Fourteen young people from different parts of Serbia gathered at the “Radulovački” Environmental Center in Sremski Karlovci, where they took part in an intensive four-day camp leader training from May 8 to 11, 2025. The training was organized by Young Researchers of Serbia, in cooperation with our long-term partner from the Vojvodina Environmental Movement, with the goal of empowering future leaders to lead international volunteer camps across the country.
Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a series of sessions focused on the importance of the volunteer movement, the organization of volunteer camps, and working with camp participants. The future camp leaders gained new knowledge in communication skills, conflict resolution, different leadership styles, and facilitation – the art of leading workshops. The training was specifically designed to prepare them for the role of leaders who can motivate and support volunteers, as well as effectively respond to challenges that arise when working with international teams.
Ready to Lead Camps in Serbia
During the training, the young leaders acquired skills they will put into practice this summer at one of 17 international volunteer camps, where they will co-lead with experienced leaders in different locations across Serbia. As camp leaders, their role will be to bring together, support, and inspire teams of volunteers from various countries, working together on projects that benefit local communities.
Why Become a Camp Leader?
Being a camp leader means being part of a large international network of active young people who drive social change through volunteering. Camp leaders are not just organizers – they lead by example, solve problems, and build a sense of community. They learn how to turn a group of individuals into a functional team, develop empathy, overcome challenges, and guide people toward a shared goal. One of the key aspects of learning in volunteer camps is the daily communication in a multicultural environment, where participants use a mix of languages – such as English, Spanish, French, and Serbian – to build understanding and friendships. This diversity becomes an advantage, as finding common ground fosters effective cooperation and successful teamwork, regardless of cultural differences.
More Than Volunteering – A Chance for Personal and Professional Growth
Joining a volunteer camp is much more than just travel – it is an opportunity to develop teamwork, improve communication skills, and gain leadership experience in real-life situations. Being a camp leader means thinking globally through local action, contributing to a peace movement that has lasted for over a century, and showing that diversity is a strength – when directed toward a common goal.
The training has been successfully completed, and a new generation of camp leaders is ready for a summer of volunteering. Find more about work camps in Serbia HERE. Check out the photo gallery from the training below.
