Off script! Everyone's a facilitator until... the group does something unexpected

Are you interested in taking your first steps as a group leader, facilitator or trainer? Do you want to understand how groups function and how to create environments in which meaningful learning can take place?

If so, join IYNF at Het Zeehuis in Bergen aan Zee, the Netherlands, from 31 January to 5 February 2027 for Off Script! Everyone’s a facilitator until… the group does something unexpected.

This six-day training course supports young people active in youth work and non-formal education who have already experienced non-formal education as participants and are ready to start taking responsibility for a group.

Moving from being a participant in youth activities to taking responsibility for a group is an exciting but challenging step. It requires more than knowing a collection of non-formal education methods or having expertise in a particular topic. It means understanding how groups function, recognising their needs, making conscious educational decisions and creating an environment in which meaningful learning can take place. The training is built around the understanding that facilitation is not about being the person who knows everything, but about being able to guide and support a learning process responsibly.

Through experiential learning, practical exercises, observation and reflection, you will:

• explore group dynamics, pedagogical approaches, diversity and inclusion, conflict management, safeguarding, communication and methodological competencies
• practise recognising group processes, reflecting on different behaviours and needs, and distinguishing between what you observe and how you interpret it
• adapt non-formal education methods through the three thematic dimensions of IYNF: Green (environmental education and sustainability), Red (democracy, participation and active citizenship), and Blue (youth work, empowerment and international cooperation)
• gradually shift your perspective from learner to facilitator in a supportive environment
• learn how to cater for a large group as part of a self-catering programme (vegan)

By the end of the six days, you should feel more confident in taking on responsibilities within youth activities, whether as a group leader, facilitator or aspiring trainer. You will leave with a stronger awareness of your role in supporting groups and a foundation for continuing to develop your competencies through practical experience.

Who is this training for?
The course is aimed at:

• young people who have already experienced non-formal education as participants and are interested in taking their first steps as group leaders, facilitators or trainers
• people who are curious, open and willing to reflect on their own strengths, limitations and responsibilities
• those who are ready to take on responsibility for a group and its learning experiences

Participants must be at least 16 and at most 30 years old at the beginning of the training (we only have a few spaces for people above 30).

Applicants must be residents or nationals of the following EU or neighbouring countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain.