Volunteer retreats
Grabuge is a retreat and artistic residency center currently being launched in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury.
Its mission is to provide a space dedicated to deepening artistic, introspective, and disciplinary pursuits, within a living environment aligned with the socio-ecological transition. We offer an ideal setting for carrying out meaningful projects, in a way of life that respects living beings, nature, and climate issues.
The volunteer retreats allow Grabuge's mission to come to life ahead of the official opening of the retreat and artistic residency center, scheduled for late 2026.
In 2026, volunteering is open to those under 35
For 2026, we are supported by the Mille et Uns Youth Fund as part of our campaign on La Ruche. This fund supports projects that have an impact on youth. Grabuge stood out particularly on these three points:
- Encouraging the practice of cultural activities
- Maintaining a connection with nature
- Contributing to positive mental health
For the upcoming season, given this support, we are therefore prioritizing volunteer stays for those under 35. That said, please don't hesitate to reach out, whoever you are: Grabuge aims to be inclusive, and our vision is one of sharing across disciplines and across generations.
Schedule and How It Works
- Stays of 2 to 4 weeks
- 2 to 3 volunteers at a time + the project leaders
- Day divided into two blocks of ~4 hours:
- Blocks scheduled in the morning or afternoon depending on weather and planned activities
- At least one free day per week
- Volunteer meetings to share and check in on ongoing work
- Opportunity to lead activities or workshops for the group
- Take part in community events in the municipality
The Volunteer period is devoted to the collective tasks that support Grabuge's start-up process. Volunteers contribute to ongoing projects, such as renovations or construction, setting up the spaces, and preparing meals.
These working moments are also opportunities for learning and sharing: discovering new practices, developing leadership, passing on one's expertise, and building confidence in one's own abilities. Each person contributes according to their strengths, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
This time is entirely dedicated to introspection, creation, and personal work. Everyone is free to spend it as they wish: meditating, writing, practicing their art, studying, exploring the outdoors, working on a project, or taking part in a group activity.
The spirit of the Solo period rests on the intentionality of personal and disciplinary pursuits, as well as respect for those of others. It is a time to reconnect with oneself, nourish one's inspiration, deepen one's practice, and develop one's own discipline.
Testimonials
« Les deux premiers mots qui me viennent en tête quand je pense à Grabuge : ressourçant et inspirant. […] Un moment suspendu dans le temps, propice à l'apaisement et la sérénité mais aussi aux échanges nourris. […] Grabuge est pour moi un lieu nécessaire à notre société qui laisse place aux expérimentations de nouveaux modèle, aux rencontres, à l'intelligence collective, au partage communautaire. »
Nalini, 29 ans, Montréal
« During my ten days at Grabuge, I experienced a depth of transformation that is difficult to put into words. […] this serenity helped me reconnect with myself, question what truly matters, and find a healthier mental space. […] Grabuge didn’t just give me a place to stay; it gave me clarity, inspiration, and a renewed sense of care for my body, my mind, and the world around me. »
Peter, 33 ans, Montréal
« Mon séjour à Grabuge a été très inspirant pour moi artistiquement. […] De m'allouer ce temps m'a permis de me redécouvrir comme artiste. […] Le travail est toujours distribué selon nos forces et nos envies. C'est donc très agréable et on ne ressent pas de pression à performer ou à pousser trop loin. »
Laurie, 24 ans, Québec
« Après deux semaines passées au Grabuge […] je reviens à mon quotidien avec une nouvelle écoute de moi-même et de ce/celleux qui m'entourent. […] Les moments dédiés à nos pratiques et activités personnelles et l'hygiène numérique […] ont créé un espace immense en moi. […] les moments partagés avec intentions […] ont favorisés tantôt les merveilleux échanges ressourcants, puis la méditation et les espaces créatifs. »
Adrien, 22 ans, Rimouski
« Mon séjour à Grabuge a vraiment été ressourçant. […] Dès mon arrivée, je me suis senti accueilli et en confiance. […] Le terrain, la forêt, la montagne tout près, l’air pur… tout contribue à un sentiment de connexion et de paix difficile à trouver ailleurs. […] Grabuge m’a profondément inspiré et m’a fait un bien immense. »
Félix, 31 ans, Québec
« Dès mon arrivée à Grabuge, j'ai senti la confiance de Pénélope et Gabriel. […] chacun.e peut faire des essais et développer ses aptitudes selon ses envies et dans un environnement sécuritaire. […] Le co-travail en communauté et la routine, m'ont donné un bel élan afin de finaliser des applications pour des projets artistiques. […] Les principes d'hygiène numérique m'ont fait un bien fou. »
Florence, 33 ans, Sherbrooke
« J’y ai trouvé un endroit calme, accueillant, et en sobriété numérique, où j’ai pu me recentrer. […] J’ai pu me concentrer sur mes projets créations, sans distractions. […] Les périodes de volontariat m’ont offert un sentiment d’appartenance. […] Je sors de ce séjour inspiré et ressourcé. »
Mélix, 26 ans, Rimouski
Accommodation and Spaces
At Grabuge, volunteers are welcomed in a shared dormitory or in tents, depending on the season and personal preferences. On site, you'll find everything you need to live comfortably day to day: toilets, showers, a kitchen, and a laundry room, as well as a coworking room, a multidisciplinary space, and a mezzanine that are ideal for work, creation, and exchange. The site also provides access to a remarkable natural setting, between river and forest.
Transportation and location
Grabuge is located in the municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, in the Tewkesbury sector, 35 minutes from Québec City.
From downtown Québec City, buses run to the village of Stoneham. Grabuge can provide a shuttle from Stoneham to Tewkesbury if needed.
On site, bicycles are available for getting around.
Volunteers arriving by car are encouraged to carpool with one another.
Food and Kitchen
Life at Grabuge revolves around a simple, nourishing collective kitchen aligned with our values. Basic food items are provided by Grabuge, and sourcing prioritizes local, vegetarian, and low-impact options. Three meals a day along with snacks are provided. Breakfast is self-serve, while lunch and dinner are prepared on a rotating basis, in a spirit of sharing and collaboration.
To keep the kitchen organization simple, it is not possible to buy your own personal food or to cook the main meals separately. Minor intolerances and allergies can be accommodated, but food preferences cannot.
Despite the precautions taken, Grabuge cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination, particularly for people with celiac disease or severe peanut allergies.
Lifestyle and Environment
Sobriety
Grabuge is a sober space. No alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis is allowed on site. This framework is an integral part of the experience of the place and helps maintain a clear, calm atmosphere conducive to presence, creation, and the quality of life together.
Digital hygiene
A coworking room is available for the use of computers and phones. In the other shared spaces, electronic devices are not permitted, except when they support a creative or introspective practice, or when they are used for tasks related to the site. This approach aims to protect the quality of presence, attention, and our connection to the living world.
Living Together
Life on site is grounded in respect for the equipment, shared spaces, natural surroundings, and the ecological practices of the place. Moments of solitude are respected, with no social obligation. We favor nonviolent communication, free of discriminatory remarks, as well as friendly, simple interactions without seduction. Volunteers are also encouraged to propose or lead activities during their stay, and may take part in certain cultural or community events in the municipality.
Contribute to Grabuge
Want to come help us out at Grabuge? Submit your application for a volunteer stay.