Summer of Service (SOS) is a chance for you to serve as a volunteer at the Christian conference and retreat center Schloss Heroldeck in Millstatt, Austria while deepening your discipleship to Jesus and practicing the way of Jesus community.
In 2024, all applications with a three-month commitment will have priority in our selection process.
Please note that sending in your application does not guarantee a spot in the SOS program.
We highly recommend reading our Summer of Service FAQ below before applying to SOS.
Please note that sending in your application does not guarantee a spot in the SOS program.
We highly recommend reading our Summer of Service FAQ below before applying to SOS.
The MISSION
At Schloss Heroldeck, we're on a mission to Refresh the Saints, Restore the Broken and Raise the Next Generation of Servant Leaders - providing a place for Christians to recharge, heal, and grow through conferences, personal retreats, and transformative programs.
Your hands-on service contributes directly to fulfilling this mission as we host various conferences and retreats each week, welcoming international visitors such as churches, youth groups, and missionary organizations.
Your hands-on service contributes directly to fulfilling this mission as we host various conferences and retreats each week, welcoming international visitors such as churches, youth groups, and missionary organizations.
THE Program
ServiceOur hearts behind this summer is not to belittle the fact that you work hard, but you will get the chance to experience what true servanthood looks like. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." We desire to see that same attitude as you diligently serve. There are many departments in which practical skills are used such as housekeeping, dining room, coffee shop, etc. Your service will ultimately be unto the Lord above all. Be apart of a team that's passionate about refreshing the saints through the ministry of service. |
DiscipleshipThis Summer our central focus is on centering our lives on Jesus and becoming more like him. Our main topic this year is The life of a disciple of Jesus. You'll be part of daily devotions, sharing testimonies, worship, and interactive workshops—learning how to live for Jesus in everyday life. We'll also explore and practice spiritual disciplines together. |
FellowshipWe've got plenty of fun lined up for you here at the castle. Whether you're taking a dip at our dock with your friends, hanging out in the SOS lounge, enjoying a variety of activities on the property, or exploring European culture on day trips—there's always something enjoyable happening! |
PROGRAM DETAILS
Summer DatesJune 2 - August 25th, 2024 We require a minimum commitment of 1 month. Applications with a 3-month commitment will be given higher priority. In applying for our SOS 2024 program, we ask for your full dedication during the dates you will suggest in the personal information section. If you have any additional travel plans, we recommend scheduling them before or after your commitment period to ensure your complete engagement with our program. |
SOS fee & PAyment infoThe cost for Summer of Service is 450€ for all 3 months (150€ per month) - this includes accommodation, meals, select events and a t-shirt. We recommend that you bring additional funds for toiletries, souvenirs, our coffee shop, or additional events. The payment information will be sent to you once are accepted into the program. Please be aware that we have very limited options for financial aid. Nonetheless, we do consider providing assistance on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances |
Ways to Serve
This is a summer of serving and students will help in the following areas as needed:
KITCHEN/FOOD PREP
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DINING ROOM
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MAINTENANCE &
LANDSCAPING |
HOUSEKEEPING
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COFFEE SHOP
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DISHWASHING
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When will you hear back from us?We take our application process seriously, as we believe in selecting the best candidates for our program. To get to know each applicant better, we conduct video interviews with all potential candidates. Expect to get final feedback from us no later than April 1st, 2024. |
Click the icon to check out our SOS Instagram. Follow us to see what's happening. |
Preparing for your arrival
Here is all the necessary information to help you prepare for your arrival at Schloss Heroldeck for the Summer of Service 2024,
if you have been accepted.
if you have been accepted.
Travel
If coming from any airport, you will need to take a train from there to the Spittal-Millstaettersee Hbf.
From the train station, our staff will be there to greet you and bring you to the castle.
Here are our recommendations for airports to fly in to that also have good train connections:
Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Venice and Ljubljana
If you have any questions or need help situating your travel, we will do our best to help!
All arrivals and departures must be between Monday and Friday - we can make exceptions on a case to case basis.
From the train station, our staff will be there to greet you and bring you to the castle.
