Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you will find the answers to frequent questions. They are classified by themes:

Registration / Preparation / Stay / Involvement after a camp

Registration

I am under 18 years and I would like to participate to a youth camp of Nouvelle Planète. Is this possible?

Yes, this is possible provided that:

• you are over 17 years of age at the time of departure,

• you get the written agreement of your legal representative

I am between 18 and 35 years old and I would like to participate to a camp of Nouvelle Planète. Should I go to a youth camp or to an adult-elders camp?

Both "types" of camps are open to you. In the context of youth camps, the majority of participants are between 18 and 25 years old. In the context of adult-elders camps, the majority of participants are between 45 and 65 years old. In both types of camps, the integration is going well provided that the mindset is in the same line. It's up to you to determine in which context you will feel better. Other criteria's may be taken into account like the involvement period and the financial commitment which are not the same.

I am living outside Switzerland and I would like to participate to a youth camp of Nouvelle Planète. Is this possible?

Yes, in principle if you are living in a neighboring country. However, it is essential to participate to the preparation phase of the camp which is held in Switzerland.
During the 8 months of the preparation phase, the participants meet once per month and implement group actions. If you can and are ready to respect this condition every month, then we are not opposed to your participation. Costs related to these travels are your responsibility.

I would like to stay several months instead of three weeks. Is this possible with Nouvelle Planète ?

No. Nouvelle Planète proposes involvements of three weeks. Take note that it is nevertheless possible to extend your journey after a camp, on your own responsibility and according to your own program.

I am over 70 years and I would like to participate to an adult-elders camp. Is this possible?

Yes provided you get the physical and mental conditions necessary to support difficulties and risks associated with living in a disadvantaged country (diseases, climate sometimes very hot and humid, begging, etc). (see Conditions of participation)
A medical advice is strongly recommended.

Preparation

I cannot invest myself once per month in a meeting and an event. OR I will be absent for several months during the preparation period. OR I would prefer to give the money necessary to financially cover costs in the host country and to not participate to the preparation period. Is it possible to participate to a camp? No. The preparation period is an integral part of the experience of a camp. The participation to the preparation period is essential. This phase is useful to prepare the journey, to take knowledge about the host country, to know other participants of the group, etc. A group dynamics is elaborated during this period of time. Everyone shows his commitment to this common project.

I don't have enough weeks of vacation to participate to this experience. Is there a solution?

There is a possibility for people employed in a private company. The Swiss code of obligations contains an article related to the possibility for an less than 30 years old person to take five unpaid days of vacation if committed in a volunteer activity related to youth. For more information: www.conge-jeunesse.ch

Stay

I am already in the host country before the camp and I would like to join the group on site.
OR I would like to go to the host country before the camp and join the group on site. Is this possible?

No. You cannot join the group on site. All participants arrive at the same time in the host country. In addition to the complication of the organization. It is essential that all participants discover together the country, the host place, the partner, etc. Our experience shows that a shift leads to many small misunderstandings which could create tensions within the group.
Take note that it is possible to extend your stay in the host country after the camp (see below).

I would like to participate to a camp of Nouvelle Planète and then extend my stay in the host country. Is it possible? Yes. You can extend your journey on your own responsibility and according to your own program. Nouvelle Planète does the change of flight. You must give us your return date n later than end of February for youth camps and end of May for adults-elders camps. Any cost for this change will be your responsibility.

Involvement after a camp

Is it possible to continue my volunteer work after a camp experience?

Yes. Your acquired experience is valuable and can be valued in different ways with or without Nouvelle Planète. Hereafter are some suggestions and ideas:

• become volunteer in Nouvelle Planète and give your time and competencies to carry out our activities
• perform an individual internship
• join a twinning group and implement concrete actions with him

Take note that Nouvelle Planète is recognized by the Civilian Service. Every year we welcome civilians in our offices in Lausanne. The requirements specification contains the support for the organization of camp, holding exhibitions and booths, as well as general administrative work (French to German translations for example). In case of interest, please contact our office.