Volunteering in a refugee camp is hard. Leaving is even harder.
A Typical Day
While life in a refugee camp is unpredictable, we work hard to provide children (and volunteers) with the gift of knowing what comes next.
Opening Volunteer Meeting: This is a time to reflect, support and brainstorm. We share challenges as well as successes. After this daily meeting, we prepare to head into camp together, a short 15 minute drive from the hotel.
Programming: The schedule can change depending on the season, Greek school timetable and other external factors out of our control. Our day begins with Kindergarten, and is followed by informal school sessions and activities. Our sessions cover English, Math and creative time including but not limited to; Art, Drama and Music. We also run a soccer and sports program.
" I am safe. I am kind. I belong."
This is the mantra we recite together each day. Each phrase is accompanied by a different movement to prepare children for settling in for learning. We regularly incorporate movement, breathing exercises and activities that promote self-regulation. Our sessions open and close in the same way everyday, so that children know what to expect.
Lesson Planning: We provide a database of lessons and activities and will support you in developing your own activities, based on your unique strengths and skills.
Special Positions: Sometimes, you may be designated as a "float" and be available to support other teachers, or as a 1:1 aide for children who may need extra attention.
Home Visits: There are many reasons why a child may need a home visit or ongoing home school. You may be asked to accompany your director or another volunteer on these visits and will be given guidance for each situation.
Closing Volunteer Meeting: A shorter daily meeting to review the day and to discuss any identified children of concern, who may benefit from 1:1, home visit or other referrals.
Free Time: Sessions will end around 6:00 pm. At this time, you can either spend time with families in camp (you can expect LOTS of welcoming invitations to dinner!) or can head back to the hotel for volunteer dinner and prep time.
Where you will stay
Special rates are available for our volunteers at the beautiful Hotel Glarentza. Program Directors and Assistant Directors enjoy free accommodations.
what volunters are saying
““I have been home nearly 6 months now and I can still see the children’s faces as they waited for us each morning. Volunteering at the Schoolbox doesn’t end when you go home. Something happens to you there. Something that changes you forever and for the better.””
““Can your heart break and heal at the same time? I’ve now seen it can.
My heart breaks to know that these children have lived their entire lives in war and conflict. That their best chance for a better life was to leave their homes to make a dangerous journey through several countries to be smuggled on boats across the sea. To know that they lost parents, siblings, and other loved ones along the way. That they live in an abandoned airport with no heat. That they were stuck inside with nowhere to play for almost 8 months before The Schoolbox Project began here. To see they are so accustomed to having nothing that sometimes they hold onto toys and supplies for dear life rather than to play with them. To witness that the violence they’ve been subjected to and the raw emotions of trauma lead to quick fights over simple things like your place in line.
The healing comes just as quickly when every day we are greeted with smiles, and endless hugs and kisses like I’ve never experienced. More love than I’ve felt in so many ways. To sit with a child experiencing pain that I am really a stranger to, and have them let me just hold them close. I’m healed to know that children who weren’t playing or talking just a few weeks ago are now having fun with other kids, smiling and laughing. To see the sheer joy of jumping rope while we count to see how long they can jump for and they look me directly in the eye with so much pride the whole time. When a child who depends on daily rations of food runs to get his milk and brings it to us as a sign of thanks and affection. To see that more and more they draw pictures of beauty and hope. To know that their families made this amazingly brave and life-altering journey because just like everyone else, from every culture, they want their babies to have good and better life. I’m healed to know and work with so many amazing volunteers, many of whom have given up their holiday from work to serve. I am truly grateful for this experience.””