Slovakia, Czech tweak rules for youth camp volunteers

Slovakia’s Labour Code now treats a camp leader, instructor or medic as performing a public‑interest task. Employers must grant unpaid work leave if the activity cannot be done outside working hours, as stipulated in §§ 136‑137 of the code. Volunteers are advised to check collective agreements for possible wage compensation and to notify their employer in advance.

In the Czech Republic, Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc announced that from January 2026 camp leaders and other volunteers will no longer need to submit a child‑safety certificate every three months. The ministry will use a notification system that alerts organisations only when a person’s record changes, reducing administrative burden for thousands of volunteers.

Both measures aim to simplify the legal framework for adults working with children in summer camps across the two countries.