here - Ayudh

WELCOME
We are happy to receive you at AYUDH’s Youth Initiative “Together We Can” at M.A. Center
Germany. This guide is designed to provide extra information on the program, and important
guidelines and practical advice on how to make this youth initiative a memorable experience for
all.
Please read the following information carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact your Country Youth
Leader for further clarification. Contact details are given at the end of this document.
PROGRAMME .......................................................................................................................................... 3 summary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 what is a youth initiative? .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 who stands behind the initiative? ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 in focus: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 speakers: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 workshops ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Hip Hop Dance .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 AnanDao -­‐ Martial Arts, Yoga, Inspiration & Energy ........................................................................................................................ 13 Bingoma -­‐ African Drumming ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14 RespAct project – Counteracting Cyberbullying in Schools ............................................................................................................ 14 Back to Grazing – a Horse Experience ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 Permaculture Gardening ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15 How to Change your World – AYUDH Project Management ......................................................................................................... 16 HOPE – Harps of Peace ................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Vegan Raw Lifestyle ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Sensitive Balance ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 IAM Meditation for Youth (age 15 – 25) ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Photography and Graphic Design .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Let’s Clown Together! ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Creating OdenWorld ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Thai Yoga Massage .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 ORGANIZATIONAL .................................................................................................................................. 21 youth under the age of 18 ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22 community service (“seva”) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22 helping hands ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 before the summit ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 after the summit ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22 camping ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22 participation fee ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 translation-­‐sets ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23 arranging your trip .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 A) travel by plane .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 B) travel by train ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 C) travel by car ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 timing of travel arrangements ................................................................................................................................................................... 25 safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 code of conduct ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28 pack-­‐list ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 frequently asked questions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30 checklist ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 contact .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32 PROGRAMME
summary
We are very happy to invite you to the 11th European AYUDH Youth Initiative ‘Together We
Can’ taking place from 12th – 19th July 2015 at M.A. Center Germany, near Frankfurt.
Youth from 20 countries are expected to take part in yet another amazing AYUDH Youth Summit.
The general theme of the initiative is how we can
use the strength of community and
collaboration to contribute to a more peaceful,
happy and sustainable world.
During the youth summit, talks will be held by Br.
Shubamrita, Bri. Dipamrita, Lucia Rijker, Manish
Pandey as well as other renowned personalities
from the fields of science, politics, arts and
personal development.
One central element of the initiative will be the
RespAct project to counteract cyber-bullying in
schools. For this, AYUDH will collaborate with
students of the Theodor Litt School in the nearby town Michelstadt. A huge event in the school
on July 13th will kick-start the RespAct project, giving an opportunity for international youth to
meet and exchange with local students. Jointly we will develop a strategy to raise awareness
about the effects of bullying and work towards establishing a school culture of respect,
tolerance and inclusion.
Another highlight of the week will be the concert
at the end of the week, displaying the creative
talents of AYUDH and presenting the results of
the RespAct project to the public. The show will
include world music, dance and a special
appearance of Dundu, the human giant. Dundu
(www.dundu.eu) has been created by an
internationally renowned group of artists who
have performed across the world using the giant
human marionette as a symbol of unity and
equality of all human beings.
A large variety of workshops will be offered: RespAct Project Development, AnanDao Wudang martial arts, Hip-Hop Dance, African Drumming, Photography and Graphic Design,
Permaculture Gardening, Clowning, Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Harp-playing, Vegan
Raw Lifestyle, Self-awareness through interaction with horses, Sensitive Living, IAM Youth
Meditation, Artwork and AYUDH Project Management.
Apart from that there will be a sports tournament, a video-shoot, meditation and yoga
sessions, singing, games and a big summer festival to conclude the week.
If you register before July 1st the participation fee for the whole week is only €120 (afterwards
€150). A limited number of youth can join the week as ‘helping hands’, doing four hours of
community service per day and paying only half participation fee (€60 or €75 after July 1st).
Register fast, since spaces are limited!
Youth who still have school during the time of the camp can obtain a letter from us that certifies
our initiative as a non-formal learning programme. With this letter you can ask permission of the
school to take leave for the duration of the camp.
The camp is open to youth between the ages of 15 and 30.
Youth, as well as people over the age of 30, are
welcome as volunteers to support the initiative. If
interested, please contact [email protected]
This year, there is no partial refund of travel costs.
Therefore would be good to book your tickets as
soon as possible to get a good deal.
www.megabus.com has good deals from most
European cities to Frankfurt/Darmstadt. In many
countries, we will arrange cheap group travel to
Germany, so please contact your national youth
leader as soon as possible to find out which cheap
means of transportation are available. List of
contacts is at the end of this document.
what is a youth initiative?
