NATURE LOGBOOK

We’re happy to share the experience of the Erasmus+ training course “Nature Logbook”, which took place from June 23rd to July 2nd, 2025, on the island of Elafonisos, also known as “The Greek Maldives”. The training brought together youth workers from Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Croatia, and Spain, all with a common goal: to explore how we can reconnect young people with nature using creative, analog approaches.

Throughout the program, we explored how nature can be both a setting and a subject of youth work. Through a mix of practical outdoor sessions, hands-on tasks, and reflective exercises, we co-developed a resource called the Nature Logbook which is a tool designed to help youth workers plan meaningful, sensory-based, and sustainable educational activities in natural settings.

Living on a quiet island with no tourist crowds was a big part of the experience. Being off-grid, even for a short time, reminded us how rare it is to fully experience the natural world without digital distractions. From waking up to the buzzing of bees to falling asleep under the stars, we were immersed in nature, not just talking about it, but feeling it with all five of our senses.

The highlight of the training was a nature-based treasure hunt which tested both our physical and cognitive skills, as well as the ability to work in a team or under pressure. Apart from this, the programme consisted of hands-on team workshops, guided journaling sessions and open discussions. The methods we used were intentionally low-tech and simple, showing us how much learning can happen through movement, observation, and creativity. In teams, we tested and gave feedback on each other’s activities and brainstormed how to adapt them for different communities.

Throughout the exchange, we learned how nature can calm the nervous system, how it helps young people feel more grounded and focused, which is especially important in an overstimulated, screen-obsessed world. The setting also gave us space to connect on a deeper level, and share ideas, practices, and stories from our work back home.

Outside the sessions, we enjoyed shared meals, daily swims, and conversations that made the experience even richer. This training encouraged us to rethink how we engage with young people, and how much power there is in simply being present in nature.

Organized by ARYAS NGO and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, this training course reminded us that sometimes the most powerful learning happens outside of walls and screens. For anyone considering a project like this, we can’t recommend it enough.