Here are our recommendations for airports to fly in to that also have good train connections:
Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Venice and Ljubljana
If you have any questions or need help situating your travel, we will do our best to help!
All arrivals and departures must be between Monday and Friday - we can make exceptions on a case to case basis.
Medical Insurance
TBA
What to Bring
TBA |
GuidelinesTBA |
SOS 2024 FeesPlease select the appropriate fee below for your time at the castle. All SOS fees need to be paid by May 31, 2024. |
Summer of SERVICE FAQ
Our FAQ is in no particular order. We recommend reading through all questions before applying for SOS.
How many hours of volunteer work will i be doing per week?
Up to 40 hours per week.
Will I have OFF DAYS throughout the Week?
Yes, you will have off days throughout the week to rest and recharge.
Are alcohol and tobacco permitted?
No! The use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco is NOT permitted for the duration of the Summer of Service program.
ARe there shops nearby to buy toiletries or groceries?
We are about a 15-minute walk from a large grocery store that sells almost everything you could possibly need (Note: shops are closed on Sundays).
Do you offer meals for the volunteers?
Yes, we offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily for all volunteers.
How do the accommodation arrangements look like?
As a male, you will live in a male dorm, and as a female, you will live in a female dorm. The dorms will be overseen by a dorm steward.
Can i do my laundry during my time AT Summer of service?
Yes, our housekeeping team can wash your laundry for no extra charge.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes, in Austria everyone must have medical insurance by law. Therefore, you must be insured when you arrive.
For those outside of the EU:
In Austria you normally pay the bill immediately in cash/credit card and then hand the receipt in to your insurance company and they will pay you back.
For those outside of the EU:
In Austria you normally pay the bill immediately in cash/credit card and then hand the receipt in to your insurance company and they will pay you back.
HOw much Spending money shall i bring?
This is a very individual consideration.
We have an on-site coffee house that offers coffee, milkshakes, and other snacks. We might be able to go on some trips too and you'll be able to purchase some souvenirs or we'll go out to eat.
We have an on-site coffee house that offers coffee, milkshakes, and other snacks. We might be able to go on some trips too and you'll be able to purchase some souvenirs or we'll go out to eat.
I want to Travel during my time at sos. Is this possible?
No, this is not possible. We ask that you travel before or after your time at SOS. Please keep in mind that we can not make any exceptions and ask for your full commitment to participate in the program.
CAN i come to SOS before June 1st?
Please contact us if you would like to come earlier at [email protected]
I am under 16 years old. Can I still apply for SOS?
Unfortunately, for this year we are not making any exceptions for people under 16 years old.
I am Older than 24 years. Is there an option for me to Volunteer?
Please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
When will i know, that i have been accepted into the SOS program?
We are unable to give you a specific date, due to the thoroughness of our application process. But we will get back to you in a timely matter, so you can make all necessary arrangements. Please keep an eye on your junk and/or spam folder too.
Will i have internet access at schloss heroldeck?
Yes, we have complimentary WiFi access on the whole property.
Can the person who brings me to SOS spend the night AT Schloss Heroldeck before driving/Flying back home?
Yes, they can, BUT we have limited accommodation available for booking in Summer. So please send a booking request to [email protected] as soon as possible.
What does the discipleship aspect of SOS like?
We want to focus on assisting you in living daily and boldly with Jesus. In every situation. We hope to deepen our everyday discipleship to Jesus through intentional morning devotions, topical workshops, implementing spiritual disciplines, and more.
What is the benefit of practicing everyday discipleship to JESUS in COMMUNITY?
You can gain encouragement and profit from accountability that you may not always have.
Do i have to commit to the whole three months of SOS?
No, you do not have to commit to the whole three months, but we would like to ask you to at least commit to one month of service.
All applications with a one-month or more commitment will be prioritized.
All applications with a one-month or more commitment will be prioritized.
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Considering Our Summer of Service Program?
We Can't Wait to Meet You! We're excited that you're thinking about joining our Summer of Service program. We're here to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] We look forward to meeting you soon! Best regards, Jonathan & Esther Bohn Directors, Schloss Heroldeck |