The characteristics of a youth initiative are that the youth design a project that directly benefits
society and that the participants will be very actively involved in all phases of the project –
planning, preparation, implementation and spreading of results.
Therefore, to participate in this initiative does not only mean to come for one week of fun and
entertainment to M.A. Center Germany, but to become part of an international working group
that thinks, plans and acts together even before and after the camp to create a long-lasting
impact in society.
who stands behind the initiative?
“Together We Can” is organized by youth for youth. A team of AYUDH members from all over
Europe has been working together since many months to prepare and create an exciting,
enriching and entertaining programme that allows you to get engaged and involved, contribute
with your talents, ideas, creativity and enthusiasm to this project.
AYUDH (www.ayudh.eu) is an international youth movement, dedicated to empowering young
people to become compassionate leaders in building a peaceful and more sustainable future. Our
programmes help youth to express their creative potential, gain self-confidence and implement
their own ideas for how to make the world a better place.
AYUDH is part of Embracing the World® (www.embracingtheworld.org), a global network of
charitable activties.
AYUDH and Embracing the World have been
inspired
and
founded
by
Amma
(Mata
Amritanandamayi), one of the world’s most
renowned humanitarians and spiritual leaders of this
time. Amma’s entire life has been dedicated to
alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering
physically and emotionally. Amma inspires, uplifts
and transforms through her physical embrace, her
spiritual wisdom and her humanitarian activities. Her
boundless love and compassion crosses all barriers
of nationality, race and religion. When people ask
Amma about her religion, she simply replies “my
religion is Love.”
Ø Watch “Embracing the World” – the movie
documentary about Amma and her charitable
work
Ø http://vimeo.com/90720748
M.A. Center Germany – Seminarzentrum Hof Herrenberg e.V. is a non-profit Organization and
the legal host and venue of the programme. (www.hof-herrenberg.de). The center is located in an
area called Odenwald, about one hour from Frankfurt. It is a spiritual community dedicated to the
values and teachings of Amma.
The youth initiative is supported by the Sparkasse Odenwald Foundation.
in focus:
RespAct project with Lucia Rijker
- an initiative against (cyber)bullying in schools
We all like to post pictures, videos and comments of
ourselves and others on social media. But quite
easily, the line is crossed between fun and
entertaining posts and those that can be
disrespectful and hurtful to others. If repeated and
spread to a larger audience, such posts are called
cyberbullying. Statistics show that one out of three
students in Europe has been a victim of
cyberbullying, which can have long-lasting effects
such as depression, anxiety and lower academic
performance.
Merely adopting strict rules and measurements in
schools has a limited potential to improve the
situation. What is required is a holistic approach
involving students, teachers and parents to create a school climate of mutual respect, tolerance
and inclusion. The RespAct project aims at supporting schools in creating this holistic strategy.
Lucia Rijker, six-time world champion in
(kick)boxing, has been working with AYUDH during
the last year to develop the RespAct project.
Drawing on her background of facilitating selfempowerment workshops with young people
across the world, Lucia now plays a key-role in the
AYUDH initiative.
As part of ‘Together We Can’, AYUDH will work
together
with
the
Theodor-Litt-Schule
in
Michelstadt, a ‘middle-school’ close by M.A.
Center Germany with 500 students from grades 5 10. For months prior to the Youth Summit,
students and teachers will be conducting a survey
in the school, asking feedback and suggestions
from students and faculty to assess the situation.
A large kick-off event with Lucia will take place on Monday 13th July, where
all participants of ‘Together We Can’ will meet the 500 students. It is an
opportunity for both sides to get to know each other, crossing barriers of
language, culture and nationality. Together they will reflect upon the results
of the school survey and come up with suggestions for improvement.
The kick-off will be followed up by a dedicated
workshop in the school, where 20 students will
collaborate with 20 international AYUDH members
to further explore the three key aspects of the
RespAct project: ‘respect yourself’, ‘respect the
other’ or ‘respect the community’. The collaborative
sessions will be led and guided by Lucia Rijker,
teachers from the school and an international team
of AYUDH members who study and work in the field
of education and psychology. As a result of the
workshop it’s participants will come up with a
student-led strategy for the school to be
implemented in 2016 in order to nurture a positive
school-culture of respect, awareness and empathy.
