & accommodation check-in

• Guided tour of Grădinari

📅 Tuesday, July 1 – Training & Hands-On Learning

• Work safety training & restoration workshop

• Hands-on traditional facade renovation practice

📅 Wednesday, July 2 – Community Project & Cultural Evening

• Pilot project: Renovation of a historic facade

• Traditional Romanian evening & bonfire

📅 Thursday, July 3 – Excursion to Cheile Nerei

• Visit Ochiul Bei, Beușnița Waterfall & Sasca Montană

📅 Friday, July 4 & Saturday, July 5 – Color the Village Volunteering

• Main event: Painting & restoring homes in Grădinari

📅 Sunday, July 6 – Excursion to the Danube

• Visit Moldova Nouă, Burăul Mare Waterfalls, Czech village (Gârnic), Cazanele Mari, Ciucarul Mare, Dubova & Decebal’s Face

• Optional stop at Băile Herculane & Rudăria watermills

📅 Monday, July 7 – Start of Via Transilvanica Adventure

• Travel from Grădinari to Iabalcea

• Start the Via Transilvanica hike to Canton Coșava

• Overnight stay in Văliug

📅 Tuesday, July 8 – Departure

• Final pick-up from Văliug & program wrap-up

Why Join?

By joining this camp, you are doing more than just volunteering—you are restoring history, preserving traditions, and empowering communities. Your efforts will breathe new life into villages, helping them thrive while ensuring their cultural identity is not lost. You will experience the warmth of local hospitality, gain hands-on skills in restoration, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for heritage and adventure.

This is your chance to be part of something greater, to contribute to a meaningful cause while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Banat. Every brushstroke, every conversation, and every step on Via Transilvanica will make a difference—not just in the community, but in your own personal growth.

📢 Be part of a unique journey where tradition meets adventure, culture blends with impact, and every step you take leaves a lasting mark. Join us and make a difference!

APPLY HERE

About Asociația Acasă în Banat & Color the Village

Asociația Acasă în Banat

This non-profit organization is committed to preserving Banat’s heritage, supporting local communities, and promoting volunteering. Through projects like Color the Village, they bring people together to protect history and give new life to rural communities.

Color the Village (Colorează Satul)

Color the Village is an annual festival dedicated to restoring and revitalizing villages in Banat. Over three days, hundreds of volunteers paint and renovate traditional homes, preserving the region’s cultural heritage while fostering community spirit.

Meet the Organizers

Organizing Partners:

Asociația Acasă în Banat

Romanian United Foundation

Project Lead:

• Jessica David

Camp Organizers:

• Radu Trifan

• Nicoleta Trifan

Testimonial

Jessica David participated in the Color the Village 2024 event in Altringen, Timiș:

"Volunteering at Color the Village was an unforgettable experience for me as a high schooler. I had the chance to enjoy great food, meet amazing new people, and contribute to a meaningful cause that truly needed support. Seeing the final result of our hard work was incredibly rewarding, but the best part was witnessing the reactions of the elderly residents who had lived in those homes for many years. Their joy and gratitude made every effort worthwhile. Color the Village is not just an opportunity to give back to those who have shaped our home country, it’s a chance to create a lasting impact that will be remembered for a lifetime."

Contact Information

• For inquiries:
  • Irina Nedeljkovic (RUF): [email protected]

Apply for camp by April 25th to receive more information via e-mail.