Transport. Organizers will provide bus transport on the routes Tallinn-Olustvere/Viljandi-Kaldavere and Riga Airport-Kaldavere. Buses will also make the return trip at the end of the camp along the same itineraries (if there is enough demand, going through, e.g., the city of Tartu is an option). Every day, the bus will provide shuttle service between the lodging at Kaldavere Tourist Farm and Parmu Eco-Village and return in the evening, based on when the workshops are taking place. Organizers will also provide transport to Tartu and Sangaste on the National Museum/conference excursion day. The closest towns in Estonia are Valga (35 km) and Võru (60 km), while Ape, Latvia (30 km) is located across the border. Public transport is also available; bus information is posted at https://www.tpilet.ee/. The closest bus stops are called “Laanemetsa kauplus” and “Taheva”.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Meals. On the full-length camp days, participants will get a breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the workshops, coffee/tea and snacks are also an option. On arrival day, organizers will provide only dinner, and on departure day, only breakfast. Please let us know of any special needs (vegetarian, lactose- and gluten-free meals) already during the registration phase so organizers can plan accordingly.
Lodging. Lodging and most of the activities take place in Kaldavere tourist farm. The camp activities are spread out over the entire farm complex, with sleeping berths in various buildings, while workshops take place in open air, under shelters. Several of the houses have a kitchenette where participants can make tea or coffee. Sleeping berths are in rooms of different sizes. The biggest one is 10-person. There are also family rooms and classic doubles and triples. Rooms are first come, first serve, so registration early birds have a better pick. Buildings and outdoor areas include a number of public gathering points and leisure activities (smoke sauna, Finnish-style sauna, disc golf course, barbecue areas, concert venue etc.).
Clothing and weather conditions. July is a warm month for Estonia, with daytime highs in the range of 17-25 degrees C. Rain and thunderstorms are not unusual. The majority of the camp activities take place in open air under a rain shelter and some further in the forest. Some are indoors as well. Thus be sure to bring enough clothing suitable for outdoor activities, including for rainy weather. Definitely take waterproofs, galoshes (Wellingtons), a change of comfortable footwear, and all-around comfortable clothes that can also be worn for moderate physical activity.
Money issues and shops. Kaldavere and Parmu Village are located in lightly settled rural areas. The smallest village shops are in Gaujena, Latvia (16 km) and Hargla, Estonia (7 km). Euros are the legal tender in both Estonia and Latvia. Bring enough cash, if you desire to buy products on the spot or on excursions. Larger shops generally accept cards, too.
Health and health insurance. Camp participants will be responsible for their own health coverage. Participants must bring any prescription drugs they are taking. If you have a pollen allergy, consult www.polleninfo.org for information on possible allergens in the area. The camp will be supplied by proper first aid kits. Participants are advised to have their own travel and health insurance. EU citizens enjoy free health insurance in case of accident.
