I care – Croatia

I care - CROATIA

Our adventure began with a shared journey in one large transfer full of a young, enthusiastic Slovak delegation, eager to unwind and do something for themselves after a long period of isolation, uncertainty, depression, and disconnection from other young people. The project we participated in took place in the beautiful surroundings of the village of Veliki Žitnik. One could say that this village is located at the end of the world, not only because every participant could feel a strong connection with nature from the very first moment, but also because a full signal or the ability to turn on data was mostly a rarity. The roads were also empty, without busy car traffic; silence reigned everywhere, it was literally possible to feel nature and enjoy the green grass and trees. Moreover, the connection with the people around and the present moment was strong. The program of this project consisted of activities focused on Maslow's hierarchy of needs (physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization). Every day we experienced something new, faced various adventures, pushed our limits, strengthened our self-confidence, and built strong relationships among ourselves. We learned to present our ideas, thoughts, and opinions to others, while also tolerating and trusting others. In my opinion, the most exceptional activities were: practicing yoga with various breathing techniques and mantras, hiking to the nearby Krčmar hill, from which we had a beautiful view of the surroundings and after which we had a shared picnic, and of course, rock climbing in the Velebit National Park. For most participants, this was their first experience with climbing. Personally, I really liked the fact that despite the great fear of some, or even a literally broken arm, EVERYONE tried this activity, touched the rock, felt that moment of adrenaline, strong connection, and responsibility. I was very proud of all of us.

Almost every evening, we lit a fire, talked, danced, sang, and simply spent time together. I liked the daily creation of a circle of people sitting on the grass next to each other. In this setup, we shared our experiences that we had experienced or noticed throughout the day. Knowing how others felt was inspiring and interesting to me.

If I had to summarize the entire project in just one sentence, I would say that each and every one of us learned something about ourselves or others and gained an unforgettable experience!

“People tend to forget many things, but they never forget an adventure! “