Another goal of the workshop is to encourage a
lasting connection between the students and AYUDH members, who can keep in touch over
skype to further promote and develop the project.
your RespAct presentation
To ‘break the ice’ with the students during the ‘kickoff’ event in Michelstadt, each national AYUDH
group will present a 2-minute scene to highlight one
of the three aspects of the RespAct project: ‘respect
yourself’, ‘respect the other’ or ‘respect the
community’. These short presentations can include
any creative elements that your country group is
passionate about – acting, singing, video-art, beatboxing or acrobatics. The main objective is to give
the students a positive message in relation to the
project, in fun and creative ways. The scene will be
prepared together in your country group on the first
day of the Youth Summit. If you already have
suggestions on how the presentation can be
planned, please contact your country youth leader.
OdenWorld – a cultural festival to conclude the week
It has become a tradition to turn the last night of the
AYUDH summit into a celebration of AYUDH's
talents and creativity. This year, we want to take it
one step further and invite the public to this event.
During the last year, a new huge event hall has been
built at M.A. Center and the AYUDH performance will
be the first big event to open it’s doors to the public
– a ‘trial run’ for Amma's program which is
scheduled to take part later this year.
The theme of the evening is aligned to the main topic
of the week: Showing the strength of togetherness
and community in creating something of impact and
value, something unique and beautiful. We wish to
cross the borders of cultures, musical styles and art-forms, displaying the variety of AYUDH
talents as well as introducing local bands and performers.
The title ‘OdenWorld” reflects this ambition: ‘Odenwald’ is the name of the region where the
AYUDH summits have taken place during the past ten years. And literally – during the summit
youth from across the world are guests in this region and enrich it with their dynamism, creativity
and dedication to create a better world. They in turn take something back from the Odenwald to
spread in their home country.
Regional performers include the African drumming
band ‘Bingoma’, the school-band of the TheodorLitt-Schule (our partner school for the RespAct
project), the youth-brass band of Langenbrombach
and local Hip-Hop dance group. A highlight of the
show will certainly be the performance of ‘dundu’ ,
the ‘giants of light’, who will dance, interact and
perform together with us.
For the past eight months, AYUDH had made an
online call to all youth out there to submit their
talents. ‘OdenWorld’ will include the submissions we
got – and we can promise you that it will for sure be
a fun and spectacular night! And of course, it
wouldn’t be AYUDH if not ALL youth participating in
‘Together We Can’ would get a chance to perform together. During the week we will rehearse a
choreography for ‘One Heart’, our theme song 2015, which will be the final performance of the
night. But don’t worry - it will be simple enough for all of us to learn, so whether you like it or not
– we will surely get you to dance and shake it out. If you are too shy, just remember: together we
can!!
On top of that we will run our own drinks and food
bar (all non-alcoholic and vegetarian) and
merchandise stall for the event. The Vegan-Raw
Lifestyle workshop will prepare delicious snacks
and smoothies, and alcohol-free cocktails will be
offered. The OdenWorld Art-Workshop will make
sure we turn the event hall into a beautiful and
unique atmosphere.
‘OdenWorld’ will also be the platform to present the
results of the RespAct workshop to the public, and
promote the values of respect, diversity and
inclusion.
As you can imagine, all of this will require quite
some preparation work, so we will need lots of helping hands during the week to get things ready
and running for the final show. If you like to get more involved in the festival preparation, please
contact: [email protected]
together for 2016
The best ideas are created together. For example,
during an ‘Open Space’ session in 2013 some
AYUDH members came up with the idea to visit the
EU parliament on the occasion of our 10th
anniversary. We thought this was crazy, but in the
end, this is what happened, and it was pretty
awesome.
During ‘Together We Can’ we will facilitate another
collaborative process by which we invite all of you to
let us know what you feel are the most urgent
problems and issues that young people face in
todays world. Your ideas and feedback will be the
base to find the theme for AYUDH in 2016, around
which all our projects and the summit 2016 will be
focused.
sports-tournament
Like in 2014, we will have an awesome Sportstournament where you get to try out different and
new sports styles. Fun for sure!!
getting ready for the day
We all know how hard it is to get out of bed in the
morning. AYUDH will make it more fun for you! Every
morning we offer a variety of activities that get you
ready for the day. Yoga, meditation, Qui-Gong or
running can give you a boost of energy and a
focused mind to make the most of your day at
AYUDH.
music-video shooting
Like every year we will spend some time shooting a
music video to a new AYUDH song. Our song for
2015 is called ‘One Heart’. This year, its gonna be a
big party to shoot at night, with the glowing ‘dundu’
doll and lots of special effects. One part of the
shooting will have a focus on different dance styles.
