Winter Break Camp: A Meaningful Adventure in Lisbon
Winter Break Camp
More than just a trip, this is an opportunity to live with purpose. You’ll join a group of international volunteers to learn, act, and create positive impact in meaningful ways. From upcycling workshops that transform waste into art, to zero-waste cooking sessions where you’ll prepare delicious meals from rescued food, every activity is designed to inspire mindful living and social awareness.
Each day, you’ll contribute to local initiatives supporting families, communities, and environmental projects in and around Lisbon.
Alongside meaningful tasks, you’ll also explore the beauty of Lisbon, experience authentic Portuguese culture, and enjoy fun group activities from longboard skating to winter markets.
The Winter Break Camp is more than volunteering, it’s a week of connection, learning, and celebration. You’ll meet people from all over the world, share stories around a meal, and discover what it means to give back while embracing the joy of the season.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, looking for a purposeful adventure, or simply want to spend your holidays in a way that matters, this program offers the perfect balance of impact, discovery, and festive spirit.
Join us in Lisbon and make this winter one to remember: a week of inspiration, creativity, and compassion that will warm your heart long after the holidays end.
What to Expect:
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Sustainability in Action: Take part in hands-on activities promoting zero-waste living, upcycling, and responsible food use.
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Community Engagement: Support local organizations that rescue food, reduce waste, and care for vulnerable families.
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Creative Learning: Join workshops on cooking, upcycling, and longboarding that blend learning, fun, and purpose.
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Cultural Immersion: Experience the cozy, festive atmosphere of Portugal while connecting with volunteers from around the world.
Daily Tasks:
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Food Rescue & Distribution: Recover surplus food and help deliver it to communities in need.
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Winter Food Workshops: Learn how to cook sustainable, zero-waste meals and share them with the local community.
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Upcycling & Sustainability Projects: Participate in creative workshops that transform everyday materials into useful or artistic items.
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Longboard Workshops: Enjoy the outdoors and teach basic skating skills to children from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
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Workspace Maintenance: Support the organization by helping clean, organize, and maintain food storage and preparation areas.
Why Join?
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Create Impact: Actively contribute to sustainability and community welfare during the winter season.
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Learn by Doing: Gain hands-on experience in environmental responsibility and social engagement.
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Connect Globally: Meet like-minded changemakers from different countries and cultures.
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Celebrate Meaningfully: Spend your winter break giving back while discovering the warmth and beauty of Lisbon.
Ready for a Hands-on Winter?
Included
- Pick up at the Lisbon airport & transfer to the accommodation on Sundays (from 9am to 9pm only). There is an extra cost for pickups before or after this schedule.
- Accommodation at an impactful hostel in female or mixed dormitories. Bed sheets are provided. Shared use of common areas, outdoor area, garden with small pool, and free WIFI
- Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
- Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
- Free SIM card (It needs to be charged to work)
- Guided city tour
- The best tips to discover the city!
- Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
- Introduction on the first day of volunteering
- Ongoing support throughout the stay
- 24h/7 emergency support personally or by phone
- Limited coverage civil liability insurance.
FAQ
Can I cook in the accommodation?+
Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.
Do I have to pay money for volunteering?+
You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!
Do I need to speak the local language?+
No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.
How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?+
You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.
How many people will be I be volunteering with?+
Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!
How much money should I bring to my program?+
Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!
In case of need, how do I get health care?+
All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.
What is the accommodation like? Could I stay in a private room?+
Depending on the program, in most cases, you will stay along with the other volunteers in dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms may be available at your accommodation as well for an extra cost.
What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18+
The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.
Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?+
Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local.
Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!
