Who we are?GSM-Youth Services Centre is a non governmental and non-profit youth organization that has been founded by a group of young people in 1985 in Ankara-Turkey.
Since the first day, GSM has actively worked in youth field and until today it has created and successfully implemented many national and international youth projects. GSM is a pioneer organization in the field of youth-works in Turkey.
Our main aim is to support common understanding, peace, friendship and intercultural learning among young people coming from different cultural backgrounds by organizing international youth activities. We believe that these intercultural activities give a space to young people to share their experiences and own cultural richness, which could help young people to break down barriers and prejudices.
Main Activities; - International Voluntary Workcamps…
We, as one of the active members of ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organizations, have been organizing International Voluntary Workcamps in Turkey in cooperation with municipalities, universities, institutions and other NGOs.
- International Youth Projects under European Programs…
Our another major activity is the youth projects such as
youth exchanges, training courses, seminars and youth gathering under
Euro-Mediterranean Youth Action Program, occurred after the 1995 Barcelona Declaration and since 2004 under
YOUTH program. We organize youth projects in Turkey with the financial support of
European Commission and Council of Europe as well as enable the active participation of Turkish young people in these youth projects in Europe organized by our worldwide partners.
GSM has always tried to create projects to cover expectations and needs of young people, as outcome of this idea GSM run a youth portal,
www.youthpost.org in order to cover the information needs of young people on youth work, youth policies, youth documentation, youth media and youth links.
- NGO Capacity Building Seminars…
For many years we have been organizing various national and international youth activities from which we gain quiet important experience and knowledge. Sharing these experiences and knowledge with other youth organizations, is one of our main principles. In order to enable the youth empowerment into civil society more we organize NGO Capacity Building Seminars time to time due to expectations and needs of the national grass-root level youth organizations.
GSM is a member of; - ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organizations
- YEN-Youth Express Network
The General Characteristic of GSM’s WorkcampsAll the camps;
- are being organized by GSM in cooperation with the municipalities, universities and local initiatives
- are international and the camp language is ENGLISH
- last for 2 weeks
- have one or two GSM camp leaders
- have age limit of 18 to 28
- do not provide insurance
What is expected from volunteers? - no previous experience or specialty for participating in the camps
- to be ready to work 5-6 hours a day
- to be able speak at least basic English
- to arrange their own transfer to/from the camp place
- to join all the camp activities
- to obey the rules of the camp
- to bring necessary materials, which are required for the camps
- to arrive to the camp place on the arrival day and depart from the camp place on the departure day
- to have their own large insurance in their own countries and bring necessary papers
- to bring a big smile and enthusiasm
List of 2008 International Voluntary Workcamps | No | Name | Location | Dates | Type | Vols |
| GSM01 | Finike | Antalya | 20 June – 05 July | FEST | 18 |
| GSM02 | Didim | Aydin | 22 June – 06 July | FEST | 18 |
| GSM03 | CBU | Manisa | 06 July – 20 July | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM04 | Alasehir | Manisa | 06 July – 20 July | RENO | 18 |
| GSM05 | SDU | Isparta | 06 July – 20 July | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM06 | Alanya-1 | Antalya | 13 July – 27 July | AGRI/ENVI | 18 |
| GSM07 | Giresun | Giresun | 13 July – 27 July | RENO | 18 |
| GSM08 | Afyonkarahisar | Afyonkarahisar | 20 July – 03 Aug | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM09 | Kazanli-1 | Mersin | 20 July – 03 Aug | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM10 | Alacati | Izmir | 20 July – 03 Aug | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM11 | ODTU | Ankara | 27 July – 10 Aug | ENVI | 10 |
| GSM12 | Amasya | Amasya | 27 July – 10 Aug | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM13 | Alanya-2 | Antalya | 03 Aug – 17 Aug | AGRI/ENVI | 18 |
| GSM14 | Ibradi | Antalya | 03 Aug – 17 Aug | KIDS | 18 |
| GSM15 | Kazanli-2 | Mersin | 10 Aug – 24 Aug | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM16 | Mut | Mersin | 17 Aug – 31 Aug | REST/RENO | 18 |
| GSM17 | Karaburun | Izmir | 31 Aug – 14 Sep | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM18 | Yenisehir | Mersin | 07 Sep – 21 Sep | ENVI | 18 |
| GSM19 | Mersin | Mersin | 07 Sep – 21 Sep | RENO | 18 |
| GSM20 | KATU | Trabzon | 07 Sep – 21 Sep | RENO | 18 |
GSM 01 Finike / ANTALYA20 June – 05 July 2008FEST18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Finike Municipality.
