Off script! Everyone’s a facilitator until… the group does something unexpected.

Off script! Everyone's a facilitator until... the group does something unexpected

Are you interested in taking your first steps as a group leader, facilitator or trainer?

Do you want to understand how groups function and how to create environments in which meaningful learning can take place?

If so, IYNF's Off script! training course is for you!

As a participant of our training, you will:

explore group dynamics, pedagogical approaches, diversity and inclusion, conflict management, safeguarding, communication and methodological competencies
practise recognising group processes, reflecting on different behaviours and needs, and distinguishing between what you observe and how you interpret it
adapt non-formal education methods through the three thematic dimensions of IYNF: Green (environmental education and sustainability), Red (democracy, participation and active citizenship), and Blue (youth work, empowerment and international cooperation)
gradually shift your perspective from learner to facilitator in a supportive environment
learn how to cater for a large group as part of a self-catering programme (vegan)

Tell me more?

Moving from being a participant in youth activities to taking responsibility for a group is an exciting but challenging step. It requires more than knowing a collection of non-formal education methods or having expertise in a particular topic. It means understanding how groups function, recognising their needs, making conscious educational decisions and creating an environment in which meaningful learning can take place.

This training is built around the understanding that facilitation is not about being the person who knows everything, but about being able to guide and support a learning process responsibly. Through experiential learning, practical exercises, observation and reflection, you will explore the different dimensions of working with groups in a holistic way, discovering how these dimensions are continuously interconnected and how decisions made during an activity can influence the learning process, group dynamics and the wellbeing of individuals.

You will develop the ability to observe and respond to group processes, explore when intervention is necessary and when allowing the group to find its own solutions is the most valuable choice, and learn to adapt methods to different topics, target groups and learning environments.

By the end of the six days at Het Zeehuis, you should feel more confident in taking on responsibilities within youth activities, whether as a group leader, facilitator or aspiring trainer. You will leave with a stronger awareness of your role in supporting groups and a foundation for continuing to develop your competencies through practical experience.

Where and When?

Het Zeehuis, Bergen aan Zee, The Netherlands
January 31st to February 5th, 2027

How much does it cost?

50 EUR for members/ 75 EUR for non-members (please let us know if this is an economic constraint)
Includes the training, accommodation, plant-based meals, and green travel reimbursement

Who can join?

Be at least 16 years to max. 30 years of age at the beginning of the training
Have a good understanding of English
Young people with some non-formal education experience as participants, interested in taking their first steps as facilitators or group leaders.
Be a resident or national of the following EU or neighbouring countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Spain
Not part of Erasmus, Erasmus+, or a European Solidarity Corps programme at the time of the training

Travel requirements

One of our fundamental values at IYNF is sustainability, which we aim to instill in all our activities. IYNF requires sustainable transportation to the activity (bike, train, bus). Just in, duly justified cases, non-sustainable travels (e.g. planes) are permitted.
Please notice false information about your willingness to travel sustainably might lead to exclusion from the activity

Applications close November 13th!

Apply now

FAQ

Curious about how you can take part?

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our activities.

I have a question - what shall I do?

Please read the call for participants and the FAQ carefully to check if your question hasn’t been answered there. We understand that the rules of participation are complex; however, we don’t have the capacity to repeat information that is publicly available and writing us an additional email will not increase your chances of being selected. Questions related to travel arrangements, participation fees and other organisational issues are sorted with the selected participants, and we don’t answer them before the selection process is finalised. If your question goes beyond the above-mentioned and you have specific personal concerns about your application, please drop us an email.

Does sending an additional application email help me to get in after filling in the form?

No. We are just looking at the forms, so additional emails expressing strong wishes for participation will not be considered. We usually receive many emails, and we don’t have the capacity to reply to all of them. Above all, we strive for a fair selection process and trying to gain advantage by any means beyond those mentioned in the call for participants is not viewed positively. The form gives you all the space you need to provide us with the information relevant to your application, so please use it to the full extent.

I cannot pay the full participation fee - can I still participate?

Yes, absolutely, we believe that financial constraints shouldn’t hinder participation in educational activities. In case you are facing any financial constraints, you can contact us after you are selected, and we will find an individual solution for your situation. We believe in solidarity and therefore find a tailored solution together with you. Please do not write to us about this beforehand via mail as we only find solutions with people selected, and the financial capacity of individuals doesn’t play any role in the selection process.

I want to apply as a country national, but I live somewhere else - can I take part?

If you live in a country that is listed among the eligible countries, please apply and mention your nationality and your place of residence in your application. Please be aware that proof of long-term residency might be a condition to your participation as it is a requirement of our donors.

If you live in a country that isn’t listed among the eligible countries, IYNF cannot accept your participation. Selecting a different country than your nationality or residence is considered as a false information and will result in excluding your application.

I’m resident in a country listed, but my nationality is different - can I take part?

Yes, but you will need to submit a proof of long-term residency to us to fulfil the requirements of our donors. Please be aware that by applying you are also confirming that your long-term stay isn’t funded from the same resources as our activities. Double funding isn’t allowed. For example, Erasmus+ students or ESC volunteers are excluded from participating in the short term educational mobilities funded by the European Commission during the duration of their activity.

Do I have to travel sustainably?

As IYNF strives to reduce its own environmental footprint, your willingness to travel sustainably can be part of the selection process. We strongly recommend investigating your sustainable travel options before applying and reading the conditions in the IYNF travel policy. Sustainable travels are not required in case of justified special needs, or in case of destinations that are very hard to reach other than by plane, but IYNFs' limits are stricter than what is considered standard. We won’t allow flights to meet your personal plans that collide with the activity travel days. Committing to sustainable travel in the application and demanding a flight later in the process might lead to cancelation of your participation.

In case I’m selected, I want to I prolong my stay or take breaks during travelling – am I allowed to do that?

It depends. The educational travel grants strictly exclude funding of activities of touristic nature. If you must prolong your stay because of limited transportation options or if you want to take a one-day break to ease your long sustainable travels, please talk to the project manager about the options once selected. IYNF will try to make your travels as safe and comfortable as possible.

If you decide to arrive to the destination earlier or leave later, you might not be eligible for travel reimbursement. Please always consult your travel plans with the project manager prior booking. Any prolongations of your stay above 2 days aren’t allowed to be funded by the grants and will result in partial or full cuts of your travel reimbursement. You may still proceed with your plans, but you will be required to (co)fund your trip. Detours combined with breaks aren’t allowed. Accommodation costs during your trip aren’t covered by IYNF unless they are proposed by the project manager due to no better sustainable or economically reasonable option to reach the destination.

I have a disability – can I participate?

The project was kindly funded by:

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