TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Steven Gasgarth
The main theme of the training course was "sustainability in daily life". The main objectives were: to learn about sustainability on a theoretical and practical level; deepen the understanding of interdependency with nature; practice and learn about living in conditions with low impact on environment in a community style; share experience and knowledge about nature and sustainability; learn practical skills for light-weight living and camping; experience and learn about nature-based methods supporting self-development; use the example of the Skalka centre and community for learning and reflection about sustainability in practice; empower participants for future initiatives, activities and projects.
The training course brought together 30 participants, 10 trainers and support staff from 10 countries - AT, BE, DE, CH, HU, IT, ES, RO, UK.
The target group included: trainers; youth workers; active volunteers; teachers; outdoor educators; multipliers.
Name Games, Energisers, Presentation, Pair work, small & large group work, individual reflection, reflection groups, simulation, puzzle, collecting, way of council, practical campsite management, tour, dynamic group games, story telling, treasure hunt, creative tools, art, music, discussion, world cafe, solo time, nature-based, outdoor education, creative evaluation, group design, open space, plenary.
The participants were the co-creators of this programme. Our objectives were mostly met by all participants. They had practical experience of what sustainability is for themselves and others. They learned a wealth of theoretical knowledge about sustainability from each other, the training team and through their direct experience.
Most participants deepened their connection with nature and also their understanding of the interconnectedness - through practical experiences and witnessing the impact of us, residents and farming in the area.
The low impact style of how we lived and ate during the project provided practical experience of light-weight living which was directly transferable to other situations. Community was experienced and understood from a practical level through daily service & care along with our whole ethos for the programme.
As with our previous Butterfly Effect programmes, a number of participants implemented their learning into existing and new projects.
I was one of the trainers, responsible for overall programme design, methodologies, specific sessions, session support, logistic support and evaluation.