YMCA Europe

European Unify Conference 2024
2024-02-22 - 2024-02-25 | Hotel Globus, Prague, Czech Republic
Please register for Unify 2024 by using the following link, provided by the organizers, YMCA Czech Republic.
Registrations are limited to 130 person, so please register in time to have your place booked!
Register here
More information here

Call for Participants | ImpactYOUth: Measuring Youth Development Together
2024-02-22 | EU Parliament & EU Thon Hotel, Brussels, Belgium
YMCA Europe invites you to join the Final Dissemination event of the MIYO project, an Erasmus+ funded initiative implemented jointly by WOSM, YMCA and the National University of Maynooth. The ImpactYOUth event marks the end of the project and aims to present the project’s final output: the MIYO Impact measurement toolkit.
Join us on 22 February 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, to learn about the methodology, the pilot studies and network and reflect on the future of youth impact measurement.

About the Project
Youth organisations play a pivotal role in the fabric of society. By nurturing personal development, we enable young individuals to acquire essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective interpersonal communication. These skills form a cornerstone for an individual’s successful navigation through life, fostering self-confidence and resilience.
Throughout the history of youth work, its positive impact has been captured and presented through different compelling narratives: individual success stories, humanitarian actions, or community development accounts. Each narrative has illustrated the immense value of our work. However, to truly understand the full extent of our impact and enhance our programmes for even more significant effect, we recognised the need for a robust and applicable research methodology.
The MIYO project aims to reinforce links between research, policy, and practice by increasing the empirical evidence of the impact of youth programmes. The cross-sectoral collaboration between the youth sector and academia will ensure the methodology is academically valid and reflects youth organisations’ actual needs and capacity.
The project’s final output, the impact assessment toolkit, is being tested in six member organisations and will be publicly accessible, allowing over 300 youth organisations belonging to YMCA and WOSM networks and beyond to access, test, and study the methodology, research guidelines, and resources. Youth organisations will have full access to the data collection and analysis tools and be better equipped to evaluate and improve their educational offer. Through a strong dissemination dimension, MIYO partners aim to build synergies between policymakers, youth associations, and the research community, linking participatory and inclusive research to evidence-based decision-making. More information about the project can be found here.

Programme
The event consists of two parts:

EU Parliament 09:30 – 12:00

The opening segment of our event is dedicated to presenting the MIYO Impact measurement toolkit and its application by six member organisations, along with study results. The presentation will be followed by a round table that will spotlight insights from those who played a key role in designing the toolkit: experts from the National University of Maynooth, representatives from YMCA and WOSM. MEP Michaela Šojdrová will host this round table.

EU Thon Hotel 14:00 – 16:50

The second part of the day will have a hands-on approach, where participants will learn more about the practicalities of the methodology, data collection and analysis instruments and explore how they can apply it in the context of their organisation. The concluding segment of the event will centre on a concise workshop followed by open market presentations.

Language
The event will be held in English.

Who should apply?
We welcome young leaders from YMCA interested in piloting this methodology in their country context. We will prioritise participants representing different National Organisations to ensure a broader geographical reach.

Cost
The organisers will take care of the following expenses:
● International travel expenses (focusing on affordability and eco-friendliness);
● Stay at a Hotel in Brussels on 21-23 February in shared rooms;
● Food, from breakfast on 22 February up to breakfast on 23 February;
● Costs associated with the program and its administration.

Application Form
LINK for Application Form
Deadline for application: 20 December 2023

Contact information
Should you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact Olga Lukina via email at Olga[at]ymcaeurope.com

Ukraine. Solidarity in Action: YMCA's Impactful Response
2024-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Online
Join us LIVE on February 22nd at 3 pm CET for an inspiring webinar and discover firsthand how YMCA is making a difference through support, projects and activities, including the integration of Ukrainian refugees.
Be part of our story of resilience, compassion and impactful initiatives. Save the date for an insightful session on our commitment to making a difference for the Ukrainian communities and beyond.
Register now:

HP Gaming Garage Webinar
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Gaming nowadays is so much more than a simple leisure activity – it builds unique skills and develops future ready competences. Turning a recreation avenue into a simultaneous education journey offers unprecedented opportunities for both – students and teachers.
On February 27th (12.00 CET) we are going LIVE with a dynamic webinar featuring Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, as our keynote speaker!
We will explore the possibility of enabling organisations to access the unique opportunities within HP Gaming Garage, bringing the worlds of work and gaming together for the new generation – discovering novel approaches and methodologies designed to enable participants to access future-proof skills in an ever-developing digital future.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, interact and explore options to diversify and level up your organisation’s game!
Register now!