So if you want to get out there and be part of that
aspect – please let us know. By the way: students
from the Theodor-Litt-Schule will also join us for the
shooting. They can't wait to be a part of the AYUDH
music video history ;-)
please be aware…
The goal of this youth initiative is to provide an environment that helps youth to grow on a
personal and spiritual level. This is why alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited at our event.
There are many opportunities for participants to celebrate and have fun during the week – but
without intoxicants.
In respect of the spiritual background of M.A. Center Germany we expect participants to adhere
to a certain code of conduct (at the end of this document). This also includes to dress in a
modest way – means that more parts of our bodies should be covered than uncovered J
speakers:
As every year amazing speakers will share with us their vision and experience on the topic
“Together We Can”, and give us the chance to ask questions.
br. shubamrita, monk, meditation
teacher (india)
bri. dipamrita, leader of the ngo
‘embracing the world – france’ (france)
manish pandey, actor and director
(UK)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3419321/
lucia rijker, sports legend, actress
(USA/netherlands)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucia_Rijker
workshops
The workshops will give you an opportunity to go deeper into the topic of the week ‘Together We
Can.’ According to your talents, skills and interests, you can attend one workshop for the
duration of the full week. This year, students from the Theodor-Litt-School Michelstadt will also
join us in some workshops. And here goes the list:
Hip Hop Dance
Summary: In this workshop, you will be introduced
to Hip hop culture, rhythm and dance moves. We
will learn how to battle each other with respect,
develop some moves and – altogether – create a
free choreography with the potential to break all
boundaries. We will learn to feel Hip hop as a
culture that uses music to gather people together.
Workshop leader: Laura, Spain
I have been dancing for more than 10 years; I am
specialized in Hip hop but love any kind of dancing.
Choreographing has always interested me.
I am working at the moment to expand my love for
Hip hop and urban culture through the great music
of Lockin, Popping and House.
AnanDao - Martial Arts, Yoga, Inspiration & Energy
Summary: When body and mind work together,
you will be able to achieve great things.
If you are physically strong but your mind is half
asleep, or physically weak and simultaneously very
alert, you are not at the top of your game. With
Martial Arts Training you will strengthen your body,
make your heart still and transform your mind into a
light, free butterfly.
Workshop Leader: Ralf Shifu (Germany)
My name is Shifu Ralf ZiXü and I have been
practicing Daoist Arts like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yong
Chuan and Meditation for more than 25 Years. In
Mount Wudang, China, I found my Master Yuan Xiu
Gang and an intense way of inner healing and
development. I'm truly fascinated about what Martial Arts offers to this day. I'm very happy to
offer this workshop to so many young people so that we can enjoy this way together. In that way
I follow a long tradition and the wish of my Master. I will be joined by my wife Noa Vrinda Devi.
Bingoma - African Drumming
Summary: In this workshop you will be able to
experience a polyrhythmic feeling, which is the
heart of the Malinke Music (from Guinea). This
includes 3 bass-drums, hand-drums, clavé and
shekeré. You will be able to explore all the different
instruments and bring your soul to our African
roots.
The goal is learning and playing 1 or 2 traditional
rhythms of the Malinke People. First we will work
on the basics and if we work together with
awareness, we will be able to make music together!
Maybe we can even bring it to the stage!
Workshop leaders: Bingoma, Germany
Peter, Max and myself are part of the music group ‘Bingoma.’
Hof Herrenberg is our base, where we practice every Monday. We feel so connected to AYUDH,
because we have played several concerts for you. We enjoyed your positive energy so much, that
we want to share music with you again - this time adding the new component of creating music
with you in the workshop training.
RespAct project – Counteracting Cyberbullying in Schools
In collaboration with the Theodor Litt School and Lucia Rijker
Summary: In the RespAct workshop, 20
international participants of ‘Together We Can’ are
invited to work together with 20 students from the
Theodor Litt Schule in Michelstadt to reflect on the
issue of cyberbullying and find solutions that can
be implemented in the school in the long run.
The workshop will take place in the school and
provide a unique opportunity for intercultural
exchange, collaboration and an innovative
approach to create a school climate of respect,
tolerance and inclusion.
Workshop leaders: Interactive sessions and
group work will be led by Lucia Rijker, teachers of
the school and a team of AYUDH members who study or work in the field of education, social
work or psychology.
Back to Grazing – a Horse Experience
Summary: Horses are always in the present
moment - they are giving and free of any
expectations. They reflect our feelings and reveal
our masks.
In this workshop, we will teach you the basics of
horse training, from looking under their hooves to
the top of their backs. You will be able to feel a
horse and work with him, and maybe to understand
the treasure of this practice when individuality
disappears and both man and animal are one
together.
