The European Youth in Parks Day is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe involving young people in their daily work.
European Youth in Parks Day
Imagine a day when all Protected Areas come together across Europe, to involve young people in their Parks. Young people are the future leaders, park managers, and local communities, and by connecting them to Protected Areas, we connect them with their cultural and environmental heritage.
Many Parks are already investing in young people, with school programmes, Junior Rangers, Youth+, Youth Committees and more. On the European Youth in Parks Day, we want to celebrate that commitment to the next generation and make visible this labour of love. We hope that as this event grows from year to year, it will inspire more Parks to follow suit.
Lastly, our dream is that the European Youth in Parks Day is also one where young people can take the lead for nature, where they are given the opportunity to co-create the event with their Park. This way, Parks can help build up and empower young people in a safe and supported way, because we are #StrongerWithYouth!
Find out more about the 2024 event!Scroll down to see the outcomes of previous European Youth in Parks Day events.
European Youth in Parks Day aims to make youth work in our Protected Areas visible and celebrated!
When?
15th of September each year. You are welcome to run events in the week before or after as best suits your schedule.
Join in!
Organise an event with the kids and young adults in your Park on or the weekend before or after the 15th of September and celebrate youth work with Parks across Europe!
Partners
Junior Rangers @ Neusiedlersee
(a) Do you already have a Junior Ranger or a Youth+ programme?
This is your chance to activate their leadership qualities by facilitating a youth-led activity. This activity can either be for themselves, for one another, or for the young people in the local community to bring them all together and connect with your Park.
(b) Do you have partnerships with schools, youth organisations or other youth in the local community?
Then consider a joint activity for the young people in the local community to bring them together and connect with your Park.
Plan your Activity
Do you need some inspiration? Find some example activities below and perhaps tailor them to the theme!
- Bio Blitz: learning how to identify local species
- Outdoor sport: hiking, cycling, canoeing
- Nature restoration: planting native species, removing invasives
- Wild foraging: learning which things are edible and which not
- Local sustainable festival: plant swaps, local food, clothes swaps, music
Don’t forget to register your event so that it will appear on the map with the following details:
Share your Stories
The Junior Rangers in the Cairngorms National Park on European Youth in Parks Day. Photo credit: Will George
When posting on your social media on the 15th September, please tag us and use the hashtag #YouthInParksDay and #StrongerWithYouth
- Twitter: @EUROPARC
- Instagram and Facebook: @EUROPARC.youth
- LinkedIn: EUROPARC Federation
Photo Competition
We would love to see your top photo(s) of the day that embodies the theme! We will select the best photos and use these in the following media:
- In EUROPARC’s Annual Report magazine that goes out to all members
- As the EUROPARC Junior Ranger Facebook Page Cover for the year
- On the cover of the #YouthInParksDay Report
Email them to us along with the name of the photographer and the following disclaimer:
“Without expectation of compensation or other remuneration, now or in the future, I hereby give my consent to EUROPARC Federation to use the photo(s) and video(s) I have submitted in their communication on online platforms and print media. This consent is given in perpetuity and does not require prior approval by me”
Send us your Feedback
We would love to hear how the experience was and what advice you think first timers should be given ahead of the event for next year.
The European Youth in Parks Day is made possible through funding of the LIFE Programme. Views and opinions do not necessarily reflect that of the European Commission or of CINEA.