YMCA: Bridging Body-Mind-Spirit Webinar
2024-03-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Are you seeking the best ways to connect with youth? Do you want to be updated about the latest challenges that youth is having in their personal life? Please join our webinar!
Rob van Loon (the Netherlands) is a motivational speaker and specialised in everything connected with youth empowerment. He travels the world to coach and speak in public about this topic.
Topics that are touched during this 1,5 hour webinar, are connected with selfcare, self-confidence, your definition of happiness, finding your purpose, but also the influence of social media and family and friends on the development of a young individual.
The webinar will suit the best youth workers, young leaders, youth but any audience is welcomed.
The language of the educational event is English.
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Mindful Bytes - let’s facilitate discussions about digital wellbeing!
2024-03-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Almost everything we do today involves using a phone or accessing the internet, whether for professional purposes like running a webinar or personal ones such as scrolling after an exhausting day. But what impact does this online presence have on our mental health? And more importantly, is it safe to be long-term connected to everything going on online?
These questions will be addressed during our dedicated workshop on digital wellbeing, scheduled for March 20th at 5:00 pm CET.
As every challenge has a solution, we will introduce you to our card game – Mindful Bytes. Originally created in English, the game has been translated into 14 languages and is now available as an app!
Join us on March 20th to discuss the challenges of digital wellbeing and to test a solution that has been used by hundreds of youth workers and young people internationally.
Bonus: You’ll get to experience various perspectives on digital wellbeing in youth work with our guests from different countries across Europe.
Registrations open:

Versatile Action in Youth Work (Part II)
2024-04-02 - 2024-05-01 | YMCA Siderno, Via Marina 7, Siderno, 89048, Italy
The project is organized with the strong cooperation between KFUM Idrætsforbund and YMCA Siderno.
The Erasmus+ Project “Versatile Action in Youth Work – VAYW” will have two parts: one in Denmark (July 2nd – July 8th 2023) and one in Siderno ( April 2024), each session involving 25 young people.
Versatility is a fun and safe way to make specific activities to specific target groups and members. It is easy to adjust and arrange activities so it is inclusive and fun for all.

YMCA Leadership Academy | Session I
2024-04-08 - 2024-04-14 | Bratislava, Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
International Activity One, 5 full days of work, 8-14 April 2024, Slovakia (8 April – arrival date; 14 April – departure date)
Full info here.

Camp Europe kick-off event: Campacity
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-21 | Toledo, Spain
The initial year was very successful for Camp Europe with 16 projects implemented by partner organizations across the continent. And we are already setting sights on 2024 – major kick-off expected to take place in charming Toledo, Spain on April 15 – 21, 2024.
“Campacity” will bring together up to 60 Camp Leaders from Europe and USA to network, share and plan for the future. The preparation work is well under way with the first online planning meeting taking place yesterday – engaging key leaders and decision-makers from YMCA of the USA, YMCA Spain and Camp Europe Team.
More info and registration form

European TEN SING Conference
2024-05-18 | Online

General Assembly 2024
2024-05-23 - 2024-05-26 | Athens, Brown Acropol Hotel, Greece
We kindly invite you to register for our General Assembly (Athens, Greece, May 23rd-26th 2024).
The General Assembly venue is Brown Acropol Hotel at Athens city center.

Deadline for registrations is March 1st.

Please note that the registration fee covers only the programme, lunches, dinners, coffee breaks, materials and use of working spaces from Thursday 23rd (arrivals and start of programme at 16.00) until Sunday 26th mid morning (departures). Accommodation is not included so we encourage you to proceed with your own arrangements as soon as possible.
There are different hotel, hostel and apartment rates near hotel Brown. YMCA Athens has kindly offered to provide support to each delegation in finding the most suitable accommodation.

For further support please feel free to contact Leda Mamali at secgeneral@ymca-athens.gr

Webinar | AI in the Modern World: Benefits, Risks, and Ethical Considerations
2024-06-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Date: June 6th, 2024
Time: 17.00 CET
Platform: Zoom & YouTube
Registrations open. Limited places available.
Speakers:
Lea Ichikawa, Social Impact Manager at The Digital Collective (DigiCo) Brussels
Arthur Papyan, Co-founder at CyberHUB-AM
About the event
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields by analyzing vast amounts of data, providing personal assistance, and making predictions and calculations. In education, AI promises personalized, adaptive learning methods for both students and teachers.
However, with these advancements come significant concerns. A Pew Research Centre study surveying 305 AI experts highlights issues such as misinformation, socio-political clashes, state surveillance, sophisticated deep fakes, media integrity, and more. The rapid evolution of AI technology raises critical questions about privacy, ethics, and human rights, while also offering new opportunities for societal reforms and improvements.
This webinar aims to explore the current challenges and opportunities presented by AI, focusing on human rights and education. Through a moderated discussion, our esteemed speakers will delve into these complex topics. Attendees will have the chance to interact and ask questions via the chat box, which the moderator will relay to our speakers.
You`ll have the chance to learn more about:
1. Current situation and sentiments towards AI
2. Challenges, barriers, and ethics of AI
3. New opportunities presented by AI: A deep dive in education and training
4. Navigating risks of AI for young people
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on our world and engage in meaningful dialogue about its future.
Register now to secure your spot and be part of this important conversation!

