Summer retreat for young people
A seven day educational programme on sustainable travel practices
Twelve young people age 18 to 25 from Belgium and Croatia (six from each country) spent seven days together on a summer retreat in Šibenik, in August 2022, for a series of workshops. Through methods of debate, critical thinking, drama and creative writing, the young people explored the impact of tourism on the local environment.
Simultaneously, participants were mentored
to build personal skills enabling them to overcome their potential ‘environmental anxiety,’
to change (negative) behaviours, and
to learn how to initiate and manage a discussion on socially engaging and controversial topics.
They worked in groups to gather information, conduct in-person interviews, debate, write, act and create art,
all with the support of their trainers/mentors.
The final outputs of the milestone were produced by the participants themselves who
chose a format of self-expression (debate, monologue, short sketch, graphic expression, presentation).
During the retreat, the young people built rapport among themselves, shared ideas, raised questions and brainstormed on the content of a Sustainable Travel Video Guide for Young Travelers, which they produced in the months following the retreat, collaborating beteween countries.
The project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This post reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.