Leaf of Relief

17.09 – 27.09.2023

Orsa, Sweden

Event summary

Can nature heal? It might sound strange that the answer to that question would be yes. Although we have not yet been able to fully unravel the mysteries of this phenomenon, we know that our body and mind benefits from being in nature. It is this connection between mental health and the great outdoors that our program, “Leaf of Relief”, will explore.

In this program, we delve into understanding mental health, specifically focusing on anxiety, and how connecting with nature can play a crucial role in managing and improving mental wellness. Our goal is not only to educate and create a dialogue around mental health but also to provide inspiration and experiences that you can carry with you beyond the scope of this program.

We welcome young adults from Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden to join us on an unforgettable 9-day journey set in the beautiful landscapes of Sweden. Over the course of nine days, you’ll engage in a variety of activities ranging from mindfulness workshops set amidst serene forests to team-building activities that will help you form new connections.

The exchange provides a unique opportunity for you to meet, share and learn from like-minded individuals across Europe, whilst fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and community. So, whether you’re participating in a debate or planting a tree for future generations, you’ll create connections that last a lifetime.

Join us on this journey where we peel back layers of self-discovery, develop a deeper understanding of mental health, and immerse ourselves in the healing power of nature. Be ready to challenge yourself, grow, and discover something new. We can’t wait to meet you!

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission Erasmus+ programme. This publication 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 therein.

Attention!
While our Erasmus+ Youth Exchange program embraces activities related to nature and mental health, we want to clarify that this event is not a therapeutic retreat or a substitute for professional mental health treatment. This program provides an opportunity to learn about mental health and explores how nature can positively impact wellbeing. Our team prioritizes participant safety and support, but our facilitators are not equipped to provide professional mental health advice or crisis intervention.

The program is designed for everyone, regardless of their personal experience with stress or anxiety. Whether you’re looking to broaden your understanding of mental health, explore nature’s role in wellbeing, or simply want to be part of a supportive community, this experience is for you.

International Youth Exchange

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Where you'll be staying

Venue & Location

Keeping our topic in mind, the venue and its nearby surroundings have been an important element for us. Therefore, we’re happy to have found this hidden gem situated in Orsa, Sweden. Here, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful forests close to a peaceful lake. We strongly believe that keeping away from our modern and hectic reality in a harmonious environment will help us get inspired and engaged with a clear head. The venue offers rooms with beds for 4-5 people in each one, meaning you’ll be sharing a room with other participants. The venue also has a large, shared room where we’ll have some of our group activities. Additionally, there are some quiet spots around the site where you can spend some peaceful time alone.

Here’s what you can expect at the venue:

A lake that’s just a quick 20-minute walk away
A big room for group activities
Quiet spots where you can relax by yourself
Outdoor areas where we can enjoy the beautiful surroundings
Meals at the venue provided by us with vegetarian options available

While we’re planning to hold most of our activities outdoors, some will be in our shared room indoors. The beauty of Orsa and its peaceful vibe makes it a great place for our program. You’ll have a chance to enjoy this fantastic location while making new friends and engaging in activities.

Discover non-formal learning!

What can you expect?

Group Bonding and Learning

A key element of youth exchanges is creating meaningful connections and building a sense of community. Therefore, we place great emphasis on group activities, beginning with icebreakers to help us get to know each other in a fun way without pressure, but also to promote an open, safe, and supportive environment. Aside from the ice breakers, we will host different workshops and lead discussions on mental health. We will dig into this subject along with exploring how nature can provide solace and perspective. These activities will be held both at the venue and in its beautiful surroundings, giving us ample space to learn, share, and grow together.

Quiet Time and Personal Reflection

Alongside the group activities, there’ll be opportunities for personal reflection and quiet time. You can retreat to a peaceful corner of our venue or take a solitary walk around the serene lake. These moments are invaluable for processing what you’ve learned, relaxing your mind, and most importantly, enjoying your own company in a beautiful setting. These quiet spaces will offer a balance to our group activities and give you the chance to unwind if necessary.

Outdoor Exploration and Adventure

Sweden’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for going on hikes and mindful nature walks. So, get ready to venture beyond the venue with various outdoor explorations. We’ll take you through some scenic trails, where you can breathe in the fresh air, observe the flora and fauna, and reconnect with nature. These outdoor adventures will not only provide physical exercise but also offer a unique way to reflect on our discussions about mental health and wellness.

Have fun while developing yourself!

