Keeping the tradition alive, MOVIT organized the mid-term training for the ESC volunteers between the 12th and 16th of June in southwestern Slovenia, Istria/Karst region. 

The midterm training program was designated as a hiking tour for volunteers who continue to be in Slovenia for more than 6 months. The entire hiking tour distance was approximately 41,7 which the team walked in 5 days.

Thie aim of this training was fior the volunteers to meet in person and to create relationships with both new volunteers who had joined for the mid-term training as well as volunteers who they had already met during the on-arrival training. A diverse group of volunteers was created and featuring 13 volunteers from 9 countries. Two of our EUSA ESC volunteers  took part enthusiastically in all of the training sessions. 

The first day began with an overview of the training and the hiking routes as well as a short introduction of the volunteers and the trainers. The icebreaker games were also an ideal way to get everyone interacting with one another and forming small groups. After spending some get to know each other a bit more, the first hike of the training started off in the area of Divaca. 

After the second day's more complex hike at a circle route close to Ocizla, the volunteers were divided into smaller groups to cook dinner together as a team-building exercise and surprise for the trainers. As a nighttime activity, the volunteers gathered close to the campfire and talked about how they had felt over the previous two days, and following that, it was time to play some games.  

On the third day, the group hiked on their way to the castle of Socerb and visited a volunteering center in Kastelec where they could connect with 10 other volunteers who have a short-term volunteering mission. It was an excellent chance for them to share their experiences with each other considering the differences and similarities between the long and short-term volunteering missions.  After some rest, the final hike was planned to reach Osp, a small village where the next accommodation was,  the total hiking time on the third day was approximately 4 hours. 

The most challenging day was the fourth day because the route to pass Tinjan included uphills and steep downhills, forests, and fields. After coping with the natural forces,  the way was easier to reach the coast, the city of Ankaran. On the fourth day, the number of kilometers covered was 22 kilometers in total and it took 6 hours for the team to reach their final destination. 

On the last day, the volunteers enjoyed the reward of the coast, the sunshine, and the sea. A short evaluation session was held in the morning where everyone could share their best moments of the training and some challenges about the future and how they overcame the difficulties during the training and their volunteering journey. 

Overall, the 5-day training program was an unforgettable opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and exchange experiences with other ESC volunteers who reside in various cities and towns. It also helped participants establish a safe space in which to discuss specific subjects.

European Solidarity Corps (ESC; former European Voluntary Service - EVS) opportunities with EUSA are possible because of the support from the European Union and Movit, the National Agency in Slovenia. EUSA Institute is an accredited organization, with the European Solidarity Corps quality label.