Dare2Move4Nature Final Conference Highlights

The conference opened with an introduction by Chloe Jordan, Policy and Project Manager at ENGSO Youth. She presented an overview of the Dare2Move4Nature project, outlining its goals of encouraging outdoor physical activity, youth empowerment, and environmental awareness through sport and nature-based activities.

The first external guest speaker was Ioana Hriscu, who shared a personal journey titled “Hiking Beyond Limits: The Journey of a Curious Mind, a Brave Heart and a Passion for the Mountains.” Whereby she shared her passion for mountain exploration and reflected on how hiking has shaped her resilience, curiosity, and connection to nature. The focus was on the up’s and down’s of hiking in Nepal and up Kilamanjor.  Her story illustrated how outdoor experiences can serve as powerful tools for personal growth and mental well-being. 

Following this, Jaka Ošlovnik, Communications Officer at the Scout Association of Slovenia, explored the intersection of youth development, volunteerism, and environmental stewardship within scouting. His session highlighted how scouting traditions continue to foster leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong ethic of care for the natural world among young people. He emphasized the importance of structured youth movements in building long-term commitment to sustainability.

Next the conference continued with personal reflections with Elena Bianca Mireuță, a youth participant from the Dare2Move4Nature camps in Romania. Sharing her first-hand experience of the 4-day camp, she described how immersive outdoor activities helped her build confidence, friendships, and a stronger appreciation for nature. Her contribution provided a grounded view of the project’s impact at participant level, illustrating how hands-on experiences can leave lasting impressions on young people.

A short discussion session followed allowing participants and speakers to exchange reflections on the themes presented throughout the event, specifically how we can work together to engage more young people in this topic. The conference concluded with closing remarks from Chloe Jordan, who thanked speakers and participants for their contributions and reaffirmed ENGSO Youth’s commitment to continuing work in this field.

The Dare2Move4Nature Final Conference successfully highlighted the transformative power of nature-based youth engagement. Through personal storytelling, organisational insight, and participant experiences, the event reinforced a shared message: connecting young people with nature is not only beneficial for well-being, but essential for building a more active, engaged, and environmentally conscious generation.