Workshops at Ilmatsalu Youth Center – "Survival in Nature and the City"

February 28, 2022

What does survival in nature mean? Do you have a survival kit packed when going on a hike? But have you considered that you also need to survive when a snowstorm has paralyzed life in cities... How do you act then if there's no water, heating, electricity, and shops are closed?

Ilmatsalu Youth Center offers classes the opportunity to learn about nature education and survival in a non-formal way. Through practical skills, they learn hiking wisdom, nature, behavior in nature, and survival. It is also important to know how to survive in the city if you are caught in a snowstorm, if there is no electricity, no water, etc.

The lesson topics are structured based on the season and experiences gained from previous teachings. There are topics that only concern hiking skills – e.g., backpack packing, topography lessons in the field, including map reading skills. There are topics where young people acquire knowledge about survival in nature and how to handle various tools needed for hiking. There are topics that deal solely with urban survival in a crisis. Teamwork skills are also important here.

If possible, activities will take place on the Ilmatsalu bird trail, where participants will navigate using a topographical map, passing through marked points and completing tasks. Allow 5 hours to complete the trail and the tasks. Young people who successfully complete the trail will receive a certificate confirming they have acquired knowledge, experience, and skills. Alternatively, shorter activities can be conducted in the outdoor area of the Ilmatsalu Youth Center.

Previously conducted workshops show that few young people have experience handling tools (axe, saw, knife) and lack the knowledge and skills for coping in nature. By conducting these workshops, we overcome these fears and acquire many new skills and knowledge. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of teamwork skills.

Participant age 7-19. Group size 15-22 young people.

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