Обзор

We are the "Ostrov" (Island) retreat center on Kilpola Island in the middle of Lake Ladoga, Karelia. Granite rocks, pine forests, and water all around. For over ten years we've been building, growing, and shaping this space for people.

Полное описание

In summer, we host retreats in yoga, meditation, qigong, acting, and more. In autumn and winter, you can enjoy silence, forest, and wild nature. Everything at our center is made by hand — by our team and the volunteers who come back year after year. We live autonomously: our own electricity, water, and heating, and even our own kitchen garden. This is a place of power — and a place of real work. Our Way of Life We live by simple principles: no alcohol or drugs, respect for people and nature, honesty and openness. This is not a resort or a hostel — it's a living community held together by trust and mutual care. What You Get - Free accommodation and meals - Life in a unique natural setting - Skills for living in an off-grid household - A real community of people - The chance to attend retreats (June–September) — yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices - Physical work with results you can see with your own eyes Minimum Stay Men — from 7 days. Women — from 14 days. Important for International Guests Visa: Citizens of many countries can enter Russia with an e-Visa (eVisa), which is applied for online and takes about 4 days to process. Check the visa requirements for your country in advance. We can arrange migration registration on-site after your arrival. Getting here: The nearest major city is Saint Petersburg (Ladozhsky railway station). From there, take a train to Kuznechnoye station (~2.5 hours). We'll help you arrange a taxi from there to our center. Climate: Karelia is the north. Summer (+15–25°C) is short and beautiful, with the famous white nights. Spring and autumn can be rainy and cool. Winter is snowy, −10 to −20°C. Pack layers for all conditions — waterproof footwear is a must. Internet and connectivity: Mobile internet is weak or unavailable. That's not a bug, it's a feature — you're here to recharge, not scroll your phone. Wi-Fi hotspots are available on the grounds if needed.

Кто нужен

Знание языков

Русский English

Дополнительная информация

The main language of communication is Russian. Some team leaders and members speak English and can help with basic communication. If you know even a little Russian — or are willing to learn — it'll make things easier and more fun. Translators and language apps are welcome.

Что делать

Дополнительная информация

Men: Construction and maintenance tasks — building and fitting out cabins, decks, bridges, fences; chopping firewood; maintaining infrastructure and caring for the grounds. Women: Cooking for the team, cleaning and tidying spaces, tending the kitchen garden, decorating, harvesting herbs, berries, and mushrooms. If you have special skills — photography, carpentry, landscape design, massage, music — let us know. We'll find a way to put them to use. Work Schedule 36 hours per week, 6 hours a day, 1 day off. Outdoor work, in a team, without rushing. We don't push — but we won't leave you idle either.

Условия

Подробнее об условиях

Volunteers stay in warm yurts, wooden cabins, or large heated tents shared with a few others. Accommodation is separated by gender. We have heating, hot showers, a fully equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Meals: full board — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is tasty, simple, and real. Lots of vegetables, often vegetarian. Honey and herbal tea — goes without saying. Sauna — once a week. In your free time you can walk eco-trails, paddle a boat or SUP board.

Дополнительные условия

Дополнительная информация

How to Apply Please explore our website and fill out the volunteer application form. It covers everything in detail and answers most common questions: https://ostrov.center/volonteram Or write to us directly on Telegram: https://t.me/ostrov_center See you on the Island ♥️