Social program

In addition to our daily activities, we’ve designed an engaging social program for each evening. A highlight of this program is our cultural nights, where teams from each participating country get a chance to share their unique cultures. Whether it’s through games, songs, dances or any other creative medium, these evenings will be rich with learning and laughter. While we aim to foster new friendships and mutual understanding, we also recognize that social situations can feel overwhelming for some. Please know that we’re committed to making these activities as comfortable as possible for everyone. Our program encourages participation, but never at the expense of your comfort. Each activity is meant to be enjoyable and inclusive, providing a warm and relaxed environment where you can connect with others at your own pace.

How to get to the event?

Travel

Lastly, we will cover any questions you might have regarding travel. There are a few important details and rules that must be followed to be eligible for this project and for reimbursement. As a participant, it is mandatory to arrive at the venue on the 17th of September as well as participate for the whole duration of the event. (Departure day is on the 27th of September). To get to the venue you can take a direct flight to Stockholm and then take a train to Orsa. We will provide more traveling information once you have been selected to join the project. As for reimbursement, Youth Europa will cover your travel expenses up to a specified limit. It is important to note that you will need to provide us with all the relevant documents: invoices, boarding passes, receipts et cetera. This is done after the event with our help and instructions. After you have handed this in you should receive reimbursement within a month after the event. If you’re economical, it’s possible to get your full travel expenses covered! If you need more information, please contact us for additional details.

The travel reimbursement limit depends on the travel distance. The upper limit per country is:

Spain (3000-3999km): 530€
Greece (2000-2999km): 360€
Slovakia (500-1999km): 275€
Czech Republic (500-1999km): 275€
Estonia (500-1999km): 275€
Sweden (100-499km): 180€

Meet the people behind Youth Europa!

Organisers

Since every project that we are carrying out is based on our own interests and skills, you can expect us to be highly motivated and energetic. Our extensive experience makes us more flexible and helps us make meaningful adjustments to the program. Keep in mind that youth exchanges are collaborative events where you also have the chance to help and contribute. Come and meet some of the awesome people behind Youth Europa and who knows, maybe you’ll join us one day!

Proof of participation

YouthPass Certificate

As a participant of this event, you will receive YouthPass – a certificate of non-formal education recognized all across Europe that allows you to describe what you have done and learned. On top of that, it can be a great way to stand out at a job interview or when applying to a university, not to mention the part where you get to show off to your friends:)

Send your application!

Deadline: 27.07.2023

Contact us

Ask us anything!

Frequently Asked Questions

How the heck is this so cheap?

This project is supported by Erasmus+ program. This enables us to keep the participation fee very low and even remove it for people who are in financial difficulties. We know it sounds too good to be true, feel free to check out the reviews:)

Not at all. We try to focus on non-formal learning methods. This means that all activities are interactive and you will usually work in groups.

What are the participation requirements?

Everyone who comes from the eligible countries and is 18 to 30 years old is welcome to apply. There are no prerequisites, we actually welcome people who have no prior experience at all. Also, this event is not political. We don’t care if you hold conservative or more liberal views. Just be friendly and cooperative, we’re all here to learn, make friends & have fun!

How do I sign up?

Click the “apply now” button below if the deadline has not passed. Fill the form and answer all the questions as sincerely as possible. We will get in touch with you if you have been selected. Make sure that @youtheuropa.org mails don’t go to your spam!:)

How are participants selected?

The participants are selected based on their motivation and interest in the topic. There is no catch, you just need to be sincere and honest in your application. Also, if you’re not selected in this project, it’s more likely that you get selected for the next ones.

How do I buy the tickets and plan my trip?

Questions such as this one will be answered by the organisers or your group leader. Don’t worry, we will help you find the best possible option!

What kind of travel cost will be covered?

We will cover your trip to and from the project destination. There are some limits that apply, this is based on your travel distance. These limits are mentioned in the information above. If you buy the tickets early enough, it’s common to get your travel 100% covered.

How & When do I get my travel reimbursement?

After the event, all participants will fill the reimbursement form where you will be asked to upload the travel cost documents (itinerary, boarding passes, invoices etc.). The reimbursement process usually takes between 1-2 months. Remember that we will help you on every step of the way.

Do I have to speak in front of a group or lead workshops?

Nope. You will not be forced to do anything that you’re not comfortable with. But it’s definitely a great place to step our of your comfort zone. This is going to be a journey in your personal development:)

I still have some questions

No problem, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide you some answers. You can do so by heading over to the contact page.

Leaf of Relief