Into the Wild

Outward Round Romania owns the Erasmus+ Accreditation in the field of Youth since 2020. We created an action plan for the period 2021-2027 for the following target groups: disadvantaged and mainstream young persons, youth workers and youth NGOs.

During the 7 years we are going to:

  • create a strong local and international network of youth NGOs in order to share best practices and working methods.
  • develop the soft and hard skills of the youth workers, enlarge their toolkits and theoretical/practical knowledge about working with groups using non-formal methods
  • develop the key competences, raise the awareness of the young persons about environmental sustainability and contribute to their inclusion

During the fifth year we implemented the following Mobilities in order to contribute to the set objectives

1. Walking with purpose: 14-25.07.2025

2. Into the Wild: 12-25.08.2025

3. Flavors of the forest: 22-30.09.2025

4. Keys for communication and cooperation: 06-17.1.2025

5. Authentic Man: 16-27.03.2026

All the Mobilities are co-financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union

Youth exchange period: 12-25.08.2025 

Location: Sovata – Outward Bound Romania Youth Center, Gurghiului Mountains, Bözöd Lake 

Participants: 19 participants 

Participating countries: Latvia, Portugal, Greece, Romania 

Partner organizations:  

  • Review – LT 
  • Novo Mundo – PT 
  • Careterra – GR 
  • Outward Bound Romania – RO 

Info letter: Into the wild YE – info letter 

Our main goal: 

The goal of this youth exchange was to support participants in overcoming physical and personal challenges through outdoor adventures, while building compassion, teamwork, and personal growth. A key part of the 12-days program was a 6-day mountain expedition, which included water-based activities. This experience was designed to help participants to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop practical skills. 

Specific objectives of the project were: 

  • Overcoming common challenges and fostering deep cooperation with others 
  • Finding solutions through problem solving activities 
  • Strengthening the connection with oneself, others and nature 
  • Developing leadership skills and self-confidence  
  • Reflecting meaningfully on personal and group experiences  
  • Overcoming personal limits through mental and physical challenges, stepping outside comfort zones 
  • Developing a strong sense of teamwork and how to rely on it 
  • Managing possible risks during hiking and learning how to avoid them 

 

The elements of the program: 

get to know each-other activities, team building, 6-day expedition with sleeping and cooking outdoors, leading the group, decision making processes, solution focused problem-solving activities, water-based activities, learning through experience, climbing activities in the ropes course, intercultural night, nature-based activities, debriefing, closing activities 

Results of the projects: 

Participants learned to step out of their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop practical skills from planning to execution. By the end of the program, they gained valuable insights into teamwork, personal fulfillment, and the transformative power of outdoor learning. 

Feedback of the participants: 

“What I enjoyed most was the intensity of the experience: each day brought something unexpected that challenged me and, at the same time, made me feel alive. Between long walks, nights in the open air, and moments of overcoming obstacles, I discovered the strength of the group, the importance of trust, and the beauty of sharing hardships and triumphs with people so different yet so close. The human connection that was built between everyone was remarkable and, one might say, indestructible. Furthermore, I learned to live with presence, to deal with demanding physical and emotional challenges, and to appreciate the moments nature offered us” – Beatriz, participant 

 

“The Into the Wild Youth Exchange organized by Outward Bound Romania demonstrated the transformative power of experiential outdoor learning when grounded in solid educational theory. This program stands as a model for youth exchanges, proving that when young people are invited to step beyond their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment, they discover deeper connections with themselves, others, and nature. The expedition was the peak experience of the exchange, often pushing participants close to their panic zone due to physical exhaustion, unfamiliarity, and environmental demands. However, the collective strength of the group and trainers’ facilitation transformed these challenges into profound learning opportunities.” – Kostas, group leader 

 

“This project brought me closer to nature while challenging my physical and psychological limits, while also improving my communication and teamwork skills. It helped me rediscover my adventurous spirit while meeting other people with different perspectives and cultures. I’m very happy to have been part of this adventure and I leave it richer than when I entered.” – Afonso, participant 

 

Photos and videos about the program: 

https://www.facebook.com/outwardbound.ro/posts/1220800060092644 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93EhgQsr8B0