Open call for young people aged 18 to 30 (plus group leaders 18+) from Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain to join the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Authentic Roots, from 19 to 28 August 2026 in Smolnik, Ruลกe, Slovenia. It's an invitation to step out of the rush of everyday life and reconnect with nature, yourself and others through folklore, rituals, movement and creative expression.
About the Exchange
Through experiential and non-formal learning, participants explore how folklore, rituals and traditional knowledge can support self-awareness, introspection and a sense of belonging. Together you'll co-create a temporary community built on connection, trust and mutual support, sharing elements of your own traditions while engaging in practices that support mental wellbeing, mindful presence and self-regulation. Movement, creativity, rituals and time in nature are central, helping you slow down, turn inward and deepen connection.
What We'll Do Together
๐ฟ Wander, observe and interact with nature as a partner in learning
๐ฅ Explore folklore, rituals and traditional knowledge as living practices
๐ Express ourselves through movement, creativity and body awareness
๐ค Co-create a space of trust, connection and shared living
๐ฑ Experience simple, sustainable community life
Curious what a youth exchange actually feels like? Read one project's story: https://youthworkshub.org/15180/
The Themes
๐ Living in rhythm with nature: seasons, harvest, lunar rhythms and traditional ways of understanding the world
๐ค Community and folklore: co-creating a temporary community and bringing your own stories, rituals, music and symbols into a rich intercultural exchange
๐ง Body, mind and creative expression: tools to slow down, regulate the nervous system and express yourself through movement, art and storytelling
๐ Presence, balance and everyday sustainability: moments of digital detox and mindful presence, bringing together wellbeing, connection and care for the environment
Who Should Apply
This is for you if you're:
๐ฟ Curious about a slower, simpler way of living, closer to nature
๐ถ Wanting to step outside daily routines and try something different
๐ค Open to connecting deeply with yourself, others and community
๐ฅ Drawn to folklore, traditions and how our ancestors lived
๐ง Looking for tools for self-regulation and self-awareness
๐ Ready to learn through experience, body and senses, not just theory
โจ Someone who has never had an opportunity like this but feels a "yes"
๐ซ Ready to help keep the exchange alcohol- and drug-free
Eligible Countries
๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia, ๐ญ๐บ Hungary, ๐ฎ๐น Italy, ๐ต๐ฑ Poland, ๐ช๐ธ Spain
The Venue
The exchange takes place in Smolnik, in the Municipality of Ruลกe, in an isolated natural setting in the Pohorje mountains, surrounded by forest. As the venue is remote, don't expect trips to the city; most activities take place outdoors or in a large indoor hall if needed, and participants stay in shared rooms.
Food & Costs
๐ฝ๏ธ Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily with coffee breaks in between; meals are mainly vegan with some possible additions (tuna, eggs, cheese), with locally sourced ingredients where possible, including from permaculture farms
๐ Food, accommodation and workshops are free of charge; travel expenses are reimbursed after the project (costs covered by European Union funds)
The Details
๐ Location: Smolnik, Ruลกe, Slovenia (Pohorje mountains)
๐๏ธ Dates: 19 to 28 August 2026 (8 days of programme plus 2 travel days; arrival 19 Aug, programme starts 20 Aug, departure 28 Aug)
๐ฅ For: 30 young people aged 18 to 30 (plus group leaders 18+) from the partner countries
๐ถ Cost: free of charge (food, accommodation, workshops); travel reimbursed after the project
๐ฒ Remote natural venue, shared rooms, and an alcohol- and drug-free space
How to Apply
๐ Fill in the application form (linked below). Selection takes place by 6 July 2026. The organisers value authentic, personal answers over AI-generated ones. Questions can be sent to earthspirit.projects@gmail.com
Deadline
๐ 29 June 2026
Links
๐ Application form: https://tinyurl.com/rzed7u6t
๐ Infopack & more info: https://tinyurl.com/4ekmwhrw
๐ง Questions: earthspirit.projects@gmail.com
