NEWS

Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

Lost in Nature

23.08.2024 – 28.08.2024 | Cerbureni, Romania

About the project

In today’s technology-driven world, young people often feel disconnected from nature and lack practical, hands-on experiences. This project was created to address these gaps by providing opportunities for youth to reconnect with the natural world, develop important life skills, and grow personally. We wanted to give participants the chance to step away from screens, face real-world environmental challenges, and learn how to work together while gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental responsibility.

Our Objectives

★★★★★

Develop basic nature survival skills

Participants developed knowledge and skills such as starting a fire, orienting in nature, building a shelter, and purifying water using natural resources.

Improve teamwork and cooperation

Participants engaged in team-building activities and nature challenges, promoting collaboration and mutual support.

Connect with nature and raise environmental awareness

Participants reconnected with nature while learning about environmental challenges and the importance of sustainability.

The activities

★★★★★

The “Lost in Nature” project gave participants a chance to learn new skills, connect with nature, and work together. The week started with setting up camp, where everyone worked in teams to organize their tents and get familiar with the campsite rules.

Throughout the project, participants took part in fun team-building activities like getting to know each other through a volleyball game and interviews. They also learned about the Erasmus+ program through a truth-or-dare game.

The survival challenges were a key part of the project. Participants learned how to build shelters, start fires, and purify water using natural resources. When the water supply ran out at the campsite, everyone worked together to come up with solutions, like gathering water from a nearby town.

A highlight was the First Aid Workshop, where one of the participants, which is also a Youth Red Cross Coordinator taught participants how to make splints and create survival kits using simple materials.

Each day ended with group reflection around the campfire, where participants shared what they had learned and felt during the activities. The project finished with a creative art session, where participants expressed their journey through paintings, followed by a closing activity to share positive messages with each other.

In pictures

Here, you’ll find photos that capture the memorable moments of our project, showcasing our journey, teamwork, and connection with nature. Explore the key moments that made this project unforgettable!

More of our work 

In the heart of nature, words took flight,
Each poem a snapshot of earth’s quiet light.
From the trees to the skies, and rivers that flow,
Our participants captured the magic they know.

Now, we invite you to read and explore,
The voices of nature in poems below!

Testimonials

★★★★★

If you ask me, this project was a great success, leaving us with beautiful memories and new skills.

The idea was to go camping and connect with nature, but because our region has many bears, we needed a safe and suitable location. The best solution was “La Pietriș” in Cicănești, a cozy place with plenty of space and great facilities like a volleyball field, pool, and a large fireplace. It’s set on a hill in the forest, making it feel like real camping while letting us disconnect from technology.

We were responsible for taking care of the place, doing everything from chopping wood to cleaning the facilities, which gave us a sense of responsibility.

For me, this project felt different. After the first day, I no longer felt like I was with strangers—it felt like being with family. The activities were fun and practical, bringing us together as a team. Whether it was starting a fire with flint and steel or taking part in a treasure hunt, it always felt like we were learning while having fun. One of the funniest memories was how the boys kept arguing about who would get to do the chores—especially chopping wood. We were always lining up for our turn.

For me, Lost in Nature was about learning, connecting, and growing together. It gave us a break from the modern world and a chance to truly appreciate nature and each other. I left with new skills, stronger friendships, and memories that will last forever in my heart.

Lost in Nature was a project where we learned how to love and protect the environment in an interesting, active, and fun way. We had activities to develop our teamwork skills, but also activities that made us reconnect with ourselves.

The accommodation showed us what sustainable and eco-friendly living feels like, which wasn’t easy, but it made me use the resources I had more carefully and also appreciate the comfort I have at home.

For me, Lost in Nature was about rediscovering myself using the peace and inspiration that nature was offering us.

One of my favorite activities was when we had to write a poem about nature. I liked it very much because it gave me a moment of isolation from the group, and I had the chance to lie alone on the ground and think about the best ideas while the wind blew over my head and all the sounds of nature felt like nothing but pure peace.

From my perspective, Lost in Nature was a great project for incorporating social development and eco-learning in the best way possible, helping us reconnect with nature while rediscovering our inner selves.

Lost in Nature was more than just a normal youth exchange. It allowed us to reconnect with Mother Nature by placing us in the heart of the forest, away from modern society and its monotonous lifestyle.

The project was located at a place called “La Pietriș” in Cicănești, Argeș, a safe spot equipped with an electric fence to keep wild animals away. Despite being deep in the forest, the campsite offered many facilities, including toilets, showers, a pool, a fireplace, and running water. However, we had to be mindful of the water supply, as it could run out quickly.

We formed teams to manage daily chores, from chopping wood to cleaning the toilets. This was a great activity as everyone had a responsibility, which added to the sense of community.

As mentioned, this adventure took place in the middle of a beautiful forest, far from cities and modern life. It gave us the chance to develop skills like lighting a fire with flint, working in coordination, and learning more about nature and its beauty. All participants, including facilitators, slept in tents for the entire week.

In conclusion, it was a fun and challenging experience. We even ran out of water halfway through, but I believe that made the adventure more unique and memorable than any other outdoor experience.

Project Evaluation

★★★★★

The project “Lost in Nature” was financed with the support of the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme. This blog reflects only the author’s views, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.