ESG Leadership Training and Seminar 2024
2024-07-31 - 2024-08-08 | Pelli campsite, Karjalohja, Finland
The ESG Leadership Training and Seminar brings leaders from all over Europe together to experience other ways of Scouting & Jungschar. This year the event will be held in Finland, at Pelli campsite in Karjalohja and is organised by the European YMCA Scouting & Jungschar Group (ESG)
Participants will get to know the differences and similarities of the ESG work and have an insight to the Scouting methods. The program consists of workshops, games, socialising, sports, crafting, hiking, unforgettable evenings around the campfire and much more.
In addition, participants can exchange ideas with other leaders on many exciting topics. All participants of the seminar are invited to the annual meeting of the ESG.
The program is divided into two parts:

the Leadership Training is for those who are between 14 and 18
the Seminar is for those who are 18 and older

Dates: July 31st to August 8th, 2024.

6th European YMCA - Youth Workers Camp
2024-08-02 - 2024-08-10 | YMCA Camp, Michelstadt, Germany
More than 80 young volunteers/leaders between 16 and 30, from different European YMCAs will meet in the YMCA Camp Michelstadt (near Frankfurt/M), Germany.
You will share your experiences in youth work in different social backgrounds, you will present your youth work, you will discover diversity as a treasure for yourself and for the society, you will be challenged by migrant volunteers and their experiences and you will develop your own personality and you will have a lot of fun.
The preparatory meeting will be organised between 12 and 14th of April 2024, in Michelstadt.
More information will be available soon. Check out our previous the 5th European Youth Workers Camp (2022)

Youth Unify 2024, Slovakia
2024-08-10 - 2024-08-16 | Bratislava, Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
Essential Info
Dates – 10-16 August 2024
Location – Donovaly, Slovakia
Age – Aimed at 14-24 year old (younger or older participants also welcome)
Cost: €250
Reduced Fees: €150 (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgian, Armenia, Russia etc.)
Please contact us if you have questions about Reduced Fees.
Programme includes:
– Whole camp meetings involving talks, Christian worship, recreations, personal stories
– Daily small groups where young people can build deeper friendships and discuss themes in detail
– Optional morning prayer
– Local cultural presentations and experiences including excursions
– Sports & Crafts
Volunteering
Volunteers required to help with small groups, pastoral support, arts & crafts, sports etc. If you are interested please contact email above.
Planning Committee
Youth Unify 2024 Planning Committee has members from Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Egypt and England.

Full info and registrations here.

EYRN International Activity – Beyond Borders, Building Change: Youth Advocacy in Action!
2024-09-01 - 2024-09-07 | YMCA Camp Salduero, Spain, C. Jose Carrascosa, 6, 42156, Salduero, Soria, Spain
EYRN International Activity – Beyond Borders, Building Change: Youth Advocacy in Action!
Sunday 1 September 2024 – Saturday 7 September 2024, Spain
Full information here.

This International Activity is co-funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.

YMCA Leadership Academy | Session II
2024-10-29 - 2024-11-02 | Brussels, Belgium
International Activity Two, 5 full days, 29 October – 2 November 2024, Belgium (28 October – arrival date; 3 November – departure date)
Full info here.

Roots for Peace Expert Pool Meeting
2024-11-07 - 2024-11-10 | Tirana, Tirana, Albania
After 15 fruitful years since its inception and three successful cohorts of Peace Work Institute, YMCA Europe Roots for Peace is embarking on a new journey towards peace.
Preparations for the first roots expert pool meeting is completed and the team of experts will travel to Tirana, Albania, on the 7th of November, where for four days they will have an introduction into future plans and start preparing for the upcoming collaborations with different NGOs and projects.

The Roots, and especially its Peace Work Institute component, has by now achieved a state where the issue is no longer to form an expert pool for the Peace Work Institute participants but rather how to form an expert pool with the Peace Work Institute alumni.
In addition to learning through Peace Work Institute, its alumni meanwhile have gained experience doing local community peace work. On top of it, all of them also bring their professionalism in different fields (teachers, social workers, IT, communication, arts, business and NGO management, etc.) to the Roots. This is a huge resource to be tapped for implementing the Roots activities as well as organising post-event support, accompaniment, and encouragement.
Learn more.

