Volunteering Camp – Castelul Dragu

Restore · Learn · Belong

July 20th - July 29th

Restoring the Past, Shaping the Future:

A Volunteering Journey of Heritage and Heart

The Cultural Immersion Program

The Volunteering Camp – Castelul Dragu is a hands-on cultural immersion experience for young people who want to actively contribute to the preservation of Romania’s heritage while living and working in a rural community.

Organized as part of RUF’s cultural immersion programs, this camp brings together participants who are ready to learn traditional skills, support meaningful restoration work, and experience village life in a deeper, more authentic way.

This is not just a volunteering program. It is a chance to work with heritage, understand the stories behind it, and become part of a community effort to preserve it.

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What Makes This Experience Special

Participants will:

  • contribute to real heritage restoration projects

  • learn traditional skills through hands-on work

  • engage with historic villages and cultural landscapes

  • work alongside experienced practitioners and mentors

  • experience rural Romania through shared work, learning, and community life

The camp combines practical work, cultural discovery, and personal growth in a setting that is both challenging and meaningful.

Who This Camp Is For

  • teens age 16–21

  • participants interested in heritage, culture, and restoration

  • teens open to rural immersion and hands-on work

  • those looking for a meaningful, community-based experience in Romania

How to Apply 

  • Complete the application form by: May 1st
  • Express your interest by answering: "Why do you want to join this program?"
  • Applications will be reviewed, with a limited number of 15 spots available.

We value passion, curiosity, and dedication to heritage conservation.

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Program Overview

July 20 – Arrival in Dragu

Participants arrive in Dragu, settle in, and meet the group, organizers, and local partners.

July 21–22 – Restoration Work in Dragu

Hands-on restoration activities in Dragu, focused on local heritage sites and the cultural landscape around the village.

July 23–24 – Wooden Shingle Work in Solomon

Participants will take part in batere de șindrilă at the wooden church in Solomon, learning traditional techniques used in the preservation of historic wooden buildings.

July 25 – Preparing for “Dans la Șură”

A day dedicated to preparing for Dans la Șură, a local community event that brings together culture, music, and village life.

July 26 – Excursion in the Hills Around Dragu

A day of exploration and connection with the landscape through an excursion in the hills surrounding the village.

July 27–28 – Stone Restoration Work in Nadiș

Participants will work with stone in Nadiș, learning restoration techniques in a hands-on setting. This part of the camp will be taught by artist Flavius Lucăcel, who brings an artistic and cultural perspective to working with traditional materials.

July 28 – Evening Return to Dragu

Return to Dragu in the evening, followed by a closing campfire.

July 29 – Departure

Farewell and departure.

Cost & Fundraising

The cost of the camp is $1,000 per participant.

This amount is fundraised by each participant as part of the experience. Through this process, participants not only support the preservation of Romania’s cultural heritage, but also develop initiative, communication skills, and a deeper sense of ownership in the project.

Fundraising Support:

Each participant will receive support in creating a personal fundraising page on the Romanian United Foundation website.

These pages will help participants:

  • share their story and motivation

  • invite friends, family, and community to support their participation

  • track their progress toward the fundraising goal

Our team will guide participants through the process and provide support along the way.

What Participants Gain

Participants will leave with:

  • practical experience in heritage restoration

  • exposure to traditional building techniques

  • a deeper understanding of Romanian rural heritage

  • meaningful friendships and shared memories

  • the experience of contributing to something real and lasting

Accommodation & Living Conditions

Participants will stay in a communal setting in the village, designed to reflect authentic rural life while ensuring basic comfort.

Features include:

  • shared rooms with other participants

  • clean bedding and essential amenities

  • access to showers 

  • shared meals prepared locally

Living together fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Work Safety

Safety is a priority:

  • work conducted under supervision

  • protective equipment required (gloves, boots, etc.)

  • safety briefing provided at the beginning of the camp

  • participants will receive a preparation list before arrival

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are expected to:

  • maintain personal and shared spaces

  • assist with daily tasks (cleaning, dishes, etc.)

  • actively engage in work and activities

  • respect the community and local environment

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Be Part of the Legacy

This camp is an opportunity to touch history, contribute to preservation, and reconnect with your roots.

The impact of your work will remain long after the camp ends — in restored buildings, preserved traditions, and strengthened communities.

Meet the People Behind the Camp

The Arhaic Volunteering Camp is an annual initiative organized by Asociația Arhaic, Ambulanța pentru Monumente, and the Romanian United Foundation. As part of RUF’s cultural immersion programs, it brings together individuals committed to heritage preservation through hands-on restoration work and meaningful community engagement.

Valeria Lehene is the President of Asociația Arhaic and an architect with over 20 years of experience at the Sălaj County Directorate for Culture*. Her work focuses on the preservation and protection of architectural heritage, and she plays a key role in shaping restoration projects across the region.

Bogdan Ilieș is a historian and researcher specializing in wooden churches, holding a Ph.D. in History. He leads the Ambulanța pentru Monumente civic program in Sălaj County, coordinating restoration efforts and contributing to the safeguarding of Romania’s rural heritage.

Together, they provide guidance, mentorship, and context throughout the camp, ensuring that participants not only contribute to restoration work, but also understand the cultural and historical significance behind it.

*The County Directorate for Culture is the state institution at the local/regional level responsible for monitoring the national cultural heritage, including architectural heritage.

Learn More

Contact Information

  • No prior building experience necessary.

  • Participants will stay in communal accommodations with other volunteers, experiencing village life authentically. This includes clean bedding and access to facilities like showers and washing machines, offering a comfortable yet immersive experience.

  • Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including hands-on workshops in traditional crafts, volunteer work on conservation projects, cultural tours, and daily life experiences in a Romanian village. The aim is to provide a full immersion into Romanian culture and heritage conservation.

  • The camp is open to Romanian diaspora youth ages 16-21 who are interested in connecting with their cultural heritage, learning about traditional crafts, and participating in conservation efforts. We will consider applicants of different ages on a case-by-case basis. Parental approval is required for participants under 18.

  • Participants are encouraged to raise or donate $1,000+, which covers accommodation, meals, local transportation, and activity costs. This contribution also supports the restoration project of the historic wooden churches in Salaj area.

  • Certainly, transportation from Cluj to the camp and back can be arranged as part of the camp experience upon request. This service includes all essential travel within the program, beginning with airport pickup in Cluj and concluding with the return journey at the camp's end. To take advantage of this arrangement, participants are encouraged to request transportation at the time of registration or as early as possible to ensure smooth logistics and planning. This addition aims to provide a complete and worry-free experience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the camp activities and cultural exploration.

  • Yes. We will have a working schedule for each day that allows for free time. Participants will be able to explore the area, do leisure activities, and relax when not working.

  • Yes. Participants will get between 40 - 60 hours depending on their involvement.

  • Not only is the surrounding area safe, but the camp itself is as well - we have very strict safety procedures during working hours to ensure a good environment for all participants.

  • Yes. At least one adult will be present in each construction zone to oversee and guide participants. Additionally, adult supervision will be provided at all times throughout the camp, ensuring continuous support and safety 24/7.

Romanian United Foundation

About

RUF unites the global Romanian diaspora to foster strategic change through philanthropy, innovation, and community-building. By connecting leaders worldwide, RUF positions Romania as a dynamic force in the global economy for future generations.