From June 8 to 14, 2026, Dolný Vadičov became the hub of an international Erasmus+ training program for youth workers. The IN & OUT 4 training welcomed 26 participants from 16 countries—Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Lithuania, Albania, Georgia, Spain, Argentina, Egypt, and Germany. They all had one thing in common: they work with young people and are looking for inspiration on how to do it better.
What does IN & OUT mean?
The name is no coincidence. The training focused on a combination that youth work needs in practice—outdoor and indoor activities, theory linked to experience, individual growth, and group dynamics.
The five pillars of the program:
Inspiration through new activities – physical, creative, and strategic games
Intensive first aid course – an essential foundation for every youth worker
Group dynamics and collaboration – theory with immediate practice
Outdoor survival in the forest – navigation, team decision-making, adaptability
Indoor team games – leadership, communication, creativity under one roof
Highlights of the Week
https://www.keric.sk/en/workshops-and-trainings/1782-in-out-4-erasmus-training-for-youth-workers-keric-cadca-how-it-went#sigProId68a07567db
The most memorable moments according to the participants themselves? The survival challenge day in the forest, where groups had to navigate and solve problems without the comforts of home. The first aid course, which several participants described as the most useful thing they took away from the training. And the dance and music activities, where language was no barrier.
https://www.keric.sk/en/workshops-and-trainings/1782-in-out-4-erasmus-training-for-youth-workers-keric-cadca-how-it-went#sigProId276fce336f
Saturday’s trip to the mountains provided the perfect conclusion to the week—a natural setting for conversations, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the journey.
Friday at school: 16 countries at Komák for our annual OSTROV event
https://www.keric.sk/en/workshops-and-trainings/1782-in-out-4-erasmus-training-for-youth-workers-keric-cadca-how-it-went#sigProId3876e80bff
One of the highlights of the week took place outside the forest and away from our accommodations. On Friday morning, our participants headed to Komenský Elementary School in Čadca, where they prepared a series of language games and activities in English for third-graders.
As the school described it: the students ran from task to task, talked with volunteers from 16 countries, learned new vocabulary, and discovered that English is actually a lot of fun. At the same time, they said goodbye to Chiara from Italy, who had made their English classes more enjoyable all year long as a KERIC ESC volunteer.
More from the school on their Facebook page 🙌
What the participants said
The final evaluation form painted a clear picture: the accommodations and location received top ratings from nearly everyone. Recurring words in the open-ended responses: organized, atmosphere, nature, homey feeling.
One participant wrote: “Thank you for the practical approach, punctuality, and home-cooked meals.” Another: “I can’t wait to recommend Slovakia to everyone I know.”
https://www.keric.sk/en/workshops-and-trainings/1782-in-out-4-erasmus-training-for-youth-workers-keric-cadca-how-it-went#sigProIdb0efb9ece0
Erasmus+ and KERIC: Why We Do It
IN & OUT 4 is part of KERIC’s long-term strategy to bring international educational formats to the region that have a direct impact on youth work. Every participant leaves with concrete tools—not just experiences.
The project was implemented as part of the Erasmus+ program.
