Facilitation and Leadership Training - Novas Descobertas Association

Novas Descobertas Training

Facilitation and leadership

A learning and skills development experience for group facilitation in the field of social and environmental education, with a focus on Regeneration and Learning Communities.

This is an intensive, residential training over 8 days. During this experience, participants acquire, through practical experience and theoretical reflection, leadership skills, positive communication, collective decision-making, ecosystem regeneration practices, sensory and creative exploration, as well as practical skills in facilitating games and group dynamics.

This training is funded by the Erasmus+ program.

At the end of this apprenticeship, participants will have the resources to organize, facilitate and animate activities focused on building community spirit and a regenerative attitude, to be implemented in non-formal education contexts, day camps and summer camps, among others.

Explore the power of facilitation and leadership in regenerative education contexts with our Novas Descobertas course

The added value

This experience opens the door to joining the team of Novas Descobertas Association facilitators;

We have 30 years of experience in summer camps and other programs to raise awareness and contact with nature;

Our space has been designed to develop group activities with the comfort and safety needed for a learning experience and full experience;

We believe in the co-creation and inclusion of a diversity of ideas and ideals;

We are immersed in Quinta Vale da Lama, an example of Regenerative Agriculture and Permaculture;

We are committed to solid collaborative relationships, offering opportunities for continuous learning through volunteering, internships and training programs.

Modules

Various topics will be presented to nurture participants' knowledge

Introduction to Novas Descobertas facilitation

A module dedicated to the role of the Facilitator in learning and group dynamics, in contexts of non-formal education, summer camps and day camps.

What is regenerative leadership in learning contexts?
What are the key competencies of a Facilitator?
What current examples can inspire us?

Facilitation and leadership tools

An opportunity to learn about and practice basic tools for leadership and healthy group dynamics.

During this module, participants will collectively explore, practice and reflect on good practices in facilitating pedagogical activities and games that catalyze regenerative learning.

What is regenerative learning?
How do you create a learning experience?
What are the key techniques in group facilitation?

Regenerative facilitation in practice

During these days, the focus will be on the routines and rhythms that build a cohesive and participatory group experience. We will observe and go through the processes of decision-making and collaboration as a team of Facilitators in a practical context.

What makes for a positive group experience?
How do you collaborate, make decisions and communicate as part of a team?
What games and dynamics? When?

Celebration and next steps

This day opens the doors to all the participants of this and other Novas Descobertas trainings, to share experiences and opportunities for next steps. A day to celebrate, reflect and point in collective directions.

What brought me to take part in this training experience?
How can we empower a regenerative culture with our next steps?
What are the next opportunities for learning and practice on our collective journey?

Important details

Dates

April 12-19, 2025

Travel days: April 11th and 20th

Where

Campo do Vale, Odiáxere, Lagos, Portugal. Find it on Google Maps

Participation

Training funded by the Erasmus+ Program. Limited to participants residing in a European Union country. A selection process applies.

For whom?

For young people (over 18) and youth workers with an interest in developing and improving group facilitation skills in the field of social, environmental and regeneration education.

For educators, facilitators of non-formal education activities and future leaders of day camps and summer camps.

An opportunity to grow personally and professionally, strengthening your role as an agent of change in your community.

* This program is facilitated in English. Applicants must currently reside in a European Union country.

What does it include?

Theoretical and practical training for a total of 72 hours by a multidisciplinary and experienced team, including a training certificate and timetable;
The opportunity to take part in an extra practical experience as part of the Novas Descobertas Summer Camp team;
Access to camping facilitieswith access to showers, toilets, cafeteria and leisure areas;
Daily meals based on the Mediterranean diet, with a preference for local and ethically produced food;
Personal accident and assistance insurance.

What to expect?

A family atmosphere, healthy and active, with a well-disposed, enthusiastic and experienced team;
A welcoming space and full meals - whenever possible - from the gardens at Quinta Vale da Lama;
The opportunity to develop the skills and strategies needed to organize, plan and promote group activities;

Developing skills as a facilitator, with a special focus on education and eco-social regeneration;
Acquire basic knowledge of the psychological, physical and social needs of children and young people, and interrelate them with activities and games;
Experiment with communication, decision-making and group experience;
Acquire facilitation techniques and educational resources in the fields of play, expression and art;
Get to know and explore different natural materials as an educational resource;
Recognize the potential of seasonal and natural cycles to develop educational and recreational activities.

Contact

Rachel Marsden 969760575** rachelmarsden@projectonovasdescobertas.org

PND office: 282 697 862*

Campo do Vale - Quinta do Vale da Lama: 282 792 673*

*Call to national fixed network/ **Call to mobile fixed network

Facilitation team

Novas Descobertas training is the continuous construction of a living and dynamic learning community.

This training has a diverse team of Novas Desobertas facilitators who specialize in eco-social regeneration and are committed to catalyzing positive changes in the ecosystems in which we interact. With years of experience, we work with diverse audiences to promote practices that strengthen the interconnection between people and natural spaces. We create teams of versatile trainers to reach the various learning styles and needs of the participants. These trainers bring a combination of multidisciplinary skills, participatory methods and innovative approaches, allowing them to co-create solutions adapted to contemporary challenges. We believe in activating collective potential to build a collaborative and resilient future.

What people say about the training

"Participating in Novas Descobertas training is an opportunity to take part in a regenerative journey: first in an inner reconciliation process with what one is and can be, and then to restore oneself as an animator who 'generates life' in the community and its surroundings.
In an unusual balance of time and space with nature, conditions are facilitated for the creation of links for sharing examples, forms and tools for action that catalyze change."

Maria João Reis

“For me, I would say that the training for animators was a moment of personal growth and fulfillment. I realized that the role of summer camp participant no longer belonged to me and that I could now participate in a different way, in a way even more involved. I learned about the role of the animator in large and small group dynamics, and although I continue to learn about it during the camps, the training sparked my interest in this new area of knowledge. I've strengthened relationships with other colleagues my age and even former animators of mine who have gone on to become animation colleagues. I recommend giving it a try without hesitation!“

Gabriel Ludwick

"The Facilitators training course was one of the most catalyzing courses for me in my life. Not only did it fulfill my expectations, but it also surprised me, offering subtle learnings that my soul was searching for (without me even knowing it). With this training, I was able to put into theory what I had experienced before in group work. It allowed me to take root and gain confidence in my actions. The participants became friends and colleagues, and Novas Descobertas Association became the beacon of my professional path. The passion and dedication of the Novas Descobertas Association team for their work will always be a source of deep inspiration for me. I highly recommend this training to anyone interested in animation/facilitation, especially in the regenerative environment. It's also a great opportunity for the curious who want to try their hand at leadership and interpersonal work. Let's do it!"

Deborah Schafhirt

Novas Descobertas Training