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Supported by Erasmus + Programme

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Open Digital Europe

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Out of the Box International develops a tailor made open data model and policies based on open digital environment which is transparent, accountable and secured.

Social Businesses

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Out of the Box International works with already existing hubs, various local and national stakeholders and social entrepreneurs in order to further develop and promote successful social entrepreneurship policies and practices.

Solidarity Europe

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Out of the Box International delivers expertise in the field of cohesive policies by using cross-sectorial approach and non-formal  education, in a global perspective.

European Project

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Out of the Box International  works further to enhance current cooperation in South East Europe region and actively supports the integration of all European countries in common European project.

#YCAMP – Embracing Nature and Diversity!

July 20, 2024

Greetings, Out of The Box Enthusiasts!

We are thrilled to update you about the last youth exchange program in which we had the great opportunity to be partners. The youth exchange was implemented in a stunning natural place, at the bank of the Tisa River in Novi Bečej, Serbia, for one whole week, from the 10th until the 17th of July 2024. A perfect scenario was portrayed for young people with fewer opportunities to travel abroad, connect with other European peeps and grow their interest, knowledge and competencies through nature-based experiences.

 

Exceptional Learning Experience at the YCamp

Four NGOs from different European countries, EDUFONS – our youth exchange host organisation from Serbia, Dečiji Centar (Serbia), IdeaLab (Poland), and us (OTB from Belgium), made possible this 7-day joint learning adventure and brought together 24 young participants in this unique opportunity to strengthen nature-based competences and share life experiences, struggles and motivations. The amalgam of cultures fostered inter-European connection and understanding, boosting a feeling of shared European identity and values.

 

The YCampINLE Model: Innovation and Engagement

The YCampINLE model relies on a nature-based education approach, prioritising hands-on experience through engaging and innovative activities. The program was designed to support young participants to reconnect with nature through activities that trigger all five senses.

 

What Participants Gained from YCamp

Survival Skills: Participants challenged their essential bushcraft skills, grew respect for nature and created a collective conscience about unsafe practices, discovering nature in new and profound ways.

Camping Adventures: This journey paved the road for self-development, showcasing the importance of teamwork, adaptability, environmental citizenship, and the preservation of positive attitudes.

Entrepreneurship and Creativity: The camp also focused on developing entrepreneurship skills and creativity. Participants had the chance to discover diverse occupations related to nature and identify opportunities to provide services or create products from natural resources.

Interpersonal Skills: Beyond practical skills, YCamp contributed to improving group cooperation, tolerance, and openness to intercultural differences. Participants discovered other cultures, built new friendships and enhanced their linguistic capacities.

 

A Memorable Experience

We hope that everyone who participated in this youth exchange left encouraged in their capacity, with new long-lasting friendships and cherished memories. Thank you all for contributing to creating an incredible experience!

 

See you in the next youth opportunity, keep ready for more learning adventures!

Why Out of the Box International

The seemingly ever-lasting depression of European economies has shaken the very foundations of many European societies. The shear rate of unemployment in Europe and the omnipresent environmental crisis coupled with the often frustratingly slow process of decision making in the EU, are calling for civil society actors to step in and fill the void.

In the aftermath of the 2008. economic crisis, the apprehension of falling under the spell of apathy of economic depression across the continent has not been easy to shake off. However, pinpointing the culprits for the current state of affairs on any particular EU decision maker is not the answer. Nonetheless, the fact remains that the current approach to the economic and environmental crisis hasn’t yet shown the affected citizens the light at the end of the tunnel.

As representatives of the civil society we feel the need to make our voice heard in the midst of the current debate on economic crisis. Being a social enterprise we offer new and feasible ideas in education and community work, creative cross-sectorial cooperation among different actors and strong networking coalitions to turn these dire economic challenges into possibilities through social entrepreneurship initiatives which aim at benefiting wide range of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and those affected by the economic crisis.

Social entrepreneurship is a simple concept that has been put into practice by civil society actors for the benefit of a specific social group or people, and this is precisely what we want: to create projects and initiatives with fresh ideas in different policies, educational programs or tools, support businesses, empower cultural initiatives and offer different solutions to individuals, corporate bodies, everybody who believe that we can have more Creative, Innovative and Cohesive Europe.

 

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