Next to the Oak Forest in Stokite village, Central Northern Bulgaria, a group of young enthusiasts gathered together for GOOD last weekend. Why? The intention was to ‘plant’ for GOOD – trees, bushes and flowers, and nurture ideas for a future that we hope will be better for our children and the children of our children. We aspire to inspire our children to stay and nurture, and develop our beautiful Bulgaria.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”

Indeed it is! I noticed how from our little oak forest a handful of acorns have given birth to little oak trees. Aiming high, at their own pace they grow taller and stronger … with dignity, soaking up the bright light and warmth of the sun.

Our ‘Plant for Good’ event was organised by the Petko Hinov Foundation. Eight youngsters volunteered to help nurture the land where our camp village is situated. The intention was to start doing the ‘groundwork’ for next year’s camp, and create a beautiful environment for the children who will take part in it. With new trees, bushes and flowers, we were able to plant seeds for good, literarily and metaphorically. 

Saturday was committed to the outside work, and the gentle autumn sun was a gift to us. The teenagers learned a lot about planting from a professional landscape architect who was guiding them throughout the process, as they planted bushes, flowers, and a few trees.

Sunday was focused on the inner work … a bridge between our (previous) summer camp and this moment… being a never-ending process for the ones who value inner growth. Or, may I say, nurturing their acorn (inner core) to grow it into a magnificent Oak tree.

Starting that morning session, there was some exciting news from Martin Weider. He shared that there is now a youth network registered as the IDGs (Inner Development Goals) Nurturers Network operating in Central Northern Bulgaria, with the purpose to inspire and support inner work of hundreds, or even thousands, of young people from the region who aspire to this. It’s by choice and we believe it’s critically important for the future of Bulgaria… for true leadership!

During this, our first event of the Nurturers Network, we did some CORE work on BEING, focusing on integrity, authenticity and self-awareness. A leisurely mountain walk followed seamlessly, with a river experience where some brave enthusiasts tested the cold waters of the Rositsa river. 

Recharged from our exciting deeds and collective fun, the youngsters, led by our IDGs Network coordinator Martin Weider, started to generate ideas how to develop the youth network. Exciting times!

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