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Unkan goes wild

A method where the youth center moves out into nature.
Time

2–3 h

Difficulty

Challenging

Equipment

Barbecue hut or fire pit, firewood, firelighters, serving area by the fire, possibly outdoor games or activities

Participants

5–50

How?

How to do it

  1. Choose a safe and easily accessible fire pit or barbecue hut in advance. Check that it is permitted to light a fire at the location and that the necessary equipment is available.

  2. Invite the young people to an evening of relaxed socializing in nature. Encourage them to leave their phones in their backpacks or at home – “an evening without social media in nature” can be a good invitation.

  3. Once there, you can grill sausages, make coffee over the fire, or organize small outdoor games or stations, depending on the situation and the group.

  4. The leader can act as a safe facilitator: lead an easy icebreaker, start conversations, or help light the fire. The main focus of the evening is still on relaxed socializing.

  5. At the end of the evening, you can pause for a moment: how did you feel about being in nature and taking a break from social media? What stuck in your memory? If you want, you can decide on the next joint outdoor activity.

Why?

Nature, exercise, and shared activities help reduce stress and promote positive interaction. An evening without phones increases presence and strengthens group spirit and young people’s sense of belonging to the group.