About the project
Associazione Spazio Etneo is proud to have organized the training course Nature Connects Mind together with partners from 9 different countries, a 7-day Erasmus+ course (plus 2 travel days) held in the heart of the Nebrodi Mountains in Sicily 🌋. The project was created for youth workers who work daily with young people and want new tools to promote well-being, emotional balance, environmental awareness, and personal growth. The course marked an important step for our organization, whose mission is to support international mobility, sustainability, professional development, and well-being in the youth sector.
🧘🧘♂️ Nature Connects Mind took place from 17 to 25 October 2025, hosting 27 youth workers from across Europe. In a world marked by increasing stress, digital overload, and a growing disconnection from nature, the project aimed to give youth workers practical techniques rooted in mindfulness, self-reflection, and nature-based education. The core idea behind the training is that nature, when approached mindfully, is a powerful and accessible educational tool, benefiting both youth workers themselves and the young people they support—helping to foster more holistic, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments.
🏞️ The training was set in the peaceful landscapes of the Nebrodi Mountains, offering participants the chance to fully immerse themselves in reflection, learning, and connection. Through guided workshops, experiential sessions, body-awareness practices, and a full-day hike, participants experienced the methods firsthand and learned how to apply them in their local contexts. The project also provided an important space for intercultural exchange and networking, strengthening collaboration among the 9 partner NGOs and creating partnerships that will continue well beyond the training.
Main Objectives
-> Acquire skills and practices in mindfulness, self-reflection, and environmental awareness
-> Improve both individual and professional well-being through mindfulness and nature-based techniques
-> Promote greater awareness of well-being, environmental, and social issues among young people and within communities
-> Create resources, strategies and collaborative networks that youth workers can use and adapt in their local contexts
Key Points
Activities
Day 1 – Arrivals
Participants arrived in Catania in the evening, where they were greeted by the Spazio Etneo team and transported by private bus to the venue in the Nebrodi mountains. After checking into their rooms, the group enjoyed an informal first moment of connection.
Day 2
The official start of the training began with introductory activities aimed at clarifying expectations, fears, and personal contributions. Icebreakers and team-building sessions helped participants get to know each other and begin building trust. Later in the day, the program structure and Erasmus+ programme were presented, creating a clear overview of the learning journey ahead and setting a positive tone for active participation.
Day 3
This day focused on the connection between body and mind, where participants explored emotional regulation and simple creative tasks.
During the afternoon session, participants analyzed and explored the state of mental health in their own countries, they shared insights, compared different approaches, and discussed key challenges.
Day 4
During the morning, we had our first “Connection with Nature,” exploring the beautiful surroundings and visiting Le Rocche del Castro in Nebrodi National Park. It was a chance to slow down, observe, and immerse ourselves in the landscape.
In the afternoon, we held an open discussion on digital addiction, reflecting on our own habits and those of young people.
The day concluded with the First Intercultural Night, where each national group presented food, traditions, music, and stories, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere of cultural exchange.
Day 5
The week continued with more journaling sessions and guided visualization exercises. Followed with sessions on Nonviolent Communication (NVC), exploring its principles and discussing how it can enhance our interactions and strengthen relationships.
In the afternoon, participants worked in groups on case studies about youth mental health, analyzing challenges and brainstorming practical strategies.
Day 6
On this day, we focused on stress and its triggers, exploring what causes it and how it affects us. Later, we held a debate on mental health, tackling some controversial and ethical questions. The discussion encouraged participants to share different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and think critically about the complex issues surrounding mental well-being.
In the afternoon, an Open Space session allowed participants to present and exchange best practices from their own countries.
Day 7
This day — the longest hike of the project— was one of the real highlights. The group spent the entire day walking through Nebrodi Natural Park up to Lake Biviere, alternating between silent walking and mindful observation of the environment.
The mix of nature and group connection made the day deeply meaningful, strengthening the learning journey through direct experience.
The day concluded with the Second Intercultural Night, where we present in detail the host country (Italy) and the Park of Nebrodi.
Day 8
The final day was dedicated to evaluation, reflections, group feedback and the official Youthpass ceremony. The closing circle allowed the group to share impressions and their insights, concluding their journey.
Day 9 – Departures
After breakfast, the group departed from the venue and traveled to Catania, where participants took their flights back home, carrying with them new knowledge and strong connections.
Gallery
Partners Organizations
Spazio Etneo 🇮🇹, Muevete Por Europa 🇪🇸, Poreia Ygeias Koinsep 🇬🇷, Lendületes Fiatalok Egyesület 🇭🇺, SKILL organizacją 🇵🇱, Ilk Sen Ol Genclik 🇹🇷, Associação 🇵🇹, Green Foxx 🇧🇬, Youth Initiative Cana 🇸🇰
Social and Hashtags
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