Workshop leaders:
Heike Neder (Germany) Doris Flascher (Germany) Juris Bormanis (Latvia) Flavia Pinto
(Portugal) Kerstin Lubjung (Germany)
This year, the Stables Team of Hof Herrenberg Stables joined together in order to provide a more
practical workshop with horses and simultaneously allow each of you to deepen your experience
and develop your individualized relation with our hooved friends.
Having gone through very different equine paths and life experiences, all of us share a genuine
love for horses. Gathered together by Heike Neder, we work in developing a space where horses
can feel good and free.
Permaculture Gardening
Summary: In this workshop we will create a
beautiful and unique garden TOGETHER. We will
need your creativity and hands in order to set up a
garden that not only produces food for us human
beings, but that also provides a home for animals
while being visually appealing, easily maintained
and free of any synthetic pesticides and fertilizer.
Workshop leaders: Eric, Germany, Nico Gemio,
Spain
We are Nico and Eric and we love to garden in a
way that is respectful to the environment (including
humans). We work to create beautiful places where
people feel at home and nature is healthy. We have
been developing Hof Herrenberg’s garden since
2014 and we're looking forward to teach you some of what we've learned so far, while learning
from your ideas and perspectives as well.
How to Change your World – AYUDH Project Management
Summary: Do you have an idea that can change the
world? Something that can change your community,
your environment, your life and the lives of those
around you?
Everything starts with an idea.
In this workshop, we will teach you how to bring
these ideas from your head and let it fly out to the
world. We’ll help to make it happen. We will teach
you the skills you need to succeed as an innovator
and a vehicle of change.
From art projects to parades, from street-feasts to
statistics, from gardens to governments - let's see
how we can make a difference.
Workshop leader: Eoin, Ireland
Creating change is a lot of fun. Having an idea and watching it grow and blossom is a magical
experience. I've learned lots on this rollercoaster ride of life. I'm happy to share my experiences
and through this workshop see together how we can see your ideas grow and blossom.
HOPE – Harps of Peace
Summary: By playing together in harmony and
creating a space where we share the magic of
music, we can make a difference in the lives of
many in the world. So join us for our third year of
the AYUDH HOPE-Harps Of Peace workshop and
learn how to create healing music on the harp and
share this vision of healing through sound.
The small harp is one of the easiest instruments to
learn and in only four days you will be able to play
some Bhajans, as well as songs of Love and
Healing. Throughout the week we will introduce you
to this instrument, and later you will be able to
apply to take it home with you, have regular Skype
classes and commit to keep developing and
sharing this healing music throughout the year.
Workshop leader: Christina Tourin, USA
Christina Tourin is a second-generation harpist having started playing at the age of 4. She studied
at the Mozarteum and McGill Universities. She is the founder of the International Harp Therapy
Program and Rainbow of Sound programs worldwide. You will be in good hands learning from
Christina as she is known as the one of the leading educators in learning how to play the harp.
See PlayHarp.com for more information.
Vegan Raw Lifestyle
Summary: Are you familiar with this situation: You
go to your favourite coffee bar and suddenly find
the window display full of yellow smoothies, red
muffins and green cakes? No wonder – vegan raw
food has lately become a real hype around the
world and has established itself as a widely
acknowledged healthy and popular alternative diet.
This workshop will introduce you to the world of
zucchini spaghetti and herbal energy-boosters.
In short, you will learn what a vegan raw diet is all
about. We will go out into the wild, collect herbs
from the area and prepare delicious and complete
meals, snacks and drinks.
Workshop leader: Astrid, Germany
The need for more energy and a better awareness of life were the reasons that led me to change
my diet into a raw food one two years ago. I have been having a wonderful experience since then,
which I am very happy to now be able to share with you. I am also a qualified raw food coach.
Sensitive Balance
Summary: Research shows that 1 out of 5 (15-20%)
of all men and women in every population are born
with a more sensitive nervous system. They may be
more vulnerable to stress, easily feeling
overwhelmed by loud noise, conflicts, war, life
changes, perhaps more affected by complex and
chaotic situations. On one hand you may be gifted
with empathy, creativity, intelligence, intuition and
imagination, but on the other hand you may be more
tired after school, studies, work or social activities.
You may be introverted and some people may think
you are quite sensitive. This workshop will help you
to understand and work to your advantages - be
more friendly to yourself, avoid overstimulation and
create more inner balance and peace in your life.
