In 2011 Antwerp was the European Capital of Youth. Formaat, based in Antwerp, wanted to contribute to this by bringing together young people from across Europe to exchange about Open Youth Work.

In July 2011 seventy young people from youth clubs in seven different countries gathered under canvas in Antwerp for a youth camp. At the beginning of the camp the young people were given a challenge of their organisational and creative skills - to organise an event for volunteers and board members of Formaat and other guests.

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A full week of interesting group processes and training sessions resulted in an amazing event where the young people could shine. Working together as a group stimulated steep learning curves and increased the confidence of all the young people. The young people were able to develop skills through the challenge as well as learning about each others cultures along the way.

Žiga from Zagorje Ob Savi, Slovenia said of his experience:

“I wanted to take part in the camp for several reasons. It is a combination of having FUN, seeing a new country, getting to know the culture, meeting new people and improving my language skills. I really want to explore Europe.”