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Peak to Peace: Hike, Connect, Heal

2025-1-NL02-KA153-YOU-0002996482025Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: NL|GE|MD|TN|UA|ES|DE|PT|TR|AM · Grant: €42,632.14
Physical and mental health, well-beingEnvironment and climate changeNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

The “Peak to Peace” project was created to enhance mental health and environmental consciousness among youth workers through outdoor learning and experiential education. It emerged in response to the growing prevalence of mental health issues among young people, including stress, anxiety, and depression—conditions often linked to inactivity and limited contact with nature. By immersing participants in outdoor experiences, the project aimed to promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen emotional resilience, and encourage a balanced connection between personal well-being and environmental awareness. One of the project’s main goals was to improve the mental, emotional, and physical wellness of youth workers. Through carefully designed outdoor experiences—such as hiking, group challenges, and reflective nature-based activities—participants were guided toward practices that support personal growth, stress relief, and self-awareness. These experiences offered both physical exercise and emotional healing, helping participants reduce anxiety, build confidence, and enhance their overall mood and quality of life. Another important objective was to reconnect young people with nature and deepen their understanding of environmental challenges. While many young Europeans express concern about climate change, few have opportunities to engage directly with nature or contribute to environmental solutions. The project therefore positioned outdoor education as a meaningful link between individual well-being and ecological responsibility. By spending time in natural settings, participants developed empathy for the environment and were motivated to take concrete steps—such as initiating sustainability projects and promoting eco-friendly behaviors in their local communities. Additionally, the project sought to provide youth workers with practical competencies to incorporate outdoor education into their professional work. Participants experimented with innovative and inclusive approaches to using outdoor spaces as learning environments—turning nature into a setting for developing teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills. This perspective encouraged them to view outdoor learning not just as leisure or recreation, but as an effective educational methodology that supports comprehensive, experience-based learning.

Project partners (10)