28. September - 2. October 2016 - National Park Donau-Auen
Day 1
It´s the first day of Action Leader Training! After everyone arrived to the beautiful location in Nationalpark-camp Meierhof where this kick-off weekend is taking place we began with an introduction of the whole Generation Earth idea and how it all started to provide some background to the new folks. Everyone had the opportunity to share what they brought with them and what their expectations are for the next 9 months. The group looked very interested and everyone is looking forward to working with such motivated people.
Day 2
It was a beautiful autumn day. We started in the morning with a great breakfast and a song for the sun. To start the official program we gathered outside to play an exciting game of blind sheep and experienced how to work in a group. Following a quick lunch we had a second group game in which the ground was lava and we had to get to the other side only by using logs and boxes. Afterwards we talked about what qualities and skills we see in a leader. Then we had a solo sit where we reflected on our own strengths and weaknesses. Bringing back our results into the group we discussed what we can bring into the group and what we will need from the group. In the evening we had a relaxed and funny time at the campfire.
Day 3
We had an early morning start with breakfast at 6:45, because we went to the United Nations in Vienna. Our tour guide gave us an exciting overview about the UN: the members, their work and the different institutions of the United Nations. Afterwards we talked about the 17 sustainable development goals, it’s a really important agenda and we want to get active!
In the afternoon we were invited to the Swedish embassy. We enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch made of organic and local products. We talked about their #firstgeneration programme and learned a bit about Swedish traditions like “fika” - a coffee break with sweets. Then we met our partners from Südwind and listened to an interesting presentation of their workshops. Back at the camp we played some fun games to learn the names of our newly arrived group members.
Day 4
The fourth day of the training was focused on experiences in nature as well as diving right into the topics of the upcoming training year.
After some people started the day with a nice walk we had breakfast. The program started with an inspiring solo activity out in nature, where we collected all the issues we really burn for! Afterwards, we started the brainstorming to figure out on which topics we’ll focus in the next trainings. We came up with interesting workshop ideas concerning project management, SDG-topics and soft skills. It took us the whole morning to fix the program, the dates and the planning teams of the next four meetings.
In the afternoon we had a great tour through the Danube National Park – which obviously is the most beautiful NP in the world, according to Babs, who was our guide. On the way back to the camp every one of us had the possibility to spend some time in nature on their own, to self-reflect the experiences within the training so far. After that we set together at the campfire to play some funny games, eat dinner and enjoy our last evening together.
Day 5
The last day at the camp went by so quickly, since we had to figure out the next steps we have to go and talk about some organizing stuff. Additionally, Natalie gave us a nice intro to the new Generation Earth website, which will be launched at the end of this month.
After lunch it was already time to say goodbye to everyone – each of us is so much looking forward to the next training in November, when we all meet again!
