Sep 185 min read

Recap: Seven Days of Adventure with "Touch the Nature", Erasmus+ Training Course in the Czech Republic 🇨🇿

From August 4 to 12, the unforgettable project 'Touch the Nature' took place, a week full of adventure, creativity, and collaboration. Here’s a look back at this unique experience, where participants from different countries came together to explore nature and get to know each other better. An adventure made possible thanks to Bildung Nijmegen and the collaboration with the Czech partner Mladiinfo, who organize projects for the European Mobility program: Erasmus+.

THE JOURNEY THERE

My name is Lieke, I'm 27 years old, and this was my first Erasmus project. I look back on it with great pleasure. For the journey there, Michiel and I decided to take the train. I like that it’s better for the environment, and I enjoy the view from the train.

When we arrived in Liberec, we briefly explored the town. Then, we took a bus to the eco-center, where we met Markéta and Adel, two organizers of the project. When we arrived at the accommodation, I was amazed by how beautiful it was. The building had dorm rooms and a dining hall. You shared the dorm with three roommates, and the dining area looked like a cozy school cafeteria. The surroundings were stunning too—within 100 meters, you were in the forest. The nearest village with a small grocery store was a 20-minute walk away. Michiel and I explored the area briefly and went to bed early because we hadn’t slept much during the journey.

DAY 1: Collaboration from the Start

My name is Michiel, and I joined the Erasmus+ project 'Touch the Nature' in Oldrichov v Hajich. The program was focused on nature education for young people, and the location was a nature reserve in the northern part of the Czech Republic, known as the Jizera Mountains.

Throughout the week, we participated in various fun outdoor activities. The first day was mostly about getting-to-know-you games and an introduction to nature education. It was a pleasant and calm way to get to know each other. We also reflected on who we are and how we wanted to grow during the week, using nature as a tool for self-reflection.

My name is Justin. We started the project with name games to get to know each other, followed by some team-building activities. One of those activities was to cross a field without touching the ground, using just three yellow mats. In another activity, we had to lift each other through gaps in ropes strung between two trees.

DAY 2: Creativity and Culture

My name is Virgi: Day two focused on creativity and self-reflection. Everyone decorated a personal pouch, intended for notes to oneself and others. This was followed by a self-reflection activity where participants took time to reflect on their own goals and thoughts.

The day took on a culinary twist with a “Masterchef” challenge. A three-course meal was prepared over a campfire using natural ingredients found in the surrounding area, leading to unique flavor combinations. The evening was filled with culture—participants from each country presented their traditions, along with snacks and games. This created a colorful and cozy atmosphere.

DAY 3: A Challenging Hike

We had breakfast around 9 a.m., and then teams were formed. Each team received a riddle about the king/queen. My group was blindfolded and dropped somewhere in the middle of the forest. The riddle was our first clue about where to go. After hours of walking, we arrived at the mountain top, where we received the second clue on how to reach the first station. At the station, we completed a task related to the element air (hanging apples in a tree using items from nature). When we arrived at the second station, it was the element water. We had to transport our belongings safely across the water and then swim across ourselves. Unfortunately, because our group arrived later than expected, we couldn’t do the earth element, which was rock climbing. So, we walked to the final station, the element fire, where we made a fire.

At 10 p.m., we arrived at the king/queen. Everyone passed by individually, and it was a beautiful moment. There was a mirror with the words “You're the king/queen,” and after walking 24 kilometers in the mountains, it certainly felt that way. (Lieke)

DAY 4: Rest and Rhythm

After a relaxing morning with some free time, the group went into the woods in the afternoon for a “forest bathing” activity. In small groups or alone, we completed various tasks, such as a five-minute sprint through the forest. This experience brought a sense of calm and connection with nature. The day ended with a disco, where everyone got the chance to dance to different music styles under the stars, creating an unforgettable evening. (Virgil)

DAY 5: Preparations for the Final Day

On the fifth day, we mainly prepared for the next day. The first preparation was for the festive part, where we had to build a sauna, an oven, and a monument—all made from natural materials. The second part was preparing for our own project. Each group received a specific topic, such as mental health, and had to design a three-day program around it, including an activity that we would carry out the next day. (Justin)

DAY 6: Presenting Projects

Each group presented their “kids camp” project, and we participated in an activity from each group. It was wonderful to see how much effort everyone put in. One of the activities involved burning a pouch to release negative feelings. There was also a “tunnel of love,” where you walked through a tunnel of participants, receiving compliments and hugs.

My group did an activity about failure, where everyone cheered when you made a mistake. In the afternoon, we evaluated how different countries approach nature and education around it. To conclude, we made henna tattoos—a beautiful way to create lasting memories and continue enjoying the experience for the days ahead. I learned a lot about nature, came back to myself, and am deeply grateful for the wonderful memories. (Lieke)

DAY 7: Farewell and Reflection

The whole week and all the activities were extra enjoyable because the organizers were clearly experienced trainers themselves. The week was already well organized, with a beautiful and spacious location, plenty of delicious food, etc. But in addition, all the activities were fantastic, thanks to the organizers’ enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge. (Michiel)

The last day was all about reflection and saying goodbye. The sauna and oven were dismantled, and everything was cleaned up. Participants filled out a questionnaire to share their experiences. The project concluded with a campfire, snacks, and drinks, where we reflected one last time on an unforgettable week.

‘Touch the Nature’ left a deep impression and will resonate for a long time with everyone who was part of it. (Virgil)