(Romanian group – Open Door Project)
In September 2025, our Romanian group took part in a five-day nature expedition in the Sequoia mountain area, as part of the Open Doors – Nature for Social Inclusion project. The group included young people with visual and hearing impairments, supported by youth workers and volunteers, exploring together what nature can offer when activities are accessible, adapted, and shared.
The purpose of the expedition was to strengthen confidence, independence, cooperation, and emotional connection with nature. Participants worked together to set up camp, navigate outdoor environments, play, explore, and reflect. Without the usual speed and noise of everyday life, nature created space for communication, patience, support, and joy.
Moments such as touching the cold water of the river, recognizing plants by smell or texture, laughing around the fire, and helping each other walk along forest paths created strong bonds within the group and helped participants see their own abilities in a new light.
Only a few days later, on 25 September 2025, we met again for a one-day trip focused on animal-assisted activities and balance work. Participants interacted with horses, ponies, and small animals, learning to approach them calmly and confidently. The experience encouraged trust, body awareness, and emotional grounding, especially for those facing fears or uncertainties. The session continued with a gentle slackline activity, where participants practiced balance with support from peers and facilitators, a symbolic and meaningful exercise in stability and self-belief.
Both activities highlighted something essential:
Inclusion happens when we create conditions where everyone can participate fully, contribute, and be seen.
Nature proved to be not only a setting, but a partner, offering challenge, comfort, silence, and play.
This journey was about growing together, step by step, touch by touch, moment by moment.
