The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange ‘Between Screens and Stars: In Search of Clear Skies’ was successfully implemented from 26 June to 2 July 2026 in Samobor, Croatia. The project brought together young participants aged 13–15 from different partner countries to promote mental health, emotional well-being, healthy lifestyles, and intercultural understanding through outdoor education and non-formal learning. All planned activities were successfully implemented.
The main purpose of the project was to support the personal and social development of young people by increasing their awareness of mental health and emotional well-being. The project aimed to encourage participants to adopt healthier lifestyles, strengthen their emotional literacy, and develop resilience and coping strategies that can help them deal with everyday challenges. Additionally, the exchange focused on improving communication and teamwork skills, promoting intercultural dialogue, and encouraging participants to develop a stronger connection with nature through outdoor learning experiences.
During the exchange, participants took part in a variety of non-formal learning activities designed to support personal growth, cooperation, and intercultural understanding. The programme started with ice-breaking and team-building activities that helped participants get to know each other, create a positive group atmosphere, and build trust within the group.
Intercultural learning was an important part of the exchange, with participants presenting their countries, traditions, and cultures during country presentations and intercultural evenings. These activities encouraged curiosity, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
A significant part of the programme focused on mental health and emotional well-being through workshops that encouraged participants to explore their emotions, improve their emotional awareness, and discuss the importance of taking care of their mental health. Outdoor activities, including forest exploration and nature-based learning, provided participants with opportunities to experience the benefits of spending time in nature and to reflect on the relationship between the environment and personal well-being.
Through sports activities, group challenges, and creative workshops, participants strengthened their cooperation, problem-solving, and communication skills while expressing themselves in different ways. Reflection sessions throughout the project supported participants in recognizing their learning outcomes and personal development. The Youthpass workshop helped participants understand the competences they developed during the exchange, while the final evaluation and closing ceremony provided space for sharing impressions, feedback, and memorable moments from the project.
The project had a positive impact on participants’ personal development and social competences. Throughout the exchange, young people gained greater awareness of mental health and the importance of emotional well-being. They became more confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings, while also learning how to better understand and support others.
The activities contributed to improved communication, teamwork, and cooperation among participants. By working together in an international group, participants developed stronger interpersonal skills and built new friendships across borders. The exchange also increased their understanding of healthy lifestyle choices and encouraged them to spend more time engaging in outdoor activities and connecting with nature.
The impact of the project extended beyond the activities implemented during the exchange itself. Participants gained valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that they can apply in their everyday lives and share within their local communities. The project encouraged young people to become more aware of their own emotions, develop healthier habits, and approach challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Furthermore, the exchange strengthened cooperation between the partner organisations involved in the project and created a foundation for future collaboration. By bringing together young people from different cultural backgrounds, the project contributed to greater intercultural understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of diversity.
The project successfully achieved all planned objectives. Through experiential learning, outdoor education and intercultural exchange, participants strengthened their emotional resilience, social competences and awareness of mental health. The exchange provided valuable experiences that will have a lasting positive impact on both the participants and their local communities.
