Through a diverse program in an international and multicultural setting, we wanted to provide youth with new experiences and non-formal learning opportunities in and through nature. By implementing the VISSTO project, youth were offered a transformative learning experience through immersion in nature, combining reconnection with the natural world and developing creative and digital skills through photography and videography. Each day was designed to bring something new and inspiring – plenty of activities promoting coexistence with nature, creativity, teamwork, and personal development. We started from the modern challenges youth face – increasing disconnection from nature and the highly digitalised rhythm of daily life. According to a Eurobarometer survey, more than 75% of young Europeans feel detached from nature, while only 36% consider themselves well-informed about biodiversity issues. Many youth today spend most of their time indoors, surrounded by technology and screens, distanced from nature even when it is within reach. Such a lifestyle is accompanied by noise, stress, and a fast pace, which have become part of daily life in urban and rural areas. At the same time, many express a strong interest in creative fields such as photography and videography. These findings highlight the need to provide youth with opportunities to reconnect with nature through creative expression, which was precisely the focus of the VISSTO. In response to these challenges, we wanted to organise a youth exchange with participants from 5 countries, guided by the inspiration and driving idea – to show youth that spending time outdoors renews energy, strengthens body and mind, and encourages creative expression. We intended to offer an experience that goes beyond a typical youth exchange – a stay in “controlled wilderness,” where youth could gain knowledge and life skills in an environment that fosters freedom, self-confidence and creativity. VISSTO was firmly based on the identified needs of youth and aligned with their preferences. The issues and needs addressed by the project were: • Many youths have lost contact with nature, leading to a diminished understanding of the environment and biodiversity • Sedentary lifestyles and limited outdoor activities contribute to physical health problems and stress among youth • Many youths have a strong interest in creative fields like photography and videography • In today’s digital age, visual storytelling is a powerful communication tool - equipping youth to convey messages through visuals enhances their communication skills, making them more effective in expressing ideas and engaging with communities The VISSTO concept followed two interconnected directions: • providing youth with opportunities to reconnect with nature, learn about biodiversity and its importance for maintaining a balanced ecosystem, to foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the environment • nurturing creativity and equipping young people with practical skills in photography, videography, and creative expression, emphasising visual storytelling OVERALL GOAL: To empower youth by combining elements of reconnecting with nature and creativity OBJECTIVES were to: • enable the gathering of youth from 5 European countries and transformative learning experiences that empower them to acquire diverse skills and develop attitudes, including fostering intercultural dialogue • raise environmental awareness and promote responsible living through meaningful outdoor experiences to explore and appreciate nature • provide learning opportunities about biodiversity, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment • improve youth practical skills in areas such as plant collection, natural cosmetics and outdoor cooking, enabling them to become self-reliant and confident in outdoor settings • foster creativity and enhance youth practical skills in photography and videography, visual storytelling and communication