Adresse
Wendenstraße 10,
99089 Erfurt, Thüringen
Öffnungszeiten
Dienstag bis Freitag: 10:00 - 18:00
From 20th to 30th of March 2024, Next Level e.V. had the opportunity to organize an exceptional further training for 30 youth workers from all over Europe. The training took place in the breathtaking nature of Georgia and was dedicated to the topic “Outdoor Education for Youth Work”. The aim of the program was not only to introduce the participants to new methods of experiential education, but also to offer them the opportunity to experience and reflect on these methods themselves.
Learning in Nature: Methods of Outdoor Education
The training provided participants with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in experiential education. Outdoor Education promotes learning and personal development through activities in nature. In an environment far removed from their usual daily routine, youth workers were able to explore various approaches to make their work with young people more creative, interactive, and sustainable.
During the training, numerous outdoor methods were tested—ranging from cooperative games and team-building activities to challenges that pushed participants to their limits. They learned how to harness the educational potential of nature to support the development of young people. The focus was not only on imparting expert knowledge but, above all, on practice—each participant could apply the methods directly and experiment with them in real-life situations.
Cooking and Living in Nature
A special highlight of the training was cooking together in nature in the picturesque region of Bakuriani in Georgia. Surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and pristine nature, the participants prepared meals together—a moment that not only strengthened team spirit but also emphasized the importance of mindfulness and cooperation in a natural environment. Preparing food outdoors is an ideal approach to foster community and teach essential life skills in a social context.
Living in nature and immersing oneself in an intense outdoor experience led participants to step outside their usual comfort zones. These experiences had a strong mental impact. Constant engagement with nature, overcoming challenges, and working together in unfamiliar situations promoted both personal and social development for each individual.
Reflection and Group Processes
After the intense days in nature, the various group processes and individual experiences were thoroughly reflected upon. Together, the participants analyzed how nature had influenced their personal development and the role that stepping out of their comfort zones played in the learning process. It became clear that living in harmony with nature and overcoming challenges in a natural setting boosts self-confidence, fosters team spirit, and provides valuable impulses for their work with young people.
Reflecting on the experiences allowed participants to derive concrete action steps for their own educational practice. The focus was not only on practical skills but also on the mental and emotional impact that the outdoor experiences had on the participants.
Conclusion: Sustainable Impulses for Youth Work
The training in Georgia was a resounding success, providing youth workers with valuable insights that they can integrate into their daily work. Through the intense experience of nature and experimenting with Outdoor Education methods, participants were able to develop their own pedagogical approaches while advancing both their personal and professional growth.
The Next Level e.V. will continue to offer innovative and practice-oriented training programs in the future, encouraging both professionals and young people to gain new perspectives and grow— in harmony with nature and their own values.
