An exciting opportunity for 27 youth workers, youth activists, youth leaders, and young volunteers from all over the Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries to join the international training course "Expedition Skills: Swiss Saxony Learning Outdoors from Planning to Practice," which takes place in Swiss Saxony, Germany, from October 19 to 27, 2025. This training course is developed and will be implemented by "lernlabor" and co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.
About the Project
The training will take place in the sandstone mountains and forests of Swiss Saxony, where the "lernlabor" base at Auf dem Kulm in Weißig offers an ideal setting for immersive outdoor learning. Over the course of the week, participants will develop key expedition skills: planning and risk management, navigation and logistics, group process facilitation, and first aid in outdoor environments.
The programme will combine guided hikes, technical workshops, mindfulness and reflection exercises, and culminate in a two-night expedition where participants take full responsibility for managing terrain, weather, and group dynamics. By stepping outside everyday routines and into an extended learning environment, youth workers will be challenged to deepen their practice, strengthen their confidence, and connect outdoor education to the wider goals of participation and non-formal learning.
Project Aims
Expedition Leadership & Safety: Develop the ability to plan and lead multi-day outdoor expeditions with an emphasis on risk assessment, safeguarding, and responsible group management.
Navigation & Logistics: Strengthen practical competence in navigation, equipment use, and expedition logistics, while applying sustainable approaches to mobility and resource planning.
Inclusive Outdoor Facilitation: Explore methods for creating outdoor learning environments that are inclusive, accessible, youth-centred, and built on respect, participation, and trust.
Recognition & Dissemination: Consolidate learning through Youthpass and co-create open educational resources that allow knowledge and practice to be shared beyond the training.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- Application is open to anyone interested in the project topic and recommended for those who are Youth workers, Trainers, Youth leaders, Youth project managers, and volunteering mentors.
- Applicants must be aged over 18 years old and livining in one of the following countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye)
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English since it is the project's main language.
Expenses and Benefits
- Selected participants will be kindly asked for a voluntary donation of 50 EUR to support additional costs of the project, such as travel in rural areas.
- Participants will be staying in the "Auf dem Kulm" project space and campsite, which is located in the town of Weissigmoverlooking some of the most beautiful scenery of the Swiss-Saxony national park.
- Accommodation will be in shared rooms accommodating between 4-8 people. There will not be internet available in the Venue. There is nighttime silence on the entire premises from 10 p.m.
- Selected participants are required to bring their own sleeping bags.
- During the project, participants will be in charge of preparing their food with the group.
- The travel costs will be reimbursed after the project by bank transfer in euros within three weeks. The travel distance represents a one-way distance from the place of origin to the venue, whereas the amount covers the contribution to the return travel to and from the venue.
- from 10 – 99 km - 56 EUR (Green Travel)/ 28 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 100 – 499 km - 285 EUR (Green Travel)/ 211 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 500 – 1999 km - 417 EUR (Green Travel)/ 309 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 2000 – 2999 km - 395 EUR (Green Travel)/ 535 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- Calculate your budget from HERE
What to bring?
- Rucksack
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Hard-shell jacket (waterproof/windproof)
- Insulation jacket (down or synthetic)
- Hiking trousers (soft-shell preferred)
- Hard-shell rain trousers
- Base layer (merino wool recommended)
- Wool hat/beanie
- Gloves
Timeline
Application deadline: 20 September 2025
Date of Selection: 21 September 2025
Arrival day: 19 October 2025
Departure day: 27 October 2025
NOTE: You can arrive up to 7 days before and stay 7 days after the project at your own expense.
How to apply?
If you’re interested in joining the "Expedition Skills: Swiss Saxony - Training Course", please complete the online application form no later than the 20th of September 2025.
More Details
For additional information about the "Expedition Skills: Swiss Saxony - Training Course", including project details and requirements, please check the info-pack HERE
By applying to this training course, you take on the responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" can't be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.
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