GROW
GOALS, RESOURCES, OPPORTUNITIES, WONDERS
Toolkit in the Making
A collaborative journey to support future camp leaders
The GROW Toolkit was created to support new and aspiring camp leaders in navigating the challenges and joys of youth camps.
But this wasn’t just a manual written behind desks — it was built together, through fieldwork, shared experience, and real dialogue between partners from across Europe.
The foundation? A needs analysis that captured the voices of young participants, camp staff, and youth leaders. From there, we co-developed the content through two key project meetings, where creativity, feedback, and teamwork shaped every chapter.
This toolkit is the result of shared expertise, long conversations, cross-cultural negotiation, and the energy of those who believe in empowering the next generation of youth workers.
Two Stops
Our two stops along the way
Every meaningful project is shaped by the places and people that bring it to life. Our journey took us to two special locations: sunny Sicily, where the seeds of the toolkit were planted, and Prieros, Germany, where we gathered in a real youth camp setting. These two stops offered more than just working sessions — they became moments of collaboration, creativity, and shared direction, helping us transform ideas into practical tools for future camp leaders.
Mussomeli, Italy – Co-creation
Hosted by Strauss APS, our first transnational meeting brought together all partners in a warm, collaborative atmosphere. We exchanged first ideas, presented good practices, and aligned on the structure of the toolkit. It was here that the spirit of co-creation truly began.
💬 “It was the moment where our ideas became a shared vision.”
Prieros, Germany – Shaping and Finalising
At Roter Baum Berlin, we entered a more focused phase: reviewing draft chapters, giving and receiving feedback, and refining content to reflect the needs of real camp environments. It was also a moment of negotiation and alignment, proving the strength of our partnership.
💬 “Being in a real youth camp setting helped us reinforce our ideas”
Two Pilot Actions
Field-tested and refined
Before releasing the final version of the GROW Toolkit, we had one clear priority: it needed to be tested where it matters most – in real youth camp environments.
That’s why we carried out two comprehensive Pilot Actions: one hosted by Roter Baum in a summer camp in Prieros, Germany, and the other by Strauss APS in Mussomeli, Sicily. Together, these pilots engaged 100 camp leaders, youth workers, and volunteers, blending preparation phases with real-life camp experiences.
Over the course of these actions, participants worked through the full GROW framework – Goals, Resources, Opportunities, and Wonders – using workshops, outdoor and indoor activities, and peer-to-peer exchanges. Their observations, suggestions, and challenges became an integral part of the Toolkit’s refinement.
The results? A resource built with and for youth leaders:
– 80% rated it highly for clarity and usability
– 91% satisfied with its practical application
– 84% confirmed its usefulness in their daily roles
🧭 Made for new Camp Leaders
From the very beginning, our goal was to create a clear, useful, and inclusive guide – a practical companion for new or less-experienced camp leaders stepping into the world of youth work. Every section was designed with accessibility in mind: Simple, direct language; the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple); a structure based on 5 core chapters: Intro, Goals, Resources, Opportunities, Wonders, focused on what truly matters in the field.
🎨 Easy to Read, Easy to Use
To make the toolkit visually engaging and easy to navigate, we developed a clean, accessible design using clear layouts, intuitive colors, and reader-friendly fonts. Visual aids such as icons, infographics, and summaries help users find what they need quickly – even during the hectic pace of camp life. And because youth work doesn’t stop at borders, the toolkit is available in five languages: English, German, Romanian, Slovenian, and Italian.
🌍 Inclusion at the Core
Inclusivity guided every stage of development. We included tips, methods, and examples that reflect the diverse realities of youth camps — from rural and urban settings, to mixed-ability groups and multicultural dynamics. Whether you’re working with youth with fewer opportunities or designing inclusive group dynamics, this toolkit was built to be adapted, shared, and used by everyone committed to making camps more open, safe, and empowering.
Methodological Toolkit
The core outcome of the project: a multilingual practical guide containing tested methods, strategies, and activities to organize safe, inclusive, and enriching youth camp experiences.
EN – DE – RO – SLO – ITA
Resources - Checklists & Handouts
Quick-reference tools and ready-to-use resources, handouts and checklists designed to help plan, conduct, and evaluate youth activities, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and active engagement.
EN – DE – RO – SLO – ITA