Work: Since 1998 Festival of Finike has been organized with the support of Finike Municipality in cooperation with schools and non governmental organizations. During the first years the Festival had the concept of a fair but later on with the participation of different institutions the concept changed and the Festival reahced its present concept which includes folk dance performances, photo exhibitions, concerts and cultural nights. The Festival lasts for 1 week and during the camp the volunteers will take part in the promotion of the Festival as well as the preparation of the Festival area and logistic support for festival such as decoration of stage and construction of the stands.
Food and Accommodation: in cafeteria / in dormitory
Location: Finike is a district on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya Province of Turkey, 90 minutes west of the city of Antalya. Finike is located in the south of the Teke Peninsula, and the coast here is a popular tourist destination. However, Finike is best-known for its oranges, the symbol of the town.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Antalya or Istanbul
GSM02 Didim / Aydin22 June – 06 July 2008FEST18 VolsPartner: We cooperated with Didim Municipality since 1998. In order to have more information please visit:
www.didim-bld.gov.tr Work: Didim Municipality is one of the partners of the roving Festival named “Forum Meandros’08 Encounter of History and Art at the Delta of Civilizations”. In order to have more information about the Festival please visit:
http://www.forummeandros.org . During the camp the volunteers will take part in the promotion of the Festival as well as the preparation of the Festival area and logistic support for festival such as decoration of stage and construction of the stands. In addition, the volunteers will be responsible to assist the sculptors who will be participating in the ‘Sculpture Symposium’ under the frame of the Festival.
Food and accommodation: in a restaurant / guest house
Location: Didim (Didyma) was one of the luckiest settlements of antiquity since it sheltered one of the most sacred spots of those times, it is the Temple of Apollo, still standing in Didim with its impressive view, though it has been attacked and burned several times. This lovely Aegean village at the cost welcomes visitors with its history and beautiful beaches.
Terminal: the nearest international airport, Izmir or Istanbul
GSM03 CBU / Manisa06 July – 20 July 2008ENVI/RENO18 VolsPartner: Our partner is CBU-Celal Bayar University. We have been organizing workcamps with CBU since 1999. For more information about the university please visit:
www.bayar.edu.tr Work: CBU-Celal Bayar University has its new campus area, situated outskirt of the city Manisa. The University starts its summer holiday in June till September and it is needed to take care of the beautiful green areas in the campus area as well as to do some practical renovation work during summer. Therefore during the camp, the volunteers will take part in some practical environmental and renovation work in the campus area.
Food and accommodation: in the cafeteria / in a guest house
Location: Manisa, situated in the Aegean Region, is an attractive, modern city with a far-reaching past. Since the great Ottoman Sultans chose Manisa as the training ground for crown princes, there are many examples of Ottoman architecture, as well as Seljuk. Celal Bayar University Campus is located very close to the city center with its good campus facilities. It takes only 15 minutes on foot to the center from the campus also there are buses every 10 minutes to/from the city center.
Terminal: Nearest international airport; İzmir or Istanbul
GSM04 ALASEHIR / Manisa06 July – 20 July 2008RENO 18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we organize international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Alasehir Commodity Exchange Foundation
Work: Alasehir Commodity Exchange Foundation established to increase the capacity of small and medium size enterprises as well as to support the vocational training. In addition to their aim, they also donate to primary schools in Alasehir in order to support their education systems. During the workcamp, the volunteers will take part in the renovation of one of the primary schools which has been supported by the Foundation and do some practical environmental work in Alasehir.