Workshop leader: Martin, Denmark
Since 2002 my wife and I have a private psychotherapeutic practice specialized in helping Highly
Sensitive Persons finding their ways to create more balance in their lives, jobs and relationships.
IAM Meditation for Youth (age 15 – 25)
Summary: "The remote control of our mind should
rest firmly in the palm of our hand." Amma
You will learn the Integrated Amrita Meditation
Technique® for youth, a simple combination of
yoga and meditation that takes just 20 minutes a
day. With regular practice, the IAM-Technique®
benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and
spiritually with simple, safe breath-focuses
exercises and visualizations. This technique is very
helpful to reveal our full potential.
Workshop leader: Satyaja, Germany
I have been teaching meditation and yoga since
eight years. Every month I also teach a group of
youth in a prison in Düsseldorf, Germany. Seeing the impact and change that this meditation
technique has had on these young people has really reinforced my convition that meditation can
be a tremendous tool in personal empowerment and transformation.
My professional background is as an artist and journalist. I graduated with Diploma from
artschool Düsseldorf and have had several international exhibitions.
Photography and Graphic Design
Summary: The eyes are one of humans’ main
tools to decipher and interpret the world. A strong
image is one of the most powerful means we can
find of communicating a message.
In this workshop, we will start by exploring the
visual and artistic opportunities that photography
has to offer, as well as developing our Photoshop
skills to edit and refine the images. We will also
introduce typography into our illustrations in order
to spread Amma’s message of peace and
compassion.
Workshop leaders:
Photography: Aleksi Vishvanath, Finland
Aleksi works as a freelance photographer, journalist and editor. His images are breathtaking
compositions of people, places, stories. Check out his website: http://www.aleksilausti.com
Graphic Design: Mimi, Austria
Mimi is a graphic designer and has collaborated with AYUDH for many projects. She has a
passion for working with youth and empowering them to express their own creativity.
http://www.seelosdesign.at
Let’s Clown Together!
Summary: ‘Clowning is about the freedom that
comes from a state of total, unconditional acceptance
of our most authentic selves. It teaches us how to
respect our doubts and fears, and opens the door to
joy,’ (Jan Henderson).
Clowning is something we do not need to learn. We
are all already clowns. ‘Our’ clown is somewhere,
inside us, waiting to play and make fun…of
everything, including all our emotions – whether we
call them ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
During this workshop we will explore curiosity,
playfulness & creativity. We will focus on a wonderful
state of Joy and Truth through warm up exercises,
individual and collective games, improvisations and
other surprises.
Workshop leaders: Gati and Chaitanya, Belgium
Gati and Chaitanya are two Belgian people who met by chance three years ago on Amma’s tour.
Psychologist Gati studied theatre in Brussels and currently lives in Amritapuri, India. She is mostly
involved in clowning in Embracing the World’s hospital ‘Amrita Institute of Medical Science’
(AIMS), as a relational clown with kids of Kerala where her heart is filled with joy and love.
Impassioned by human relations, cooperation and sharing of joy, Chaitanya studied NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) and started clowning after years of theatrical improvisation and
interactive singing seva with elderly people. In 2014, she graduated as a ‘Relational-Clown
Practitioner’ in Gestalt Therapy.
Creating OdenWorld
Summary: OdenWorld is our 2015 Performance, a
big festival of music, dance and magic.
In order to make it as special as possible, we want a
to create a beautiful ambience which can be
experienced as soon as one enters the hall.
For this purpose, we will create a team of artists who
will work during the week in transforming and
customizing space. So, get creative and come up
with a unique decoration for the hall and entrance
foyer, as well as our food and merchandise stalls.
Your ideas will make the difference!
Workshop leaders: a team of artists and graphic
designers who bring their professional experience
towards working on exhibitions, advertisement and marketing projects across Europe.
Thai Yoga Massage
Summary: Thai Massage is an active technique of
meditation, which allows us to develop the art of
listening to ourselves and others, as well as freeing
our blockages through stretching, direction of
energies and a conscious breath. It is a preventive
form of healthcare, as well as an auto-regenerative
technique.
In this workshop, you will be able to discover and
explore this ancestral art, which has its ancient roots
in both the traditions of Ayurvedic medicine and the
Indian Yogic philosophy. You will learn some basic
techniques on how to offer some care to yourself, as
well as to others.
Workshop Leader: Adarsh, Belgium
Massage is like music to me – one enters into resonance; it is a combination of listening to the
rhythm, dance, fluidity and movement.
I am a musician, as well as a practitioner of Thai Massage, Shiatsu and other healing body
techniques, as Osteo-Thai and meditation-relaxation therapy. I have been shaping my own
practice after years of travelling across Thailand, India, Japan and Canada.
