Revitalizing Ecosystems Through Experientialisation

About the project

Young people across Europe face growing challenges that affect their social, personal and professional lives: social exclusion linked to heightened political tensions, health issues worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic pressure from inflation, and environmental degradation caused by overconsumption and overproduction. Together they have taken a toll on the social and mental health of young people and youth workers alike, and on the wellbeing of nature itself.

Faced with the question of whether to care first for youth workers or for young people, the team concluded that youth workers need the right tools and support first, so that they can help young people effectively. Subtitled Outdoor Education from Theory to Practice, this Erasmus+ training course was coordinated by Citizens of Europe e.V. in Germany and hosted by EMOTiC in Vienna. It brought together 30 youth workers aged 20 to 35 from Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The course was built on the Experientialisation approach, rooted in Experiential Outdoor Education. Youth workers learned how to design and lead nature-based activities that support inclusion and wellbeing while acting for the environment. Outdoor challenges encourage personal growth and group development through authentic experiences, group interaction and self-exploration. This matters more than ever since the pandemic, which brought high levels of stress, anxiety and over-digitalisation. As Margaret McMillan put it, "The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky."

Accessibility was a key principle. The training reintroduced outdoor education in a way that puts participants' safety and wellbeing first, does not exclude people who cannot cope with heavy physical pressure, and makes use of easily reachable places such as public yards, community gardens and national parks. The approach also carries values that matter in youth work: sustainable living, respectful coexistence with nature, humility and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone.

The programme moved from the challenges young people face and the role of youth work in tackling exclusion, mental health and climate anxiety to the principles, theories and methods of outdoor education. Participants experienced outdoor activities focused on communication and teamwork, self-development and inclusion, and wellbeing and health, with a nature excursion and sessions on reconnecting with nature. An open space for new ideas and an outdoor education hackathon helped turn inspiration into concrete plans.

Participants designed and piloted their own small outdoor activities during the training and built local action plans, which the team supported after the week. The follow-up phase from October to December 2024 was dedicated to bringing these activities to participants' own communities. Daily reflection time, intercultural talks and a farewell party completed the week, and a Youthpass session helped everyone reflect on their learning.