1. Great Baikal Trail
Great Baikal Trail
The world’s deepest and largest freshwater lake, Baikal attracts many visitors every year. There is an opportunity to not only see it firsthand, but also contribute to preserving it. Volunteers are invited here every year to help maintain and improve ecotourism paths which direct visitors along arranged routes thus helping to protect local ecosystems, reduce the risk of fires and localize garbage within equipped parking lots to make it easier to dispose of it. Apart from daily work on building and improving trails, life under canvas and meals over a campfire, volunteers also have time to enjoy hikes and go on trips to local sites and museums. Each team has a translator so don’t worry if your Russian is not perfect.
Dates and duration: 2 weeks, from July to August
Cost: 20,000-25,000 rubles ($322-402), plus travel expenses to Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude
More details: https://greatbaikaltrail.org/en/summer-projects
2. Pechoro-Ilychskiy Natural Reserve
Pechoro-Ilychskiy Natural Reserve
The Pechoro-Ilychskiy Natural Reserve in Russia’s Komi Republic is a UNESCO site under the nomination “Virgin Komi Forests.” There are many volunteering opportunities here, including helping out on a local moose farm that aims to domesticate the animals and preserve a species now rarely seen, especially in the European part of the country. Volunteers in teams of 5-6 people can get an opportunity to meet these wonderful animals while doing cleaning work and preparing forage for them. Accommodation and excursions around the reserve are provided.
Dates and duration: 10-15 days, from April to September
Cost: free, excluding travel and food expenses
More details: https://www.pechora-reserve.ru/volonteram (in Russian)
3. Kronotsky Reserve
Alexey Kudenko / Sputnik
The Kronotsky Reserve in Russia’s Kamchatka is one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in the country and is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site under the nomination “Volcanoes of Kamchatka.” Volunteering here you’ll get involved in environmental protection, research and ecological education. The duties usually include clearing hiking trails and assisting in building visitor centers, ranger stations, and viewing platforms. One thing is sure – you’ll see one of the most beautiful places in Russia!
Dates and duration: at least 2 weeks, from July to September
Cost: free, excluding travel to Kamchatka
More details: http://kronoki.org/volunteers
4. Archeological expedition to Crimea
Archeology Fund
Ever wanted to try archeology? Join an archeological expedition in Crimea discovering artifacts of the ancient Kiz-Aul necropolis, learn about the history of the place through lectures by prominent Russian scientists and explore Crimean heritage. Everyone is welcome, no experience or knowledge of Russian is necessary. Just be ready for physical activity and the simple life of a camp. The organizers say that you’ll spent more time resting than working so no need to worry too much!
Dates and duration: July 1 – Aug. 1, 2018
Cost: participation fee 550 rubles ($8) per day for newcomers, doesn’t include travel expenses or excursions
More details: http://www.archae.ru/en/articles/volonter/
5. Kitezh and Orion Children’s Communities
Ecologia Youth Trust
Kitezh and Orion are communities of people in Russia’s Kaluga region (not far from Moscow) that dedicate their lives to helping children who have been orphaned or have experienced suffering. Volunteering here might be demanding at times, but also offers a great opportunity to contribute to the life of these unique communities by helping whichever way you can: everything from house work to teaching English. In your free time there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy Russian country life, work with animals on the farm, collect berries and mushrooms in the forest and go swimming in the lake.
Dates and duration: 2-3 months, all year round
Cost: for costs contact https://www.ecologia.org.uk/contact/
More details: https://www.ecologia.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-overseas/russia/
6. Valaam monastery
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS
The island of Valaam in the Russian republic of Karelia is home to an ancient Orthodox monastery that dates back to the early 10th century. Every year the monks welcome between 500 and 700 volunteers, both women and men, from 18 to 60 years old, ready to help with the agricultural work of the monastery, for instance, preparing fields for sowing, haymaking and harvesting vegetables.
It’s not necessary for a volunteer to be Orthodox but you will be expected to adhere to local rules (like wearing proper clothing), share dorm accommodation and follow a daily schedule. In return you’ll get the opportunity to see this unique place in the north of Russia, learn about its history and meet all kinds of people, including the monks themselves. The latter will be happy to help you make sense of your life path and share their spiritual lessons.
Dates and duration: 16-22 days, from May to October
Cost: free, excluding travel expenses to the town of Priozersk
More details: http://volonter.valaam.ru/ru/main.html (in Russian)
There are many other opportunities to enjoy your summer in Russia. If volunteering is not on your list this year, check out these exciting events (from festivals to sports) or consider boosting your Russian language skills in one of these awesome summer schools.