Amma brought me also to this path of acknowledging myself and the others. I am thankful I can
now share these tools, which allow us to connect with our inner self, as well as to deepen the
communication with the world around us.
ORGANIZATIONAL
youth under the age of 18
As per the German Law, your parents will need to fill in and sign a letter before we can accept
you for participation at the Youth Summit. If you are under the age of 18, please get in touch with
your Country Youth Leader, writing a quick email to state your interest in coming to AYUDH. The
list of contacts is at the end of this document.
community service (“seva”)
The functioning of the youth summit is only possible if everybody helps in the community service.
Upon your arrival you will be assigned a task that you will do throughout the week, like vegetable
chopping, serving meals, etc.
helping hands
If you commit to do community service for 4 hours every day you can participate in the camp for
half of the participation fee (60 Euro before July 1st, afterwards 75 Euro). If you are interested,
simply fill in the corresponding section in the online registration form. We are looking forward to
your help!
before the summit
As every year, there will be a lot of help needed before the camp to complete all the work. If you
like to come already on July 7th to help with the preparations, please contact [email protected]. We
can only accommodate a limited number of people, so please check with us before you book
your flight.
after the summit
Everyone is invited to stay and help for one or two extra days after the camp and leave only on
Monday, 20st or Tuesday, 21nd July 2015. The stay during those two days will be free of charge.
Your help is greatly appreciated! For staying one or two days longer you don’t need to contact
the seva team – just book your flight that way.
camping
Only youth over 18 are allowed to camp during the retreat. Boys and girls can not share the
same tent. If you like to camp, please bring a tent along with you. M.A. Center Germany has very
comfortable shower and bathroom facilities for campers.
participation fee
The participation fee for the full week is only 120 Euro if you complete your registration before
July 1st. Afterwards it is 150 Euro, so please register fast! If you commit to do 4 hours of
community service per day the participation fee is only half (see ‘helping hands’ above).
We are able to offer the camp for such a good price due to the co-funding of the EU and the
voluntary help of so many people who offer their work free of charge. This is an amazing example
of selfless giving and we want to thank all those people for their generous support of our
initiative!
The participation fee needs to be paid upon arrival in cash at the Welcome Desk.
translation-sets
Like every year, a Swiss company, KTR Kongresstechik, is lending us equipment to enable
simultanious translation. This enables all of you who need translation into French, German,
Italian or Spanish to wear a wireless headset and listen simultaniously to the translation of the
talks.
NEW! This equipment is extremely sensitive and valuable. Therefore, everyone who wishes to use
a translation set will be asked to make a DEPOSIT for it this year. You can indicate at the onlineregistration form if you need this kind of translation set, and you will be asked to make the
deposit of 50 Euro upon arrival. Of course you will be given back the money at the end of the
summit if you return the headset in perfect condition.
At this point also a big thank you to Beatrice Rychener from KTR Kongresstechik for her trust
and generosity to lend us this equipment year after year.
arranging your trip
This year, there is no partial refund of travel costs. Therefore would be good to book your tickets
as soon as possible to get a good deal. In many countries, we will arrange cheap group travel to
Germany, so please contact your national youth leader as soon as possible to find out which
cheap means of transportation are available. List of contacts is below.
A) travel by plane
FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Trip from airport to M.A. Center Germany takes around 2 hours. You have 2 options:
1.)
By Bus to Darmstadt and Train to Bad König
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By bus (AirLiner) to Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station);
departure every 30 minutes from:
Terminal 1: arrival area B, bus station 14 or
Terminal 2: arrival area D and E, exit H
Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/nenbv8k (scroll down to find the schedule)
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From Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof (main station) by train to Bad König.
Schedule: www.bahn.de Select your language in the top left corner.
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We will pick you up from Bad Koenig train station.
2.) By Train to Bad König
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By train, in Terminal 1, find Area B, on Ground 0,
Book your train ticket to Bad König either from an automated service or better from the
counter where you will be able to get a print out of your trip including the changeovers.
You may either have to change trains in Frankfurt Main Station, Hanau or Darmstadt.
We will pick you up from Bad König train station
FRANKFURT- HAHN AIRPORT
Trip from Frankfurt-Hahn airport to M.A. Center Germany takes around 4 hours
By bus to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and by train Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to
Bad König:
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The bus departs from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport: in front of Terminal A
Tickets to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof available from the driver on the bus or the ticket shop in
front of terminal A
Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/os3z86b
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From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main station) by train to Bad Koenig, takes one hour.
