🌿 A Week of Learning, Adventure, and European Friendship in Hungary – MINED Summer Camp

Last week, our team took part in an unforgettable teaching and learning experience through the Erasmus+ project MINED – Methods for Inspiring Non-formal Education on Decarbonisation (2023-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000162070). The setting? A vibrant international summer camp in the heart of the Mátra Mountains, Hungary – where 60 children from 3 countries came together for a week full of discovery, creativity, and collaboration.

Days of Inspiration and Action

The first three days of the camp were packed with hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and creative workshops designed to spark curiosity and action around decarbonisation and sustainability.

🔹 Day 1 began with an engaging session on the biodiversity of the Mátra region, followed by a dynamic Kahoot quiz to test what we’d learned. The afternoon brought color and motion as students used their creativity and craftsmanship to design their own wind spinners – small but powerful symbols of clean energy.

🔹 Day 2 was led by the enthusiastic team from Edulifelong, who facilitated four powerful workshops:

• Comics: turning imagination and messages into visual stories

• Climatique Fresque: understanding climate change through collaboration

• Model EU Parliament Role-Play: debating the Decarbonisation and Heritage Directive like real decision-makers

• Time Capsule 2040: imagining a coal-free future for our communities

🔹 Day 3 was hosted by our Bulgarian partners, who encouraged students to dive deeper into environmental issues through a lively debate session, followed by a hands-on orienteering workshop where every child learned to use a map and compass in the forest! In the afternoon, we explored the charming UNESCO village of Hollókő and its medieval castle – rich with legends and breathtaking views.

Nature, Adventure & New Heights

On Day 4, we left the classroom behind and embraced the outdoors! The children had a blast navigating through an adventure park and hiking to the highest peak in Hungary – Kékestető – where laughter and joy echoed through the forest.

Learning Beyond Borders

Throughout the week, 60 children accompanied by teachers and youth workers from three countries formed a vibrant, supportive, and joyful community. They played, learned, shared ideas about a sustainable future, and built lasting friendships that crossed borders and languages.

The MINED project, part of the Erasmus+ programme, reminded us once again of the power of experiential education and the impact of international collaboration. By connecting climate education with creativity, movement, and real-world context, we’ve not only enriched young minds—we’ve also empowered the next generation of changemakers.

Thank you to all the facilitators, volunteers, and partner teams who made this week truly special. And most of all—thank you to the amazing young participants who brought energy, curiosity, and heart to everything they did!

📌 This activity is part of the Erasmus+ project MINED – Methods for Inspiring Non-formal Education on Decarbonisation (2023-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000162070), co-funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).