Green Outdoor Adventure
Green Outdoor Adventure
18/08/2025 - 24/08/2025
Mezőberény, Hungary
The growing trend of sedentary lifestyles among young people, especially those living in urban areas, has raised serious concerns for their physical and mental well-being. Many young people spend more time in front of screens than outdoors, missing out on the benefits of nature, movement, and active social interaction.
The youth exchange Green Outdoor Adventure was created to counter this tendency. The project brought together 36 young participants aged 18–25 from France, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, supported by group leaders and two facilitators. Together, they spent a week in Mezőberény, Hungary, surrounded by forests and green spaces that provided the perfect setting for outdoor learning and intercultural exchange.
Promoting active and healthy lifestyles by encouraging young people to reconnect with nature through outdoor activities such as light hikes, team sports, and experiential workshops.
Fostering intercultural dialogue by bringing together young people from five different countries to learn about each other’s cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
Raising awareness of well-being by exploring how outdoor experiences can positively influence mental health, resilience, and social skills.
Supporting inclusion and diversity, participants with fewer opportunities actively engaged and supported throughout the exchange.
Disseminating impact locally and internationally, as participants share their experiences and motivate peers to embrace outdoor activities and intercultural learning.
The exchange began with ice-breaking and group cohesion sessions, where participants bonded through energizers, storytelling, and creative team-building games. Together, they created a social contract, setting the tone for cooperation and respect during the week.
The following days focused on trust and teamwork. Through parachute games, the trust fall, and a scavenger hunt across the town, participants learned to rely on one another, strengthen group cohesion, and collaborate across cultures. They also discovered the possibilities of Erasmus+ and Youthpass, exploring how international mobility can support their personal and professional growth.
From Day 3 onwards, participants immersed themselves in nature-based and environmental activities. They joined a guided hike, learned about local biodiversity, and took part in a trash collection action in the local community, contributing directly to the improvement of their surroundings. Workshops on sustainable living, eco-friendly practices, and creative upcycling gave them practical tools and insights into responsible living. They also worked in groups to design art projects using recycled materials and later created nature-inspired vision boards, combining creativity and environmental awareness with intercultural collaboration.
Sports and outdoor adventure played a central role, too. Participants enjoyed team sports and games such as volleyball, pétanque, soccer, and the traditional Hungarian game Méta. They also experienced sensory trust-building activities like blind walks, which encouraged cooperation and awareness of the environment. These sessions promoted physical well-being, strategy, and teamwork, while encouraging participants to challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zones.
The exchange concluded with Day 7 dedicated to reflection and closure. Participants finalized their Youthpass certificates, looked back on the highlights of the week through “Memory Lane,” and presented their national dissemination plans to bring the project’s impact back to their communities. The program ended with a farewell celebration, where participants shared memories, gratitude, and the strong bonds formed during the week.
As a result, participants not only developed key competences such as teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication, but also gained confidence, resilience, and a renewed motivation to live healthier, more active lives. They left with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the skills to inspire others in their local communities.