Volunteering_Pausa25.png

Păușa Camp 2025

July 11th - July 19th

Restoring the Past, Shaping the Future:

A Volunteering Journey of Heritage and Heart

The Cultural Immersion Program

APPLY HERE

Dive into the heart of Romania's countryside with our Cultural Immersion Program, a transformative experience for Diaspora youth ages 16-21. From July 11th to July 19th, immerse yourself in the rural charm of Păușa, Sălaj County. This initiative, a collaboration between the Arhaic Association, Ambulanța pentru Monumente and the Romanian United Foundation, aims to connect young Romanians living abroad with their ancestral culture through conservation, education, and hands-on experiences.

Seize this opportunity to effect change and deeply reconnect with your heritage. Apply today for an enriching experience that guarantees personal growth, meaningful connections, and the satisfaction of contributing positively. Together, we can create a lasting legacy!

About the Camp

The Păușa Camp will feature notable contributors including Valeria Lehene, the President of the ARHAIC Association. Ms. Lehene is an architect with over 20 years of experience at the Sălaj County Directorate for Culture*. Joining her will be Bogdan Ilieș, a researcher of wooden churches with a Ph.D. in History, who coordinates the "Ambulanța pentru Monumente" civic program in Sălaj County.

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

Learn more

Camp Experience

Immerse Yourself In Authentic Village Life

Live in a Romanian village and experience its day-to-day rhythms, from traditional farming and cooking to local crafts and festivities. This authentic experience is rare and offers insight into a lifestyle that is both enriching and grounding. Immersed in the beauty of Romania’s landscapes and the warmth of its people, you'll find new aspects of your identity and a deeper sense of belonging to a rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • Engage in Tradition: Learn hands-on skills in bread-making, woodworking, and other crafts that have shaped Romanian villages for centuries.
  • Contribute to a Cause: Play a key role in restoring Păușa's historic wooden church, preserving a cultural landmark for future generations.
  • Discover and Explore: Visit significant cultural sites, including Porolissum, the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in modern-day Romania, and step back in time to explore the ruins of an ancient Roman city at the empire’s northern frontier.

Daily Life

  • Volunteer Work: Spend your days restoring a historic monument and contributing to meaningful heritage conservation projects.
  • Cultural Immersion: Enjoy traditional homemade meals, participate in local customs, and experience the hospitality of rural Romania.
  • Evening Activities: Gather under the stars to share stories, engage in cultural discussions, and learn from local artisans.

Join Now

Who Can Apply 

  • Youth ages 16-21 from the Romanian Diaspora eager to learn, contribute, and connect with their heritage.
  • We will consider applicants of different ages on a case-by-case basis.
  • Intermediate proficiency in Romanian is required.
  • Commitment to participate in the full program, including volunteer work.
  • Parental approval is required for participants under 18.
  • Medical insurance during the stay is required. 

How to Apply 

  • Complete the sign-up form by April 15th
  • Express your interest by answering: "Why do you want to join this program?"
  • Applications will be reviewed within 3 days, with a limited number of 15 spots available.

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

Costs and Contributions

  • Raise or donate $1,000+ / participant ($500 by April 15th and $500 by July 1st)
    • Our team will assist in setting up a fundraising page to share with your community, family and friends
  • Our goal is to raise $10,000 for this Arhaic, nonprofit organization 
  • At least $500 per participant of the funds raised will go towards rebuilding the church
  • Online fundraising done by the participants
  • Includes: room, board & transportation; visits

We encourage participants to engage in fundraising events, either individually or as a group, to help cover their costs. This not only supports their participation but also strengthens their connection to the project and community service experience.

APPLY HERE

Sponsor a Young Leader from Your Community

We are offering selected nonprofit partners the opportunity to sponsor one outstanding student from their community to join the camp. Write an email to [email protected] if you're interested in joining the program.

 

Safety, Accommodation, and More

Accommodation

Participants will be housed in a cultural center, embodying the essence of village life while ensuring comfort and community. Accommodations are communal, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and shared experience among all volunteers.

Features include:

  • Clean mattresses and fresh bedding to ensure restful nights.
  • New linens and pillowcases, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
  • Communal living with fellow volunteers, enhancing the group experience.
  • Access to shower facilities and a washing machine, catering to personal cleanliness and laundry needs.

Living together in these conditions not only brings participants closer to traditional village life but also promotes unity and cooperation, essential values of our cultural heritage.

Work Safety

Our commitment to safety is paramount, adhering strictly to Romanian and EU regulations:

  • Work will be conducted at heights not exceeding 2 meters.
  • Safety helmets, gloves, boots, and appropriate clothing must be worn at all times.
  • Safety training will be provided on the first day, ensuring all participants are well-informed and prepared.
  • Participants who are accepted will be provided with a list of essential equipment.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are expected to embrace a range of responsibilities, fostering independence and a strong work ethic:

  • Personal and Site Cleanliness: Maintaining personal hygiene and contributing to the cleanliness of the communal living and work areas.
  • Laundry: Washing clothes as needed, with facilities provided.
  • Dishwashing: Participants are responsible for cleaning their dishes and utensils.

Through these responsibilities, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and authenticity of rural life, enriching their volunteering journey with practical life skills and a closer connection to their cultural roots.

Advising all participants to prepare for the camp by learning more about their Romanian heritage from their parents before arriving in Pausa. This preparation aims to enrich discussions about their families and the presence of Romanian culture in their daily lives.

Meet the Organizers

This initiative is brought to you by the Arhaic Association and Ambulanta pentru Monumente Salaj in partnership with the Romanian United Foundation, dedicated to connecting the Romanian youth Diaspora with their cultural roots through volunteerism and cultural immersion.

Project Leads: Julia Varlam 
Camp Organizers: Bogdan Ilies, Valeria Lehene

Arhaic Association

Founded in 2019 in Sălaj, Romania, by a passionate team including Bogdan Ilies and Valeria Lehene, Arhaic has dedicated itself to the conservation and rehabilitation of historic monuments across the region. Through the "Ambulance for Monuments" project, supported by King Charles's Foundation, Arhaic has become a beacon of preservation, engaging communities and volunteers in saving our cultural landmarks. Our partnership with RUF underscores our commitment to extending our reach and impact, involving the Romanian Diaspora in our mission.

Romanian United Foundation

RUF stands at the forefront of connecting the Romanian diaspora to their cultural roots, promoting community development, education, and heritage conservation. By fostering engagement through volunteerism and support for impactful initiatives like this camp, RUF strengthens the bonds between Romanians worldwide and their homeland, ensuring the vibrancy of our culture for generations to come.

Read more 

Be Part of the Legacy

Making an Impact Together

Your participation in this camp is not just an opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment but also a chance to contribute to the preservation of our shared heritage. The funds raised will directly support the continuation of vital conservation work, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from these historical treasures.

This camp is your opportunity to touch the past, shape the future, and leave a mark on the Romanian cultural landscape. Join us in Pausa this summer for a journey of discovery, friendship, and meaningful impact.

Apply now and contribute to preserving the essence of Romania. Your journey back to the roots awaits.

Contact Information

biserica_de_lemn_pausa_salaj__5_.jpg

  • 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.

RUF - 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.

Contact or follow us on:

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •