Summer Camp in Budapest
16.07.-30.07.2017

Join us for a summer camp in Budapest – the home of one of the largest and most dynamic Jewish communities in Europe. In cooperation with the Jewish Cultural Association participants immersed themselves in the past and present of Jewish life in Hungary, got to know Budapest today against the background of its long and diverse history, and engaged with the Hungarian revolution of 1956 and its importance for Europe.

The roots of the summer camp programme of ARSP are closely linked to the work in Hungary. This is the first year of our cooperation with the Jewish Cultural Association and the Jewish community of Budapest.

The participants will discover the special and varied history of the Hungarian capital in many different ways: through a historic city tour of Budapest’s beautiful old town, visits to different synagogues, conversations with representatives the Jewish community and with people who have survived the Nazi occupation of the city.

The physical work includes light gardening and maintenance to preserve and restore the sprawling cemetery complex and its tombstones. The largest Jewish cemetery in Hungary, with its old tombstones and mausoleums, is situated just outside the city centre and is easy to reach by public transport from the heart of the city, where the summer camp group will live.

As part of the summer camp programme, volunteers will have the opportunity to explore forms of resistance against the persecution of the Jews. What was the ‘international’ ghetto, what role did diplomats play in saving Jewish lives, where were other forms of resistance to be found? How are these questions handled today, how and what is remembered? Does this have anything to do with Hungary and Europe today?

The summer camp is also an opportunity to find out about the opposition movements which contributed to the fall of the iron curtain. There are traces of the year 1956 in many places in the country and, in conversation with eyewitnesses, it is possible to explore and reflect on the events in Hungary in 1956 in a personal way.

In your free time you will have the chance to discover the vibrant capital city on your own initiative. Also the Jewish Cultural Association will invite us to many interesting events such as concerts, readings and culinary excursions. You can experience the famous Budapest coffee house culture, explore the summery Danube promenade and visit numerous landmarks such as the castle hill or the ornate parliament. The programme also includes a trip out of the metropolis and into the countryside.

Welcome to an exciting fortnight in Hungary!

• Type: International summer camp

• Work: Gardening and handicraft activities

• Group: We expect 25 participants from the member countries of the European Union.

• Camp language: English

• Accommodation: Student residence in a central location

• Extras: The summer camp is made possible with the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme. Therefore participation is subject to a reduced contribution and special conditions, which you can find here. After taking part it is possible to receive a reimbursement of travel expenses (only on presentation of the original receipts) of up to 150 euros from Action Reconciliation Service for Peace.