The project Paths to Well-being responds to the growing challenges faced by young people across Europe, particularly increasing physical and mental health deterioration, social isolation, digital overload and climate anxiety. From a youth work perspective, we aim to implement preventive, inclusive and nature-based approaches that support young people’s overall well-being, environmental awareness, social development and active citizenship, while reconnecting them with Europe’s diverse natural heritage. Through 2 youth exchanges 'On the Trail' and 'In the Wild' the project uses guided hiking, outdoor experiential learning and camping as tools for non-formal education. Activities take place in diverse European natural areas, which allows the participants to directly explore local ecosystems, biodiversity and the richness of Europe’s natural heritage. From youth work perspective the project creates safe and participatory learning environments where young people actively contribute to the project content, share responsibilities, reflect on their learning experiences and develop key competences through real-life challenges in nature. The main objective of the project is to improve the mental wellbeing of young Europeans by using hiking and outdoor experiences in diverse natural areas as preventive tools that foster social inclusion, environmental awareness and appreciation of Europe’s natural heritage and ecosystems. More specifically, the project aims to: support mental and physical wellbeing through hiking, outdoor activities and reflection processes that reduce stress and strengthen emotional balance; develop social, intercultural and communication competences through teamwork, shared responsibilities and international cooperation; empower young people with fewer opportunities by providing accessible and inclusive learning experiences in nature; strengthen resilience and self-confidence by overcoming physical and mental challenges in supportive group settings; increase understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems and current environmental challenges in different European regions through direct contact with natural environments; foster responsible attitudes towards nature, sustainable lifestyles and active engagement in environmental protection; strengthen European identity and solidarity through shared exploration of Europe’s natural heritage and common environmental challenges; promote active participation and youth leadership by involving participants in planning, implementation and dissemination. The project contributes to the development of innovative methodologies that combine outdoor education, youth work focused on well-being and experiential environmental learning. It reinforces the role of youth work as a preventive and educational space where young people can develop life skills, build meaningful social connections and engage with socially relevant topics in a practical and experiential way. By integrating reflection, learning recognition (Youthpass and Digital Badges) and follow-up activities, the project supports young people in processing their learning experience and transferring it beyond the project.