Open call for youth workers, volunteers, and nature friends from across Europe to join the Erasmus+ training course (Melt the Ice! Building Intergenerational Bridges) from 9-13 March 2026 in Lahti, Finland. During the training course, participants explore intergenerational cooperation through outdoor and non-formal learning and develop practical tools to strengthen intergenerational work in their communities. The training course is organised by "International Young Naturefriends" and co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.
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About the training course
Melt the Ice! Building Intergenerational Bridges is an extensive training that brings together participants of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The aim is to explore how outdoor learning and non-formal education can help bridge generational gaps and create more inclusive, future-oriented organisations.
As today’s communities often struggle with communication and generational value differences, this training focuses on turning these challenges into opportunities. Each generation contributes unique strengths—when these are combined, they can lead to stronger organisations, better collaboration, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in outdoor activities and hands-on learning methods to:
- Reflect on generational identities and personal experiences
- Practice communication, cooperation, and conflict navigation in mixed-age groups
- Test practical methods that can be easily applied in local communities
- Design small actions and micro-projects that foster intergenerational cooperation
- Begin creating a simple guideline to support long-term intergenerational work
By the end of the training, participants will be ready to act as multipliers—bringing new ideas, tools, and inspiration back to their youth organisations, Naturefriends groups, and local communities.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- Young people aged over 16, who are youth workers or adult volunteers active in youth organisations.
- Naturefriends and local multipliers interested in community life and intergenerational activities.
- people involved in non-formal education who want to integrate intergenerational perspectives into their work.
- Applicants must be nationals or residents of the following EU or neighbouring countries: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Turkiye.
- No previous experience in this topic is required – just curiosity, openness and the willingness to take part in group and outdoor activities.
Expenses and Benefits
- There is a participation fee of 100 EUR for Naturefriends organisation members / 125 EUR for non-members.
- Food and Accommodation are fully covered by the host organisation in Lahti, Finland
- Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with the IYNF travel policy, according to the following limits:
- 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 - 535 EUR (Green Travel)/ 395 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- Calculate your budget from HERE
- Participants are entitled to receive a youth pass certificate as proof of their participation.
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