"Digital Hubs, Gaming and Community Impact" Workshop
2025-01-29 - 2025-02-01 | Bratislava, Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
The workshop will bring together delegates from 19 countries to share experiences, exchange best practices, and explore ways to advance digital equity, skilling and community engagement.
The event will feature the official launch of the YMCA Digital Hub Bratislava, discussions on HP LIFE & Gaming Garage content, and practical guidance from the “How to Open a Digital Hub” guide.
Broader topics include innovative programmes, mobile hub implementation, and the use of gaming as a powerful tool for education and inclusion. With contributions from HP leaders across various departments, this gathering will serve as an inspiring platform for collaboration, learning, and impactful community development.

Campacity 2025
2025-03-27 - 2025-03-31 | Camp PerspektivFabrik, Expansion at Lake 1, 14778 Beetzseeheide OT Mötzow, Germany
YMCA Europe invites all interested YMCA organisations to apply for Camp Capacity Building Conference “Campacity”, to be implemented within the framework of “Camp Europe” project.
Full information and Call for Participants, here.

YMCA Leadership Academy, International Activity One
2025-04-07 - 2025-04-12 | Valletta, Malta

YMCA Work with Refugees and Migrants in Europe | 4th Conference
2025-05-21 - 2025-05-23 | Brussels, Belgium
YMCA Europe invites practitioners working with refugees and migrants across Europe to join this important conference.
The event will focus on sharing experiences, learning from one another, and strengthening collaboration to enhance YMCA’s impact in supporting displaced communities.
📅 21st – 23rd May 2025
📍 Brussels, Belgium (Back-to-back with YMCA Europe General Assembly)
🏛 Venue: The Full Circle Brussels (89 Ch. de Vleurgat, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

Conference Highlights

Wednesday, 21st May – Arrival before dinner, followed by an introductory session.
Thursday, 22nd May – A full working day featuring:

– Awareness-raising and action-based discussions on refugee and migrant issues.
– Best practices for refugee integration in local communities.
– Challenges faced by refugees and migrants across Europe.
– Marketplace session: Participants will deliver 7-minute project pitches, sharing initiatives and ideas for future collaboration.

Friday, 23rd May –

– Morning visit to the European Parliament, alongside General Assembly participants.
– Afternoon session: Exploring the relationship between local communities and newcomers, with a focus on the role of the YMCA in integration efforts.
– Closing dinner with General Assembly participants.

Please download from here the registration form with practical information about housing and costs.
Please return the registration form before 1st. May to info[at]ymcaeurope.com
We aim at a maximum of 35 participants so do not hesitate to register.
Join us in strengthening YMCA’s impact in refugee and migrant support across Europe!

General Assembly 2025
2025-05-22 - 2025-05-25 | Full Circle House, 89 Ch. de Vleurgat,, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
Full information and Registrations here.

Youth Unify 2025
2025-08-10 - 2025-08-16 | Masaryk Camp YMCA, Sobesin, Czech Republic
The first Youth Unify camp was held in Poland in 2015. Since then events have been held annually in Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia During the COVID pandemic there were regional mission trips and Youth Unify has supported the running of larger YMCA events across Europe.
Learn more here and register now!

The European YMCA Scouting and Jungschar Group Leadership Training & Seminar
2025-08-20 - 2025-08-24 | Entfelden, Switzerland
The European YMCA Scouting and Jungschar Group (ESG) Leadership Training and Seminar provides a unique opportunity for YMCA scouts across Europe to exchange ideas, gain new insights, and build lasting connections.
More info available here.

Advocacy | Community Solutions Hub: From Issues to Impact
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-14 | Brussels, Belgium
The “Community Solutions Hub: From Issues to Impact” International Activity will see participants travel to Brussels between the 8th and 14th of September 2025 to develop their skills in community engagement and advocacy in an international, cooperative environment, at the heart of European policy.
Participants will explore how their communities can be the source of change and how young people can drive policy, all while engaging with high-level stakeholders, touring the European Union’s centres of power and building lasting links that will drive the work of the EYRN.
Call for participants and registrations.

Roots Expert Pool Meeting
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-15 | Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Personal invitation will be extended to selected Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) Alumni. Yet if you are a Roots PWI Alumni, still involved in the YMCA, interested, let us know.

Leadership Academy, International Activity Two
2025-10-26 - 2025-10-31 | Greenhill YMCA, Donard Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Peacework Institute | Session I
2025-10-27 - 2025-11-02 | Dresden, Dresden, Germany
More information available here.

National General Secretaries Forum 2025
2025-11-10 - 2025-11-12 | Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
The YMCA Europe’s National General Secretaries (NGS) Forum is a platform that brings together the national leaders of YMCA organizations across Europe. The purpose of the forum is to provide a space for national general secretaries to exchange knowledge, discuss best practices, and collaborate on strategic initiatives that will strengthen the YMCA movement in Europe.
More info about the event, soon.
