We’re now 3 out of 4 trainings into The Big Four series, part of the Erasmus+ programme Open Door – nature for social inclusion. This time we headed deep into the heart of the Czech wilderness – the beautiful, raw, and unpredictable Rychlebské Hory – for a powerful experience of Wilderness Therapy, hosted by our Czech partners Terapie divočinou.
From the 13th to the 18th of May, our international group of youth workers from Poland, Spain, Romania, and Czechia spent four intense days and three nights fully immersed in nature. Far from comfort zones, close to the ground, and closer still to each other. The training was led by an experienced Czech facilitation team – Michal, Petra, Janko, and Janka – who guided us through the deep waters of personal and group processes. Days were filled with walking, gathering and filtering water, making fire, sharing circles, metaphor work, and moments of reflective silence. We explored life stories through the “River of Life” exercise, found our own paths through the forest, and slept under the trees, no matter the weather.
And the weather… became one of our greatest teachers. On the most emotionally intense day, we were hit by an unexpected storm. Rain turned to snow – yes, snow in May! – just as we were preparing camp for the night. Soaked clothes, cold hands, foggy breath… and yet, something shifted. Sharing the struggle brought the group closer. Drying socks by the fire became a lesson in care and resilience. That evening will stay with us for a long time.
Throughout the journey, one message came through clearly: when we neglect or care for our most basic needs – food, warmth, rest, safety – it has a profound impact on our inner world and our connection with others. Wilderness has a way of making the invisible, visible. Between moments of silence and laughter, struggle and insight, this training helped us reconnect with nature and our own human nature. Once again, we returned not just with tools for our work, but with stories, reflections, and something deeper – a shared experience of growth.
Next and final stop: Romania – for the last of The Big Four.