Food and accommodation: in the cafeteria / in dormitory
Location: Alasehir is a town and a district of
Manisa Province in the
Aegean region of
Turkey. It is situated in the valley of the Kuzucay (
Cogamus in antiquity), at the foot of the Bozdag (Mount
Tmolus in antiquity). The city is connected to Izmir by a 105km railway. Alasehir began as perhaps one of the first ancient cities with the name
Philadelphia. It has several
mosques and Christian
churches. From one of the
mineral springs comes heavily charged water popular around Turkey.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Izmir or Istanbul.
GSM05 SDU / Isparta06 July – 20 July 2008ENVI18 Vols (+10 Turkish Vols)Partner: Since 2002 we have been organizing international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with SDU-Suleyman Demirel University. For more information about the university please visit:
www.sdu.edu.trWork: SDU-Suleyman Demirel University would like to enable its students to participate in an international atmosphere as well as to learn voluntarism by experiencing. Therefore they would like to organize international voluntary workcamp in order to realize their aims. During this camp, the international volunteers together with Turkish volunteers will take part in environmental work in the campus area such as planting trees, flowering, gardening, painting, etc and in addition they will be involving in painting and some practical renovation work.
Food and accommodation: in the cafeteria / in a guest house
Location: Isparta is one of the prettiest cities in the Mediterranean region, full of fragrant roses and beautiful lakes of peaceful waters. It is surrounded by impressive caves. Isparta leaves a big impression on the visitors with its Selcuk fortress, its Byzantine churches, its ancient city of Antiocheis and Egirdir Lake, which is one of the most famous lakes for its various kinds of butterflies.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Antalya, Ankara and Istanbul.
GSM06 ALANYA-1 / Antalya13 July – 27 July 2008AGRI/ENVI18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Alanya Agriculture Association. For more information about association please visit:
www.tarim-egitim.org Work: Alanya Agriculture Association has been organizing national youth camps for many years. Their aim is to raise awareness among young people about farming, to keep the young people closer to nature as well as to protect agricultural areas. In order to realize this aim they organize workshops during summer and farming together with the participants. This year they would like to host an international group within their activity. During the camp the volunteers will take part in going on agricultural workshops and farming in the field.
Food & Accomodation: in cafeteria / under tents
Location: Alanya is a seaside resort and district of Antalya on the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The relatively moderate Mediterranean climate, natural attractions, and historic heritage make Alanya a popular destination for tourists. There are innumerable caves and beaches.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Antalya or Istanbul
Request: Please do not forget to bring mattress
GSM07 GIRESUN / Giresun13 July – 27 July 2008RENO18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Giresun University. For more information about university please visit:
http://www.giresun.edu.tr/ Work: Giresun University, one of the brand new universities of Turkey, has been established in 2006. Beside the education, the senate of University aims to raise the development of the city Giresun as well as its surroundings. Therefore the University organizes many restoration and renovation activities in different villages of Giresun. During the workcamp the volunteers will take part in renovation of village clinic of Avluca.
Food and Accommodation: in cafeteria / in guesthouse
Location: The surrounding region has a rich agriculture, growing most of Turkey's hazelnuts as well as walnuts, cherries, leather and timber, and the port of Giresun has long handled these products. Like everywhere else on this
Black Sea coast it rains in Giresun all the time and the surrounding countryside has rich green hillsides. As soon as you get beyond the city buildings you get into the hazelnut growing area and the high plateaus (
yayla) further in the mountains are gorgeous.
Terminal: The nearest international airport: Trabzon or Istanbul
GSM08 AFYONKARAHISAR / Afyonkarahisar20 July – 03 August 2008ENVI/RENO18 VolsPartner: We have been organizing international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Afyonkarahisar Municipality since 2004. In order to have more information please visit:
www.afyon-bld.gov.tr Work: Afyonkarahisar Municipality has been organizing international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with us in order to raise awareness among the local population about the voluntary work as well as the intercultural dialogue. This year, the Municipality will ask the volunteers to be involved in the renovation of public parks and do some practical environmental work in Afyonkarahisar.
