Heritage Camps: when volunteering becomes a practice of conservation

A European model that brings together conservator-restorers, architects, international volunteers, and local communities around a shared asset: the cultural heritage that defines us and unites us.

What is a Heritage Camp?

A Heritage Camp is a form of intervention in built cultural heritage that combines specialised technical work with international volunteer participation. Over a defined period — typically two weeks between June and October — conservator-restorers lead mixed teams composed of volunteers from across Europe.

Among these volunteers are students and professionals in conservation and restoration, architects, archaeologists, art historians, and engineers. They arrive with different motivations, but share a common purpose.

01

Techenical Team

Technical Teams in Heritage Camps are always composed of an Art Historian, Archaeologist, Architect or Engineer, and a Conservator-Restorer, supported by an extended technical team.

02

International Volunteers

Mixed teams from different European countries bring energy, diversity, and a renewed perspective on the territory, guided by a strong commitment to safeguarding Cultural Heritage.

03

Cultural Programme

Visits and activities are designed to deepen knowledge of the site under intervention and its surrounding territory.

04

Community

Active involvement of local communities is a key component, contributing to the appreciation and promotion of the territory.

An experience with European roots

The Heritage Camp model has a long-standing tradition in Europe. In France, REMPART is one of the leading organisations in this field, bringing together, since 1966, dozens of local associations dedicated to safeguarding rural, urban, and industrial heritage.

Founded in 1966, REMPART is a French network comprising over 170 associations committed to the protection and enhancement of heritage. Each year, it organises hundreds of chantiers — volunteer work camps — across France and through international partnerships. Its model directly inspires the Heritage Camp approach developed in Portugal.

In Portugal, Spira has been a pioneer in implementing this model. The Ermida de S. Brás de Portel, owned by the Municipality of Portel, stands as one of the most consistent examples: it is currently in its fifth intervention under the Heritage Camp framework, in partnership with European Heritage Volunteers and, more recently, with REMPART.

If you are curious about how a Heritage Camp works, how to participate as a volunteer, or how SpiraLab positions itself in this field, feel free to contact us at spiralab@spira.pt.