Bootcamp “Self-Care and Inclusion”
From 13 to 16 July, Lugo hosted the first mobility activity of the INCLUDE – INspired LeaDers for Empowered Organisations and CommUnity Growth project, funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme and coordinated by Lar de Artemis (Spain) in partnership with CONCORDIA Academia (Romania).
The “Self-Care and Inclusion” Bootcamp brought together 18 professionals from Spain and Romania, including teachers, educators, social workers, psychologists, association members and directors, coaches, youth workers and other professionals working in the social and educational fields. They were accompanied by two trainers and a professional facilitator during the Camino experience.
Four days to learn, connect and grow
Over four days, participants took part in training sessions, experiential activities, group work, real-life case studies and reflection exercises. The aim was not only to gain new knowledge and practical tools, but also to create a safe space where professionals could share experiences, identify common challenges and explore new ways of supporting people and communities.
The Bootcamp focused on inclusion, diversity, trauma, mental health, resilience and self-care, with a strong emphasis on connecting learning with participants’ professional realities.
The main topics explored were:
Understanding Inclusion
Exploring barriers, stereotypes and the effects of exclusion and inclusion, while looking at European approaches and policies related to inclusion and diversity.
Dimensions of Diversity
Reflecting on how diversity can be integrated into organisational processes and how organisations can become more inclusive at every level.
Understanding Trauma and Mental Health
Exploring trauma, forced displacement and professional burnout, while learning to recognise signs and identify appropriate ways to respond.
Resilience and Self-Care Practices
Discovering practical strategies to support professionals working in the social field, including caring communities, conflict mediation and non-violent communication.
A Day on the Camino
Using outdoor and experiential learning to explore resilience, collaboration, personal reflection and connection.
A Day on the Camino
The final day took participants outside the training room and onto the Camino de Santiago for a guided experience combining nature, movement and reflection.
The experience offered an opportunity to strengthen the connections created throughout the Bootcamp and to reflect on what they had learned and experienced together. It was a meaningful and symbolic way to close the Bootcamp, creating space to slow down, connect with themselves and others, and carry the learning experience beyond the training room.
What happens next?
The Bootcamp was only the beginning of the INCLUDE journey.
Over the coming months, participants will bring the learning back to their organisations through a Team Coaching programme, involving 3–4 colleagues from each organisation. Supported by professional coaches from CONCORDIA Academia, the teams will work on their Diversity & Inclusion Action Plans, strengthen inclusive practices and explore how these approaches can be integrated into their everyday programmes and organisational work.
The next major step will be the Hackathon “Innovate for Inclusion & Sustainable Communities”, taking place in Romania on 1–2 October 2026. During this intensive two-day event, participants will work collaboratively to transform their ideas into concrete project proposals focused on diversity, inclusion and resilience.
From individual learning, to stronger teams, to concrete projects — the INCLUDE journey continues.