International Youth Encounter: Soil Protection II in Germany

A second international encounter dedicated to soil protection

From 26 September to 4 October 2026, Association Petite Graine and Next Level e.V. will bring together 16 young people from France and Germany at Burg Tannroda, near Bad Berka in Thuringia.

Travel days are included in these dates.

The encounter is part of the Erasmus+ project Activating Youth in Sustainable Farming and Soil Protection. Participants will have the opportunity to develop practical knowledge and skills, exchange experiences and explore how young people can contribute to soil protection and more sustainable farming practices.

Who can participate?

This opportunity is open to young people aged 17 to 30 who would like to join the French group.

The international group will include:

• 8 participants from France;
• 8 participants from Germany.

Participants should be interested in soil protection, sustainable farming, environmental issues or local ecological initiatives.

Objectives of the encounter

The encounter will help participants to:

• develop practical knowledge and skills in sustainable farming and soil protection;
• learn through international cooperation and peer-to-peer exchange;
• connect with young people from France and Germany;
• build the confidence and skills needed to start environmental initiatives in their communities;
• reflect on actions that can be continued after the encounter.

The venue

The encounter will take place at Burg Tannroda, a historic castle situated in the Thuringian countryside, close to Bad Berka and Erfurt.

Surrounded by hills, forests and natural landscapes, the venue provides a suitable environment for group activities, outdoor learning and reflection.

Accommodation

Participants will sleep in tents shared by a maximum of two people.

Toilets and bathrooms are available both indoors and outdoors.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bag. A sleeping bag can also be provided upon request.

Participants should bring:

• clothing suitable for changing weather conditions;
• a towel and toiletries;
• personal medication;
• valid insurance for the duration of the activity.

Food

Fresh and varied meals will be prepared every day.

Participants should communicate any allergies, dietary restrictions or food preferences in advance so that the organising team can accommodate them wherever possible.

Travel and reimbursement

Participants joining the French group must prepare a travel plan from their place of residence to Erfurt or Tannroda and send it to Association Petite Graine.

Tickets must only be purchased after the proposed journey has been approved by Petite Graine.

Eligible travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Erasmus+ rules and on the basis of the most economical travel option.

To receive reimbursement, participants must keep:

• tickets;
• invoices and receipts;
• boarding passes;
• any other relevant travel documents.

Please note that Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, HHN, is not Frankfurt Airport, FRA, and is not recommended for travelling to the activity venue.

How to apply

Complete the Soil Protection application form and select:

Youth Exchange II: from 26th of September to 4th of October

For questions, contact Association Petite Graine at:

contact@petite-graine.org

European funding

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.