Food & Accommodation: In a cafeteria / in a student dormitory
Location: The city of Afyonkarahisar is located as a gateway between the sea and the inner regions of Anatolia. The history of the city goes back to 4000BC. The top of the rock in Afyon has been fortified for a long, long time. It was known to the
Hittites as Hapanuwa, and was later occupied by
Phrygians,
Lydian and
Persians until it was conquered by
Alexander the Great. It is a spa-center with thermal baths and it is famous for specific “Turkish delight”. Afyon is a natural crossroads, the routes from Ankara to Izmir and from Istanbul to Antalya intersect here and Afyon is a popular stopping-place on these journeys.
Terminal: the nearest airport; Izmir, Ankara or Istanbul.
GSM09 KAZANLI-1 / Mersin20 July – 03 August 2008ENVI18VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with EKAD-Ecological Research Association.
Work: EKAD-Ecological Research Association has been organizing research activities on caretta caretta turtle in Kazanli beach where the turtle have chosen the beach for spawning. EKAD runs these researches with the support of companies based in Kazanli and they organize national voluntary camps during summer for their field work. This year they would like to host an international group for the first time and during the camp the volunteers will take part in the field work such as hachuring the beach in small groups early in the morning, doing some scientific measurements and marking of the turtle slots as well as cleaning the beaches.
Food & Accomodation: in cafeteria / in a house
Location: Kazanli is a coast-town famous with water turtles and lovely beach and it is 15 km far away from Mersin. Mersin is one of the most provinces with palm-lined avenues and a good bas efor visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. It is also the largest port of Turkish Mediterannean. One may find all the comforts of a big city and all the characteistics of a Mediterannean city. Although Mersin dates from 19th century, it occupies extremely ancient cities.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Adana or Istanbul
GSM10 ALAÇATI / İzmir20 July – 03 August 2008RENO18 volsPartner: We have been organizing international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with Alacati Municipality since 2001. In order to have more information about the municipality please visit:
www.alacati.com Work: Alacati Municipality has been organizing international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with us in order to strength the cultural dialogue between the countries. During the camp the volunteers will take part in the renovation of the public parks for the children of the village.
Food & Accomodation: in a cafeteria / in a building
Location: Alacati is situated on Cesme Peninsula, which forms the Gulf of Izmir. Alacati (Alacati, Agrilya), a Mediterranean town on the Western coast of Turkey, which has been famous for its architecture, vineyards and windmills for over 150 years, has now made its name in the world of windsurfing. It is known as the Turkish Riviera, with crystal clear water, consistent and steady wind (for an average of 300 days a year). It is about 70kms to Izmir.
Terminal: the nearest international airport; Izmir or Istanbul.
GSM11 ODTU / Ankara27 July – 10 August 2008ENVI10 VolsPartner: We have been organizing international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with ODTU-Middle East Technical University since 1996. For more information about university please visit:
www.metu.edu.trWork: ODTU-Middle East Technical University has a big forest which is one of the most important green areas of the city of Ankara. The University organizes international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with us in order to raise awareness among young people on voluntarism as well as the environmental protection. During the workcamp the volunteers will take part in some practical environmental work in the forest of ODTU.
Food and Accommodation: in cafeteria / in university dormitory
Location: Ankara, the capital city is the living witness of the establishment of the Turkish Republic. Today’s modern city, situated at the core of Anatolia, hides an ancient site behind, dating back even to prehistorically times. METU, one of the biggest universities of Turkey, has been recognized as the most competitive and outstanding university in Turkey with 20.000 students. With its town like campus, it is located 15 minutes far away from the city center.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Ankara or Istanbul
GSM12 AMASYA / Amasya27 July – 10 August 2008ENVI18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Amasya Municipality. For more information about town please visit:
www.amasya.gov.tr Work: Amasya Municipality has been organizing international voluntary workcamps in cooperation with us in order to strength the cultural dialogue. During this camp the volunteers will take part in some practical environmental works such as planting in addition in the renovation of public parks.
