Disconnection from our bodies, from nature, from each other — and from our own attention. This youth exchange is a direct response to all of that. Ten days on a small farm in Germany, 24 young people from four countries, and a programme built around movement, creative expression, sustainable farm living, and digital awareness.

Academy of Growth e.V. is hosting Create and Cultivate — an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange bringing together participants from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany at their small farm in Geldern. The project invites young people to slow down, reconnect, and explore more balanced and intentional ways of living — through non-formal education, hands-on activities, and genuine intercultural exchange.

What Is This Project About?

The premise is simple and honest: many of us are increasingly disconnected from our bodies, from nature, and from our attention. This exchange creates a space to explore that — not through lectures, but through doing, moving, creating, and reflecting together. The goal is not just personal insight but real action: participants are expected to bring their learning back home and create a local initiative in their community.

Objectives

🧘 Encourage young people to reconnect with their bodies through movement, expression, and non-verbal communication

🎨 Develop creativity as a tool for self-expression, emotional processing, and connection with others

🌱 Promote sustainable lifestyles through hands-on farm experiences and ecological practices

📱 Strengthen awareness of digital habits and support more conscious and balanced technology use

🌍 Foster intercultural learning through shared experiences, collaboration, and reflection

🤝 Empower participants to integrate what they learn into their daily lives and local communities

Programme Activities

✨ Movement, embodiment, and non-verbal communication — yoga, dance, breathwork, and meditation in nature

🎨 Creative expression and emotional exploration — artistic activities for self-expression and connection

🌿 Farm-based sustainable living practices — hands-on ecological experiences on the Academy of Growth farm

📱 Digital awareness and conscious technology use — reflection on modern lifestyles and habits

🤝 Intercultural exchange and personal growth — shared experiences across four national groups

Who Should Apply?

Each national team can include:

🔹 5 participants aged 18 to 30

🔹 1 experienced group leader — no age limit

🔹 Open-minded, motivated, and willing to engage with others across cultures

🔹 Young people with fewer opportunities are especially welcomed — those from rural areas, low-income backgrounds, or facing personal challenges

Commitments

By applying, participants commit to:

📋 Taking part in all sessions of the exchange

📝 Completing small preparatory tasks beforehand

📢 Contributing to the online dissemination of the project

🏘️ After the project: creating a local initiative, sharing it with their community, and documenting the impact

⚠️ Travel costs will only be reimbursed after successful completion of the local initiative.

⚠️ Please do not use AI tools to fill in the application form — the organisers want to know who you genuinely are.

The Venue

📍 Academy of Growth e.V. farm, Geldern, Germany

The accommodation and learning area are all located within the same natural space. The property has a strong focus on nature connection and the facilities reflect the project's values around sustainable living.

🏕️ Participants sleep in spacious tents for two people — all sleeping gear provided (mattresses, blankets, pillows, extra sleeping bags for colder weather)

🍳 Meals prepared by skilled chefs — mainly vegetarian/vegan, with two special dinners featuring high-quality locally sourced meat. All dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free) are supported

🚿 Shower and toilet systems built into trailers

🌳 Most activities take place outside in nature — grass areas, outdoor gym, and a nature classroom

🏚️ A large shed available as a training room for rainy weather

⚠️ If you have a cat allergy, please note that there are two cats on the farm.

Travel & Reimbursement

Travel costs are reimbursed per participant based on distance. All itineraries must use the cheapest available option.

🇩🇪 Germany: up to €56 (green travel)

🇪🇸 Spain: up to €309 (standard) / €417 (green travel)

🇮🇹 Italy: up to €309 (standard) / €417 (green travel)

🇵🇹 Portugal: up to €395 (standard) / €535 (green travel)

🇵🇹 Portugal — Madeira Island: up to €395 (standard) / €535 (green travel)

🌿 Green Travel bonus: for journeys of 500 km or more, up to 2 extra nights covered at €71 per night (hostel and food) for stopovers — applicable both on arrival and departure. Stopovers must bring you progressively closer to the destination. Original receipts required.

💬 Wondering how Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are actually planned and what happens behind the scenes? This guide takes you inside the process: https://youthworkshub.org/15107/

Activity Details

📅 Activity Dates: 10 July 2026 – 20 July 2026 (Arrival: 10 July / Project days: 11–19 July / Departure: 20 July)

📍 Location: Geldern, Germany

👤 Activity Type: Youth Exchange

Deadline

⏰ 14 May 2026

Eligible Countries

🇮🇹 Italy 🇪🇸 Spain 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇩🇪 Germany

Infopack & Apply

📄 Infopack: https://tinyurl.com/mwmszh8x

📋 Application Form: https://t.ly/Dy1Us

✋Important Notice

Youth Works Hub does not represent or act on behalf of any organization listed on this platform. All project details are sourced directly from official ESC and Erasmus+ databases. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official project page or contact the hosting organization directly. Youth Works Hub is not responsible for any changes made to project details after publication.