From June 30th to July 4th, more than 60 inspiring young changemakers from across the Balkans gathered at the scenic ethno village Sunčana Reka in Serbia for the Regional Youth Leadership Camp 2025. Representing cities such as Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Shtip, Ohrid, Gostivar, and Skopje—including 15 participants from Macedonia as part of the Young Men Initiative (YMI)—these future leaders came together for a unique experience of learning, leadership, and cross-cultural connection.
Organized by CARE Balkans in partnership with Center E8 (Belgrade), Institute for Population and Development (Sarajevo), Perpetuum Mobile (Banja Luka), and Center for Research and Policy Making (Skopje), the camp provided a vibrant platform to explore urgent social topics. Through dynamic workshops, campaigns, and youth-led sessions, participants addressed key issues such as gender equality, mental and sexual health, violence prevention, and substance use awareness, while promoting positive, healthy choices among youth.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community
Camp 2025 wasn’t just about theory—it was about real-world impact and personal growth. The program explored essential themes like leadership values, problem solving, identity, and the prevention of violent extremism. These complex topics were brought to life through an engaging mix of educational activities, outdoor team-building exercises, and creative expression workshops, all designed to help participants develop practical skills and reflect on their roles as change agents in their communities.
Sports like football, basketball, and volleyball added a spirit of camaraderie, while moments of laughter and fun balanced the intensity of discussions. As youth educator Jovan Longurov from Shtip said, “This camp isn’t just about leadership—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself while making a difference.”
This year’s camp also marked a continuation of youth engagement activities launched earlier in schools and clubs through the YMI project. It was a powerful next step for participants already on a path of civic action and leadership.
A Regional Movement for Change
What made Leadership Camp 2025 stand out was its deep commitment to youth empowerment as a regional movement—not just a one-time event. By fostering collaboration across borders and cultures, the camp strengthened the foundation for more inclusive, healthy, and resilient communities in the Balkans.
Supported by Marie Eberth Stiftung, CARE International Balkans, and the Embassy of the Netherlands in North Macedonia, the camp demonstrated the powerful potential of investing in youth leadership. As the sun set over Sunčana Reka, one message rang clear: these young leaders aren’t waiting for change—they’re leading it.
