Are you passionate about climate protection, nature, and hands-on action? Then join us in Germany for the Swamp Savers youth exchange, where 44 young people from 7 countries will gather in the forests near Cottbus to restore wetlands, build shelters for wildlife, and explore sustainability—together.
Dates:
- Arrival: 30 August 2025
- Departure: 8 September 2025
- You may stay up to 5 extra travel days, so the actual travel dates will be confirmed together with the group.
WHO’S INVOLVED?
Participants from 7 countries will take part:
- 🇩🇪 Germany – KulturNetz e.V. (Instagram)
- 🇭🇷 Croatia – Association Strive! (Instagram)
- 🇵🇱 Poland – Bad Badgers (Facebook)
- 🇱🇻 Latvia – Pupukis in Sky (no public link)
- 🇱🇹 Lithuania – Jaunimo asociacija Patirk (Instagram)
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic – Kuro Hradec Králové (Instagram)
- 🇹🇷 Turkey – Girişimci Gençlik ve Sürdürülebilir Şehir Derneği (Instagram)
A total of 44 participants (plus group leaders) will take part in this international exchange.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We’re looking for:
- 5 young people (18–30 years old) from Croatia
- 1 group leader (no age limit)
- No prior experience required—just motivation, curiosity, and openness to teamwork!
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Help restore a real peatland forest in Brandenburg
Build bird & bat shelters
Explore biodiversity and climate protection through interactive workshops
Learn about composting and sustainable land use
Live, cook, and collaborate with international peers
Enjoy a fully vegetarian diet and eco-friendly lifestyle
LOCATION
Cottbus, Germany – a beautiful green town near Berlin, close to the stunning Spreewald natural area.
TRAVEL PLAN FROM CROATIA (ZAGREB)
We are planning green travel by renting a van to go from Zagreb to Cottbus and back. This eco-friendly route will reduce our emissions and allow us to travel together as a team.
Important: After the project, we plan to travel together through Germany for a few more days. The final itinerary depends on the group’s preferences.
That’s why it’s essential that you mention your travel availability (how many days) in the application form.
DEADLINES
- Application deadline: 28 July 2025
- Travel plan confirmation deadline: 3 August 2025
- Selected participants will be contacted by 29 July 2025
COSTS
This project is co-funded by the European Commission through the ERASMUS+ Programme and German NA, which covers:
- Accommodation & meals (3 per day)
- All workshops & project activities
- Travel costs (renting van and driver, fuel,…).
HOW TO APPLY?
- Fill out the application form: APPLICATION FORM
- Send your CV to: [email protected]
- Make sure to include how many days you are available for traveling before/after the project.
All personal data will be handled in accordance with the GDPR.
Want more info about applying? Click here
WHAT TO BRING?
- Waterproof or closed-toe shoes (essential for forest work!)
- Reusable water bottle and a cup
- Insect repellent – we’ll be in the wild!
- National food/snacks for intercultural evenings
- Personal medication, comfortable clothes, and a good spirit!
ECO-NOTE
We will spend 4 days in the forest with basic conditions (no regular toilets during work), so please come prepared and open-minded. Vegan/vegetarian food only. The goal is to live in harmony with nature!
Apply now and become one of 44 young changemakers working to protect Europe’s wetlands.