Between 10 and 14 July 2025, the Timiș County Youth Foundation (FITT), in partnership with Scouts et Guides Pluralistes de Belgique, hosted the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Community Engagement and Outdoor Education for Youth.” The activity gathered 29 young people from Romania and Belgium to discover how nature, teamwork, and civic engagement can come together to strengthen communities and inspire active participation.
The exchange took place across two locations — the Youth House in Timișoara, Romania’s only youth centre certified by the Council of Europe, and Căsuțele din Groși, a campsite surrounded by nature. This combination of urban and outdoor settings offered participants the chance to experience both community-based and environmental learning in a single programme.
The week began in Timișoara with a tour of the Youth House, followed by activities focused on group cohesion, introducing the symbolic framework of the exchange, and building teamwork through creative and cooperative games. Participants then travelled to Groși, where they set up camp and began exploring the principles of outdoor education. Activities such as bushcraft, archery, and orientation with a compass introduced them to practical survival skills while strengthening collaboration, communication, and trust within the group.
One of the highlights was the canoeing session at Surduc Lake, where participants learned about water safety, environmental responsibility, and teamwork through direct experience. The outdoor setting allowed them to reflect on the importance of connection with nature and on how experiential education can build resilience and leadership among young people.
The exchange also focused on the link between outdoor learning and community engagement. Through sessions such as “Volunteering and Youth Participation,” “Community Engagement Methods,” and a World Café on Sustainable Development, participants explored how civic action and environmental awareness complement each other. They identified ways to apply these approaches in their local communities and shared examples of good practices from both Romania and Belgium.
Each evening concluded with group reflections, where participants discussed their experiences, what they learned, and how outdoor education fosters personal growth and civic responsibility. The exchange closed with a Youthpass evaluation and a farewell evening, celebrating the friendships, insights, and memories built throughout the programme.
By the end of the week, participants had not only developed new skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for how learning in nature can strengthen community spirit and cooperation. The Community Engagement and Outdoor Education for Youth exchange demonstrated that the most meaningful education happens when young people step outside the classroom — into nature, into dialogue, and into action.
Project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.