“Experiencing nature together” is the motto of the project “Reach out” for unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan, which was initiated by Naturefriends together with the Samaritan’s association (Österreichischer Samariterbund). The programme included hiking in the Vienna Woods, slacklining and climbing at “Kletterhalle Wien” climbing hall as well as a canoe tour in the Stockerauer Au. The young refugees welcomed these sports activities and excursions to the countryside as diversion from their everyday routines. Many of them were traumatised before and during their escape from war. Common leisure-time activities contribute to stabilisation and can serve as a first step towards integration.

The activities were documented on video, photo and smartphone and the teenagers presented the results on a project blog. The blog also contains articles by Naturefriends and employees of the Samaritan’s associations, sharing their impression of the activities.

Building on the experience gained from this project, Naturefriends International elaborated the manual “Gemeinsam aktiv” (Active together) which contains practical advice for leisure-time activities with refugees.