Cultivating Change: Our First ESC Journey and the Path to Campfire 2026

We recently completed a successful 5-week journey with our very first ESC (European Solidarity Corps) volunteering team, in partnership with NGO LOGOS. This experience was a beautiful weaving of new relationships and deep learning, described by the volunteers as a "colourful rainbow" of growth and connection.

Volunteers thatching a traditional barn

Preserving Heritage and Growing Roots

A major highlight of the program was our work in the high summer meadows of Știubei,. Surrounded by a majestic herd of wild horses, the team joined forces with locals and the Poteka team to thatch the roof of a traditional barn using natural materials. This was a profound masterclass in how cultural heritage conservation serves as a modern regenerative practice, allowing us to preserve a piece of living history while supporting the revival of traditional summer life.

On the land at După Gard, the volunteers immersed themselves in permaculture theory and practice. Days began with morning circles and plant-walks to connect with the local flora, followed by practical garden work like heavy mulching to protect the soil, planting vegetables, and working with clay.

From Theory to Regenerative Design

The journey culminated in a transition from students of ecological design to active creators. After completing a deep dive into David Holmgren’s 12 Permaculture Principles, the volunteers shifted into the design phase, developing their own group and solo regenerative projects. We are incredibly proud that they successfully earned their official Certificate of the Introduction to Permaculture course, providing them with effective tools to bring positive change to the world.

What is Next at După Gard?

The energy of the summer continues with these two exciting updates:

• DiscoverEU Permaculture Eurotrip: Our planned eurotrip is now fully organized, and we have selected a group of participants ready to explore permaculture across the continent
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• Youth Exchange SABER: Looking toward late September, we will host our "Soilpunk" themed youth exchange, focusing on deep soil health and regenerative culture

Free Webinar: Creating Resilient Communities

Date: July 16 | Time: 19:00 (Romanian Time),

Prepare for the campfire by joining our free online session. This webinar features Beatriz Gallego introducing the four stages of the Dragon Dreaming project wheel (Dreaming, Planning, Doing, and Celebrating) and JP exploring bioregional identity and stewardship.

Register for the webinar here: Zoom Registration Link

Main Event: Transylvanian Permaculture Campfire 2026

Dates: August 6-10, 2026 | Location: După Gard, Poșaga,

Our primary goal for this years Permaculture Campfire is to bring the community together, connecting the Romanian and international permaculture scenes. We are honored to host Beatriz Gallego Maraver, who will facilitate an introductory Dragon Dreaming workshop based on a win-win-win philosophy to help build collaborative projects.

Other highlights include:

• Open Space Technology (OST): Participant-led workshops on topics like herbalism, storytelling, and permaculture gardening
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• Art and Rhythm: Evening drum workshops and musical performances by Sound of Om (Ursu) under the magnificent Perseids meteor shower
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• Monday Hike: A free guided hike to the local natural reservation to explore its extraordinary biological diversity

Logistics: Accommodation is in your own tent (free), with limited glamping and tiny house spots available on request,. We provide a fire pit and fresh garden vegetables; please bring your own food and personal crockery.

Tickets are limited! Secure your spot here: Registration Form

We can't wait to see you under the stars!

Perma-Greetings from the whole După Gard family 💚 🌼 💚

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