Life Action Role Play for Emotional Well-Being

A LARP is a form of role-playing game where the participants physically portray their characters. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of player actions may be mediated by game rules or determined by consensus among players. LARPs range in size from small private events lasting a few hours to large public events with thousands of players lasting for days. LARP is rooted in childhood games of make-believe, play fighting, costume parties, role-play simulations, improvisational theatre, military simulations and historical re-enactment events. 

In the context of this project, we will explore and focus predominantly on LARPs that can be easily adjusted to the youth work field. This means LARPS that are easy to organise with young people, for beginners (in LARP and/or theatre in general), with little to no budget and in flexible locations. 

What can you gain as a Youth Worker from this course?

• A comprehensive understanding of what emotional well-being is. 
• A strong motivation to foster emotional well-being among young people. 
• A clear overview of what LARP is and what is not (what makes LARP a LARP).
• Confidence in explaining basic LARP theory (specific terminology, types of LARP, main features, etc.) 
• Concrete practical experience in playing different LARPs (on almost every day of the course a LARP will be played). 
• A strong understanding of the benefits of LARP among young people. 
• Knowledge of how LARP can be used for fostering emotional well-being.
• An increased motivation to use the LARP method for the well-being of young people.
• Readiness to use LARP in their work with young people.
• Basic skills in designing simple LARP activities for young people. 
• Confidence in using Experiential Learning Cycle Theory while using LARP methods and in general with young people.

What can you gain on a personal level from this course?

• Creativity skills
• Self-Confidence 
• Reduced self-criticism 
• Enhanced communication skills 
• Increased easiness in interacting with other individuals 
• Joyful and fun experience
• Improvisational skills 
• Increased empathetic capacity 
• Enhanced critical skills 
• A general feeling of empowerment
• Expanded comfort zone  

The course is strongly based on experiential learning principles and philosophy, with adequate time allocated for debriefing and reflection throughout the whole program. The working methods used are chosen to offer the possibility of equal involvement of each participant, every person being stimulated to be engaged actively in the process.  The training activities are flexible and adaptable to group needs taking into account the reactions of participants, their feedback, their expressed needs, their experience and the way they will work as a group. 

The learning process will be guided and facilitated by an experienced team. This team is currently involved in a 3 years project aiming at fostering emotional well-being among young people at risk of social exclusion using diverse methods (including LARP)

• Andreea-Loredana Tudorache has been involved in the international youth work field since 2003 in various capacities. She is one of the founders of A.R.T. Fusion Association and over the years has trained numerous professionals around the world in various topics. (http://trainers.salto-youth.net/AndreeaLoredanaTudorache )
• Tuba Ardic is the Director of Creative Connection, a Trainer at the National Agency of Norway and a passionate youth worker, active mentor, trainer, facilitator and social researcher since 2010. 
• Elena Stevkovska, youth worker, volunteers manager, theatre facilitator and trainer since 2021 (https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toy/elena-stevkovska.6009/ ) 

Do you resonate with this course and want to be part of it? This is who we are looking for: 

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organizations (staff or active members, paid or not) who are working regularly with young people. The organization should have a valid OID number. 
• Strong motivation in using LARP in their work with young people. (this course is for beginners in the LARP field but we welcome more experienced LARP'ers as well)
• Genuine interest in fostering the emotional well-being of young people. 
• Good command of the English language; 
• People older than 18 years and with a legal residence (proven by documents) in the country they are currently residing in.