NATURAL CONNECTION
26 AUGUST TO 03 SEPTEMBER
BERGOLO, ITALY
2024
This project aims at contributing to reconnect young people to the natural environment. Developing a connection with nature has proven to have positive effects both on physical-mental wellbeing and on the adoption of sustainable behaviours.
We will come together in a place surrunded by woods to share our experiences and re-think our relationship with nature, reflect on the duality of the human-nature concept, question conventional solutions to environmental issues and feel the benefits of a closer relationship with the natural environment.
NATURAL CONNECTION
We will be 30 young people, gathering in nature during 8 days, to experience together a deeper connection to ourselves, others, and the natural environment, through:
Non-Formal Education
Nature-based methodologies
Deep ecology
Mindfulness, practices
Permaculture; Hands-on activities.
What can you get out of the project?
increase your sense of connection with nature
become more aware about key environmental issues
learn new tools to be a changemaker
connect to other young people from urban centers and rural areas
experience disconnection from technology
learn mindfulness practices for your present and future well-being
The project aims at contributing to reconnect young people to the natural environment. Developing a connection with nature has proven to have positive effects both on physical-mental wellbeing and on the adoption of sustainable behaviours.
WHY?
Natural Connections will take place in Bergolo. A small village located in the Cuneo province of the Piemonte region, surrounded by a beautiful view over the Bormida and Uzzone Valley. It’s in this “stone village” that you will be able to connect with the nature around you, with yourself and others.
WHERE?
PROJECT TIMETABLE
AUGUST, BEFORE THE PROJECT STARTS …
PREPARATION PHASE: Video call with all participants and leaders. Preparation of activities in groups: we will put participants in contact and they will create with the support of the coordinator some workshops that they will facilitate to the other participants during the first days of the exchange. National groups will also prepare an interactive and playful presentation of their country and culture.
“Connect with the group”
26
AUG
“Connect with your intentions”
“Connect with global environmental issues”
27
AUG
28
AUG
“Connect with mother nature”
“Connect with nature’s gifts”
30
AUG
“Connect through your hands”
“Connect with the community”
“(re)Connect with the universe”
01
SEP
Departure day
03
SEP
FOLLOW-UP: It is about filling in an evaluation form, writing/recording a testimony, sharing the project outcomes online, and implementing 1 activity in each country to deepen and disseminate the topic of the exchange that involves at least another 10 young people.
AFTER THE PROJECT, 03 SEP - 03 OCT
*Participating partially can not be an option as the regulations of the Erasmus + program state.
CONDITIONS
THIS PROJECT IS FOR YOU IF:
18 - 26 years old
looking for an opportunity to connect with nature and disconnect from technology
open to doing communal work such as helping in the kitchen, some cleaning, etc.
committed to participating in the project through all the phases (preparation, exchange program, follow-up activities)
resident in one of the participating countries: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Czechia
able to communicate in English
TRAVEL COSTS, ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
Travel costs, accommodation, food, and the programme itself are co-funded by the European Union through the ERASMUS+ program. 3 meals per day + 2 coffee breaks will be offered to participants and leaders. We focus on making healthy and inclusive menus in line with the diets and allergies of the participants.
To be entitled to reimbursement, we ask you to participate fully in the 3 steps of the project: preparation, dissemination and follow-up.
The travel costs will be reimbursed for the amount shown in the original boarding passes, tickets, and invoices.*
According to Erasmus+ regulations, participants must travel from their country of residence to the venue and back, no alternative routes are allowed. As well as no late arrivals or early departures
WITH GREEN TRAVEL
Italy 23€
Spain 260€
Portugal 260€
Czechia 260€
Greece 260€
Bulgaria 260€
*TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT PER COUNTRY
WITHOUT GREEN TRAVEL
Italy 23€
Spain 215€
Portugal 215€
Czechia 215€
Greece 215€
Bulgaria 215€
NOTE: 60€ was already removed from your travel reimbursement to pay for the bus that will take you from Alessandria to Bergolo
How to Travel Green
Green travel means using low-emission transport:
Bus: Fewer emissions per person than cars and planes.
Train: One of the most eco-friendly options for long distances.
Car-pooling: Reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting emissions.
What’s green travel?
Green travel minimizes the impact on the environment and local communities by choosing sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to travel.
Why Green Travel?
Promoting sustainable practices helps protect the environment and supports local communities. This is crucial for preserving places like Alta Langa, where our project will take place.
Choosing green travel contributes to a healthier planet and sustainable future.
L’ALVEARE HOSTEL
Shared rooms in Alveare Hostel (meaning “The Hive”); the building has bedrooms with 2/3/4 beds, a well equipped kitchen for groups, a dining area, and a large terrace overlooking the hills. The hostel has a laundry room, and a public "Wi-Fi for EU" is available for anyone.
RULES IN BERGOLO
The village we are living in is remote and tranquil place, and in order not to disturb it’s life flow the quite hours regulations are applied on the public premises including the venues where our project is happening.
In the hostel where participants will stay, quite hours start at 11 PM, which means no music, no noise after that time as there is a specific area for chilling out of the hostel.
The Cozy Area, located 200 meters away from the hostel is specifically dedicated for shill time after session hours. The space have a specific regulation and can be used up to 00.00 with music indoor and space outside. After 00.00 it is not allowed to have music nor to spend time outside the area. The project is alcohol free, that means no alcohol is allowed in any of our venues. We believe in the power of human genuine connections and would like to give a space to enjoy ourselves without stimulating substances.
Is not allowed to bring or store alcohol inside the organisational venues where main activities of project are happening: hostel, cozy area.
CHECK THE LOCATION HERE.
As a group, we will be responsible of taking care of the spaces we will be using. Participants will be involved in light house duties (cleaning the common areas, taking care of their own bedroom, supporting the kitchen team with the use of the dishwasher, checking that people are on time and similar). That will be done in small international groups with a duties rotation system. Taking care of our home and of our own needs increases our sense of ownership towards the experience. If you are searching for an experience where someone else is cleaning after you, this Youth Exchange is not for you.
MEET THE TEAM
facilitator
facilitator
facilitator
visibility team
Sìlvia
Ana
Rita
coordinator
Merche
Adelina
visibility team
Yusuf
kitchen team
Chef Matia
kitchen team
Klaúdia
From volunteers in our organization to experts in their field, Natural Connection Team aims to get you closer to nature by providing you with the necessary tools and the best experience.
We can’t wait to meet you.
PARCO CULTURALE ALTA LANGA
In the heart of Cuneo's Bormida Valley, Parco Culturale Alta Langa spreads and promotes the knowledge of the territory in all aspects: from history to literature, from architecture to food and wine, to sustainable practices and systemic development of the area.
The association aims to counter the growing marginality of the villages and communities of the Alta Langa, creating events, experiences, mobility and volunteering programs, favoring co-working and sharing, in order to encourage tourism and promoting training activities related to the territory.
