EUSALP Youth Camp “Moving Mountains Together” 2025

“Moving Mountains Together”, the Summer Camp was a real highlight of the year for youth participation activities in EUSALP.

In Cerniebaud, France , the EUSALP Youth Camp “Moving Mountains Together” came to a successful conclusion last week. From 1 to 6 September 2025, the Chalet de la Haute-Joux in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté hosted 33 young participants from five Alpine countries, offering them the opportunity to work together, exchange perspectives, and develop new ideas for the sustainable future of the Alpine region.

“Moving Mountains Together”, the Summer Camp was a real highlight of the year for youth participation activities in EUSALP.

In Cerniebaud, France , the EUSALP Youth Camp “Moving Mountains Together” came to a successful conclusion last week. From 1 to 6 September 2025, the Chalet de la Haute-Joux in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté hosted 33 young participants from five Alpine countries, offering them the opportunity to work together, exchange perspectives, and develop new ideas for the sustainable future of the Alpine region.

33 young participants from 5 Alpine countries

A Week of Learning and Exchange

Over the course of six days, participants engaged in an intensive programme that combined non-formal education, workshops, field visits, and exchanges with experts. The camp focused on key themes central to the Alpine Region and the EUSALP Strategy:

• Climate Change and Water Management
• Local Economy and Quality of Life
• Youth Participation in Decision-Making
• EU Instistutions and Programs

This comprehensive approach enabled participants to link theoretical discussions with practical examples, while also providing a space for critical reflection and the co-creation of solutions.

A key outcome of the camp was the strong cohesion established among the participants. Despite their diverse cultural and national backgrounds, they built a community based on solidarity, friendship, and collaboration, thereby embodying the fundamental values of the European Union.

The spirit of cooperation extended beyond the formal activities. Informal moments — such as intercultural evenings, collective challenges, and group reflections — fostered mutual understanding and strengthened the sense of belonging to a shared Alpine and European identity. The camp clearly demonstrated the potential of youth to act as bridge-builders across borders and to promote a common vision for the region.

Day 1 – Welcome all!

Participants travelled to Cerniébaud and gathered at the venue for the official start of the Summer Camp. The afternoon was dedicated to icebreaker activities, helping everyone get to know each other in a friendly atmosphere. The day concluded with a creative workshop about the society and the fears and dreams of the young participants that set the tone for the week.

© EUSALP Youth.

Day 2 – About EUSALP

The second day opened with a workshop about EUSALP, giving participants insights into the macro-regional strategy. In the afternoon, a neighbourhood hike and a discussion on youth participation encouraged exchange, reflection and especially exploration. The evening, each delegation introduced their cultutre to the group, thanks to unique and memorable presentations.

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Day 3 – Local Economy

The morning featured a field visit to a cheese factory and a natural museum, offering participants a taste of local traditions and sustainable practices.

After lunch by the lake, they enjoyed a swim and later discovered the heritage of a cheese cellar in a fort.

Day 4 – Climate Change

This day was dedicated to the pressing issue of climate change. Participants explored a peatland during a field visit and tested their problem-solving skills with an escape game.

In the afternoon, a workshop on the European Union and Pitch Your Project 2025 took place thanks to the Europe Direct Center of Bourgogne Franche Comté. \

The day ended with a dynamic debate night about the use of AI to tackle climate change in the Alpine region.

Day 5 – Forest Management

The morning started with an a clean walk organised by our german team of engaged youth, collecting trashes around the chalet.

In the afternoon, participants took part in a simulation of Pitch Your Project 2025 and welcomed a visit from Concordia, exchanging about their experience during the camp.

The day concluded on a festive note with a memorable goodbye party.

Day 6 – Goodbye all!

The final day focused on evaluation and feedback, allowing participants to share their impressions and learnings. After a last lunch together, the group said their goodbyes and travelled back home, carrying with them new knowledge, friendships, and inspiration for the future of the Alpine region.

Looking Forward

As the camp concludes, participants return home with not only new knowledge and skills, but also with lasting networks and strengthened motivation to contribute actively to the sustainable development of the Alpine region. The cohesion, dialogue, and enthusiasm witnessed throughout the week underline the importance of such initiatives in empowering young people and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of the Alps.

Thank you to the Region Bourgogne Franche Comté for the financial support, allowing the organisation of this camp and welcoming the young people in the beautiful mountains of Jura.

Thank you to Erasmus+ for financing this exchange and to all the project partners for their help: SUPPORT EUSALP, Concordia, ImpactHub Tirol, ImpactHub Munchen, No excuse Slovenia, EUFEMIA