August 12th-19th, 2017

An ecumenical view on human mobility – journeys towards economic utopias

As we saw during 2016 International Political Camp, one could say that human mobility is as pertinent to human Nature as it is to find love, shelter, food and dignity. This year we would like to deepen our understanding of the root causes of migration and focus our analysis on economic utopias, where humanity rather than profit stays at the core. We will look into the meaning of hospitality by hearing stories of integration, models of sharing, frameworks of welcoming economies as well as justice-affirming actions needed to counter some current political trends dictated by fear and hatred. Sometimes we migrate, sometimes we are called to welcome who comes from forced migration due to war, exploitation of people and “natural resources” or migration away
from a looting and war-mongering system we are all witnessing. We would also like to relish in the positive power of encountering the “other” despite the attempts by some governments and politicians to manipulate people’s fears and societal woes. Economic utopias can become reality when people who migrate and people who welcome feel and act as common inhabitants of one planet.

Participation Fees for the seven days of the camp:

BASE FEE: 265 Euro
ORDINARY FEE: 310 Euro
SUSTAINER’S FEE: 360 Euro
ENTHUSIAST’S FEE: 410 Euro

To confirm one’s application after acceptance (communication of which will arrive from the office), one must make a reservation payment on the account of Conto Corrente Postale 20378105 in the name of Agape Centro Ecumenico (IBAN IT85 T076 0101 0000 0002 0378 105). One may pay either the entire participation fee for the camp or a portion of the fee: 75.00 Euro. Should one choose to pay only a portion of the fee, one must arrive at Agape ready to pay the difference. The reservation fee will not be refunded in the event of absence.
In order to receive the magazine, “Agape Immaginaria,” Agape asks for a minimum donation of 4 Euro.

How the camp participation fees are calculated

The average cost of one day at Agape is 39 Euros per person. This amount, multiplied by the number of days the camp lasts, corresponds with the base fee. The base fee covers only living costs; it is not enough to cover other camp costs (materials, reimbursements for speakers, staff, etc…).

The ordinary fee, however, is not limited to living costs, but covers the effective costs of the camp. This fee reflects the comprehensive cost of participation.
The next fee, the sustainer’s fee, helps Agape reconcile the base fee with the actual financial demand of the camp. It contributes to the camp scholarship fund so that each camp is able to financially sustain itself, in reciprocal solidarity.
Lastly, the enthusiast’s fee, as the name implies, allows for those who deeply believe in Agape’s project to contribute not only to the camp itself, but to the center in its entirety: a center continuing to thrive, as from its beginnings, through volunteer work and from contributions freely given by those invested in Agape’s continuation.
You may freely choose from the above fees based on your income, your level of involvement with Agape, and/or from your current financial feasibility. Because Agape isn’t your average guest house, there are neither clients nor personnel, and the service offered does not depend on how much one chooses to pay. The residents and workcamp volunteers voluntarily offer their work up to the community so that those who participate in the camps may do so in the best conditions possible. Collaboration in communal service, which is asked of all, present the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other: those who are present for just one week with those remaining on longer term. The money you pay serves not just for your week-long stay at Agape, but also to help maintain her structure that is more than 60 years old, to create new projects, and to allow others to participate in her various activities. This contribution is one of the multiple meanings of AGAPE.

Various Advisories for Your Stay at Agape

Participating in a camp at Agape means to take part in the community life of the center. Those who participate in a camp, come to study, or come on vacation are equally invited to respect certain rules.

• Each and every participant is expected to participate fully and completely in his/her camp, in all of its activities.
• Early departures and late arrivals are not permitted; in the case of an unexpected early departure, the participation fee will not be even partially reimbursed.
• Adults and youth more than 15 years old must bring a valid form of identification.
• Each and every participant is expected to help dry dishes, and set and clear the tables. Agape retains necessary this tradition of communal work on the part of everyone, not just because of the needed help, but also because it remains an important sign of sharing in the work.
• Agape is not responsible for injuries or harm sustained during her camps due to lack of attention to the rules of her structure and to the rules given from camp to camp. The center takes responsibility of participants’ cash and other objects only when expressly given over to her for care. Agape asks for reimbursement for any damages incurred by guests.
• Agape is at 1,600 meters and correspondingly has snowy winters. One must bring comfortable warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
• The bedrooms contain three or four beds with a shared bathroom on each floor. There are no precomposed single or double bedrooms. Agape provides bed linens and blankets, and asks guests to bring their own towels.
• As in accordance with hygienic norms, Agape does not permit dogs or other animals in the buildings.
• Agape cannot administer medicine. Those with particular medical needs must bring with him/herself the necessary medications as the pharmaceutical store in Prali does not open every day.