Training course ”Nature as a youth worker 5” 3-12 October 2024

Erasmus Training Course: Nature as a Youth Worker 5 in Gudevitsa, Bulgaria 3-12 October 2024

In October 2024, we successfully completed the Erasmus+ Training Course “Nature as a Youth Worker 5,” held in the breathtaking wilderness of Gudevitsa, Bulgaria, from October 3rd to 12th. This transformative journey brought together 16 passionate youth workers from across Europe for an immersive, nature-based learning experience that combined outdoor adventure, creative arts, and professional development. The training aimed to provide participants with innovative tools and methods for youth work while fostering personal growth through a deep connection with nature.

The program was designed to challenge participants with an array of outdoor adventures and indigenous practices, all set against the backdrop of Bulgaria’s wild landscapes. From the moment the participants arrived in Gudevitsa, the journey unfolded with rich experiences that would continue to resonate long after the course had ended. The training focused on “learning by doing,” encouraging participants to step into the wild, co-create stories, and immerse themselves in a holistic, hands-on learning environment that blended personal reflection, artistic expression, and professional development.

Key Elements of the Training

The training course was built upon the ETS Competence Model for youth workers, which emphasizes skills like facilitation, teamwork, non-formal education, communication, and intercultural awareness. Throughout the 10-day program, participants explored these competencies in practical ways, integrating them into both their personal growth and their future work with young people.

Nature-Based Methods and Creative Arts

One of the central themes of the course was the use of nature-based methods and creative arts as powerful tools for youth work and personal development. Participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to connect them more deeply with themselves, each other, and the natural world. These included:

Solo Time in Nature: Participants spent time alone in the wilderness, engaging in deep reflection and mindfulness practices. This solo time helped them to reconnect with nature, cultivate inner peace, and develop insights they could carry into their youth work.
Nature Art and Creative Poetry: The group explored their creativity by using natural elements to create art, as well as engaging in poetry writing that reflected their experiences in nature. These creative practices served as powerful tools for self-expression and healing.
Journaling and Storytelling: Participants documented their personal journeys through journaling, using storytelling to share their experiences, insights, and reflections with the group. This helped foster a sense of community and mutual understanding.

Adventure and Indigenous Practices

The training was rich with adventurous activities, each designed to push participants out of their comfort zones and into deeper engagement with the world around them. These experiences included:

Exploring Abandoned Villages: Participants ventured into old, forgotten villages, where they reflected on the reasons for youth migration and the historical context of these once-thriving communities. This exploration also led to discussions on how to bring youth back into rural areas.
Camping in Tents: Some participants camped in tents, embracing the raw experience of living in and with nature. This communal living experience strengthened the bonds between participants as they learned to cooperate in practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, and fire-making.
“Temazkal” Native American Ritual: At the end of the training, participants underwent a “Temazkal” ceremony, a native American sweat lodge ritual symbolizing purification and initiation. This ritual was a powerful and emotional experience for many, offering a deep connection to indigenous practices and a challenge to overcome personal limitations.

Workshops and Professional Development

The course also focused heavily on professional development, providing participants with tools and frameworks for enhancing their work with youth. The following workshops and activities played a key role:

Facilitation, Teamwork, and Non-Formal Education: Workshops were conducted to enhance facilitation skills, develop teamwork, and apply non-formal education methods. These sessions helped participants gain practical knowledge they could take back to their own communities.
ETS Competence Model: The training was structured around the ETS Competence Model for youth workers and trainers, with a focus on developing key competencies in communication, intercultural awareness, and non-formal learning environments.
Self-Exploration and Conscious Action: A significant part of the training involved personal self-exploration and mindfulness practices. Participants learned how to reflect on their inner experiences and translate that understanding into conscious, purposeful actions in their professional lives.
Art, Music, and Creativity: Creativity was woven into the fabric of the program, with activities like drawing, painting, music-making, and poetry used as vehicles for self-expression and communication. These creative practices were not only personally enriching but also offered participants new tools for engaging with young people.
Daily Routines and Community Living: Living together in the wilderness fostered a strong sense of community. Participants developed daily routines that included communal tasks like cooking and cleaning, as well as time for personal reflection, yoga, and meditation. This collective living experience strengthened bonds, encouraged teamwork, and provided a supportive environment for personal growth.

Impact and Conclusion

By the end of the training, participants had not only gained new tools and methods for their work with young people but also developed a deeper connection with nature and each other. The combination of wild adventures, creative arts, indigenous practices, and professional development resulted in a holistic learning experience that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The course provided a safe space for participants to explore their own personal and professional challenges, while also giving them the skills to address global issues and support the development of young people. The innovative nature-based methods and art practices introduced during the training will continue to benefit participants in their youth work, helping them foster positive mindsets, resilience, and creativity in the young people they work with.

We are incredibly proud to have hosted this unforgettable journey, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all the participants, trainers, and local communities who made this experience so extraordinary. The “Nature as a Youth Worker” training course has not only enriched the lives of those who took part but has also planted seeds of change that will grow and flourish in the years to come.

We are proud to have provided a safe, supportive environment for sharing, learning, and growth. Huge thanks to everyone who made this experience unforgettable!