Food and Accommodation: in cafeteria / in dormitory
Location: Amasya stands in the mountains above the
Black Sea coast, the city was built in a narrow valley along the banks of the
Yesilirmak River. Although near the Black Sea this area is very high above the coast and has an inland climate, well-suited to growing apples, for which the province of Amasya is famed. In antiquity it was a fortified city high on the cliffs above the river. This area has a long history as provincial capital, a wealthy city producing kings and princes, artists, scientists, poets and thinkers, from the kings of
Pontus, through
Strabo the geographer, to many generations of the Ottoman imperial dynasty. With its Ottoman period wooden houses and the tombs of the Pontus kings carved into the cliffs overhead Amasya is still attractive to visitors.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Istanbul
GSM13 ALANYA-2 / Antalya03 August – 17 August 2008AGRI/ENVI18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Alanya Agriculture Association. For more information about association please visit:
www.tarim-egitim.org Work: Alanya Agriculture Association has been organizing national youth camps for many years. Their aim is to raise awareness among young people about farming, to keep the young people closer to nature as well as to protect agricultural areas. In order to realize this aim they organize workshops during summer and farming together with the participants. This year they would like to host an international group within their activity. During the camp the volunteers will take part in going on agricultural workshops and farming in the field.
Food & Accomodation: in cafeteria / under tents
Location: Alanya is a seaside resort and district of Antalya on the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The relatively moderate Mediterranean climate, natural attractions, and historic heritage make Alanya a popular destination for tourists. There are innumerable caves and beaches.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Antalya or Istanbul
Request: Please do not forget to bring mattress
GSM14 IBRADI / Antalya03 August – 17 August 2008KIDS18VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Ibradi District
Work: Each year, Ibradi District organizes summer activities for the children of the district in order to provide educational and cultural activities for children. This year, the District would like to host an international group in order to increase the cultural dialogue. Therefore, during the camp the volunteers will take part in summer activities such as intercultural learning, songs and Basic English language classes. All these will be done through games.
Food & Accomodation: in cafeteria / in dormitory
Location: Located 3 hours far from Antalya centrum, Ibradi is a high plain in the Taurus Mountains. The mountains are covered with forests of juniper, cedar and pine, watered by mountain streams that eventually form the Manavgat River. This area was once part of the antique kingdom of Pisidia, near the river Melas.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Antalya or Istanbul
Remarks: The motivation letter
, which shows the similar past experiences.
GSM15 KAZANLI-2 / Mersin10 August – 24 August 2008ENVI18VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with EKAD-Ecological Research Association.
Work: EKAD-Ecological Research Association has been organizing research activities on caretta caretta turtle in Kazanli beach where the turtle have chosen the beach for spawning. EKAD runs these researches with the support of companies based in Kazanli and they organize national voluntary camps during summer for their field work. This year they would like to host an international group for the first time and during the camp the volunteers will take part in the field work such as hachuring the beach in small groups early in the morning, doing some scientific measurements and marking of the turtle slots as well as cleaning the beaches.
Food & Accomodation: in cafeteria / in a house
Location: Kazanli is a coast-town famous with water turtles and lovely beach and it is 15 km far away from Mersin. Mersin is one of the most provinces with palm-lined avenues and a good bas efor visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. It is also the largest port of Turkish Mediterannean. One may find all the comforts of a big city and all the characteistics of a Mediterannean city. Although Mersin dates from 19th century, it occupies extremely ancient cities.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Adana or Istanbul
GSM16 Mut / Mersin12 August – 27 August 2006RENO / REST18 VolsPartner: We have been organizing work camps with the Mut Municipality since 2000. The inhabitants are very motivated to host such an international event in their small town.
