Internship in OBC: developing solidarity

Outward Bound is all about unlocking young people’s potential – when it comes to participants and our staff.

This year we provided the opportunity to two young people to take part in a paid 6-month traineeship in our organization as part of the project “Outward Bound opportunity for growth”.

We wanted to hear from our interns themselves what the experience was like.

Have a look at what they told us.

Marko, 25

Describe the traineeship period in Outward Bound Croatia. What tasks did you do?

I was involved both in the planning and organization of non-formal and outdoor activities, in their implementation in the field and in reporting and evaluating the program implementation.

I promoted outdoor and non-formal education to youth in workshops and presentations we gave at schools. I was also involved in a seminar for teachers where we presented outdoor experiential learning  and in a seminar for NGO-s about the European Solidarity Corps program. A large task I was involved in was the organization of a course for new Outward Bound instructors.

When you think back to the past 6 months – what was the most fun experience you had?

During summer, we held an 8-day outdoor education course for young adults on Velebit mountain. The area is quite spectacular, and the course was really intense.

Now that you are employed in the organization – what skills and competencies have you developed during the traineeship that you can put to use?

Since we work in a really intercultural environment, I’ve developed my communication skills in both English and Croatian. I learned a lot about the larger mission of the organization as well as got an insight into all different projects that we do. This helped me to learn to prioritize my tasks and organize my time and work independently.

I learned a lot about resource management – whether it is coordinating a team of people, using the equipment that is available or finding time to do all that is needed.

In the outdoors and in working with youth unpredictable situations are always going to happen and they did. I’ve learned how to react calmly and thoughtfully in those situations. I think I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my own abilities during the traineeship.

Your traineeship was part of a European Solidarity Corps project. How did it promote solidarity?

First of all, Outward Bound Croatia is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage young people to develop their potential and create a better world for themselves and their communities. Everything the organization does is aimed at making a positive social impact.

In my work with youth and other youth-workers, I think I’ve managed to share with them the importance of compassion. I also think that I’ve encouraged the youngsters I’ve worked with to become active and to believe in their abilities.

We’ve also held many community services during our programs – we cleaned the natural environment where we hold our activities from litter and inappropriate waste disposal, helped out elderly people and people with disabilities in the village and cleared and arranged historical-educational paths.

Your traineeship in one word?

Tarps.

Edi, 25

Describe the traineeship period in Outward Bound Croatia. What tasks did you do?

My traineeship period consisted mostly of youth-work and community activities. I led Outward Bound outdoor experiential learning programs of one to eight days in length and helped coordinate short-term volunteering camps.

I was included in planning the programs in the field, coming up with activities and finally evaluating and reporting on them.

I also got the chance to take part in a first-aid education where I got certified as a Wilderness First Responder and in a course about single-pitch climbing – an activity we do with youngsters in our programs to teach them communication skills and self-confidence. I also helped out a lot with logistics – organizing our equipment and the education center.

When you think back to the past 6 months – what was the most fun experience?

The most fun experience was definitely the short-term volunteering project „Navigating tradition – building experiences“, where I learned a lot about woodworking and got a chance to work with my hands. I like seeing a material result of my work.

Now that you are employed in the organization – what skills and competences have you developed during the traineeship that you can put to use?

I definitely improved the ability to plan and manage my time – both at work and in my personal life. That also helps me to take upon more tasks and show initiative and become engaged in other parts of the organization.

The traineeship period also taught me to deal better with responsibility.

Your traineeship was part of a European Solidarity Corps project. How did it promote solidarity?

From my point of view, the project and my work promoted solidarity through our educational activities with youth. I believe that I was able to transfer my love for nature to the youngsters I’ve worked with and helped them understand that all of us are responsible for taking care of and protecting it.

I also think that I was able to teach them the importance of getting out of their comfort zones and to face their fears. I think that’s a useful attitude to have in life.

Interested in becoming part of the European Solidarity Corps yourself? Find out about opportunities on our website!

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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