In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many young people find themselves disconnected from nature. To address this issue, Put on the Outdoor Lenses was an immersive youth exchange that brought together participants from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Spain. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mezőberény, Hungary, this eight-day program encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange.

By utilizing non-formal and interactive methods, including outdoor games, sports, environmental workshops, and cultural visits, the mobility fostered teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills among young people. The exchange provided a welcoming and inclusive environment that inspired personal growth and empowered participants to make positive contributions to their communities.

Objectives:

• To develop teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and socio-cultural acceptance competences among young participants through outdoor experiential learning.

• To promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices among the participants by engaging them in hands-on projects and workshops focused on ecological conservation and eco-friendly initiatives.

• To develop organizational capacity and collaboration between participating organizations, fostering the exchange of good practices regarding the organization of multicultural youth exchanges focusing on outdoor activities.

During the mobility:

The mobility kicked off with activities designed to help participants connect and build confidence. Speed Dating allowed for quick, lively introductions, easing initial nervousness and promoting interaction in English. Theater techniques encouraged creativity while exploring Youthpass competencies, and the group co-created and signed shared rules and expectations, fostering unity and responsibility. 

As the program progressed, participants engaged in teamwork and creative tasks, such as designing imaginary countries and presenting them to the group. They explored Erasmus+ and volunteering opportunities, and ended the day with a vibrant Hungarian cultural night featuring folk dances and local dishes.

Outdoor activities brought participants closer to nature, with games, a scenic hike, and the chance to capture the beauty of their surroundings through photography. These photos inspired poems, drawings, and stories, creating a space for self-expression. The evening was capped off with a movie screening of Hereditary, giving everyone a chance to relax and bond further.

A commitment to environmental action was demonstrated through a street cleanup in Mezőberény, where participants turned collected trash into art projects, showcasing creativity and teamwork. Workshops on sustainability, water conservation, and recycling deepened their understanding of eco-friendly practices. The day concluded with an intercultural night, highlighting the cultures of Romania and Slovakia.

The group also participated in sports and traditional games, like football and the Hungarian game Meta, where they not only had fun but also gained leadership experience by facilitating sessions themselves.

Community engagement was a key focus as participants visited Békéscsaba, where they presented their cultures, addressed local environmental issues, and introduced Erasmus+ to young people. Despite the language barriers, they adapted and communicated creatively, completing their tasks successfully before relaxing in a nearby park.

The final days allowed for reflection and creativity, with participants summarizing their week through projects like collages and interviews. They were inspired to share their experiences and lessons learned with others, especially after a session on dissemination strategies led by facilitator Atti. The program wrapped up with heartfelt reflections, and participants departed with Youthpass certificates and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to bring the values of outdoor exploration, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship back to their communities.

Impact at local level:

The mobility had a positive impact by informing the local population, other NGOs, and local authorities about its objectives. Activities were organized in the city of Békéscsaba, providing the young participants with the opportunity to explore the local community and its cultural heritage. To enhance the mobility's visibility and impact, participants were given personalized t-shirts featuring Erasmus+ promotional visuals and the mobility logo. As part of the local impact, the mobility promoted environmental awareness and eco-friendly behavior through various activities and initiatives.

After the mobility:

Following their participation in Put on the Outdoor Lenses, participants emerged with greater self-awareness and the confidence to pursue new goals. The project fostered positive attitudes, enabling young people to recognize their potential and build meaningful, inclusive relationships. Through cultural exchange and environmental activities, they gained a deeper appreciation for diversity and a strong sense of responsibility for nature.

Inspired by the program’s focus on Erasmus+ opportunities, participants left motivated to engage in future projects and promote the benefits of outdoor exploration and sustainability within their communities. Collaborative group tasks expanded their horizons and encouraged open-mindedness, with some considering outdoor education or environmental stewardship as potential career paths.

The exchange left a lasting impact, empowering participants to become proactive contributors to a more sustainable and connected world.

Press Releases

Press Releases

Dissemination

Hungary

Czechia

Slovakia

Spain

Romania