Work: In the previous experiences in cooperation with Mut Municipality international group of volunteers have taken part in the restoration of a building which became a cultural center now. This year during the camp the volunteers will take part in the environmental cleaning around this building as well as do some practical renovation in Mut Castle.
Food & Accommodation: in a cafeteria / in a pension
Location: Located 165km far away from Mersin, one of the biggest cities and an important port of Turkey. Mut is a village surrounded by mountains and high plateaus. The region hosts Turcoman, still living with their old traditions in the high plateaus. This Mediterranean village will welcome the volunteers by very interesting customs of Turcoman, wedding ceremonies, natural beauties and historical sites
Terminal: The nearest International airport; Ankara or Istanbul
GSM17 Karaburun / Izmir17 August – 31 August 2008ENVI18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we organize workcamp in cooperation with Karaburun Municipality. In order to have more information please visit:
www.karaburun-bld.gov.tr Work: Karaburun has wonderful beaches which are under protection of the Municipality. During the workcamp the volunteers will take part in the cleaning of the beach and some environmental works close to the beach.
Food and accommodation: cafeteria / under tents
Location: The Karaburun Peninsula lies in West-Anatolia, on the Turkish Aegean Coast and 45 minutes to Izmir. The Karaburun Peninsula has most probably already been inhabited since prehistory. But the most important traces of settlements date from the classical period. The villagers of the Karaburun Peninsula stay attached to their old traditions and habits, of which hospitality and open-heartedness are the most typical qualities.
Terminal: the nearest airport is; Izmir or Istanbul
GSM18 Yenisehir / Mersin07 September – 21 September 2008ENVI18 VolsPartner: We have been organizing international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with Yenisehir Municipality since 2003.
Work: Yenisehir Municipality is very experienced in international youth exchanges and voluntary workcamps. This year, during the camp, the volunteers will take part in the planting trees, flowering and gardening in one of the public parks of the suburb.
Food and accommodation: in a cafeteria / in a guest house
Location: Mersin is one of the most modern provinces with palm-lined avenues and a good base for visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. It is also the largest port of the Turkish Mediterranean. One may find all the comforts of a big city and all the characteristics of a Mediterranean city. Yenisehir is one of the suburbs of Mersin and the municipality is very experienced with international youth exchanges especially with Japan.
Terminal: the nearest airport; Adana, Ankara or Istanbul.
GSM19 Mersin / Mersin07 september– 21 september 2008 RENO18 volsPartner: We have been organizing work camps in cooperation with Mersin Metropolitan Municipality since 2001. For more information about this municipality please visit:
www.mersin-bld.gov.trWork: This year during the camp the volunteers will take part in the renovation of public parks and in addition in some practical environmental works such as planting, grassing etc.
Food and accomodation: in a restaurant / in a guest house
Location: Mersin is one of the most provinces with palm-lined avenues and a good bas efor visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. It is also the largest port of Turkish Mediterannean. One may find all the comforts of a big city and all the characteistics of a Mediterannean city. Although Mersin dates from 19th century, it occupies extremely ancient cities.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Adana, Ankara or İstanbul.
GSM20 KATU / Trabzon07 September – 21 September 2008RENO18 VolsPartner: This is the first time that we are organizing an international voluntary workcamp in cooperation with KATU-Karedeniz Technical Universitiy. For more information about university please visit:
http://www.ktu.edu.tr Work: In order to support the cultural dialogue and voluntary work among the young people the University has a great enthusiasm to host an international volunteers in their campus areas. During the camp the volunteers will take part in some practical renovation works in campus area.
Food and Accommodation: in cafeteria / in dormitory
Location: Trabzon is a city on the Black Sea coast of north-eastern
Turkey. Trabzon is famous throughout Turkey for its anchovies, which are the main meal in many restaurants in the city. Major exports from Trabzon are hazelnuts and tea. Because of the presence of Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon hosts students from all over Turkey, especially the East and the Black Sea region, as well as students from Central Asian states.
Terminal: The nearest international airport; Trabzon or Istanbul