Schedule: www.bahn.de Select your language in the top left corner.
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We will pick you up from Bad König train station
For you information, a bus ticket from Frankfurt Hahn to Frankfurt Main Station should cost
you € 14. The train ticket from Frankfurt Main Station to Bad Koenig should cost you € 11.
These prices may be subject to slight variation (as of May 2013).
B) travel by train
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If you want to book a train ticket in advance in your country, you will probably not find the
destination “Bad Koenig”, so please book to “Darmstadt” instead.
At Darmstadt train station you can book the remaining ticket to “Bad Koenig”. You can
book this ticket at the green ticket machine “RMV”.
First press number 43 and then “Einzelfahrt”.
To find out the train schedule from Darmstadt (main station) to Bad Koenig, please visit:
www.bahn.de
Select your language in the top left corner
We will pick you up from Bad Koenig train station
C) travel by car
Please use an online routing program like www.googlemaps.com
This is the address:
M.A. Center Germany
Seminarzentrum Hof Herrenberg e.V.
Hof Herrenberg 1 | 64753 Brombachtal | GERMANY
Phone: +49 6063 579933
timing of travel arrangements
Participate in the Youth Summit is possible only if you stay for the full duration of the camp.
You should arrive on Saturday, 11th July 2015 or Friday, 10th July AFTERNOON/EVENING.
Please do not come before Friday, 10th July, unless you have communicated with [email protected]
and they have confirmed that you can come earlier to help set-up.
Please also note that the last train connection from Frankfurt Main Airport departs at 22:00, from
Frankfurt Hahn at 20:30. Transportation cannot be arranged for you after that.
Departure:
We would like all participants to stay until the very end of the youth exchange. We understand
that in some cases it might be difficult to arrange travel, but please plan your departure from M.A.
Center after 13:00 on Sunday, July 19th 2015.
This means earliest departure:
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By flight: Frankfurt Main at 16:30
By flight: Frankfurt Hahn at 18:00
By train: Darmstadt at 14:30
By train: Bad Koenig at 13:30
As mentioned before, it would be great if many of you can stay for two more extra days to help
with the cleanup.
Eco-Note: We wish to minimize the impact that we have on the environment through our youth
exchange. We therefore encourage you to inquire about eco-friendly ways of transportation, like
coaches or trains to reach M.A. Center Germany.
safety
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, M.A. Center Germany has
created the following policies:
What we provide:
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Participants can turn to their country youth leader at any time during the exchange if they
should feel unhappy or have any problems. There will also be a Help-desk, which
participants can turn to
A feedback box is in place, allowing anonymous feedback
Regular feedback sessions with the country youth leaders ensure that the participants can
express their needs and problems during the exchange
Youth leaders will be accommodated in the same houses as participants
What we expect:
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All participants to act responsibly and follow the code of conduct outlined below at all
times
Participants need to arrange their own insurance, valid in Germany, which covers medical
assistance (including after care), accident and serious illness (including permanent or
temporary incapacity), permanent disability, death and repatriation in case of serious
illness, accident or death, civil liability, the loss of identification and travel documents and
damage or loss of luggage
We strongly recommend that participants acquire the European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC). This is a free insurance plan which is given by your insurance company.
For safety reasons all participants are requested to carry their insurance card with them at
all times during their stay at M.A. Center Germany
Please be aware that the Odenwald, the area where M.A. Center Germany is located, has ticks
that may carry infectious diseases. Please be careful when working in the gardens and grass,
use tick spray, check your body regularly for ticks and take a shower every day.
code of conduct
1. Behaviour:
• Be respectful of yourself and others, regardless of their gender, nationality, social
background and sexual orientation
• Attendees are responsible for their own personal safety and the safety of others
2. Attendance:
• All activities have to be attended, unless they are marked “optional”
• The general bedtime is 23:00 and has to be respected by participants of all ages
3. Accommodation:
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Please sleep in the room assigned - if you have a problem bring it to a youth leader
Males and Females are to be in separate bedrooms, intimacy is not permitted during the
camp
Camping is only permitted for youth over the age of 18, boys and girls not sharing the
same tent
4. Leaving the camp site:
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Youth under the age of 18 need to go in a group of at least three people (according to
German law!)
You must notify the information desk before leaving, and after returning back to the venue.
Stay on site during regular activity times and after 6pm
5. Health:
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Alcohol and drugs in any form are strictly prohibited during the whole stay
Not respecting this guideline will lead to expulsion
Smoking is permitted only in designated and clearly signed areas
6. M.A. Center:
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M.A. Center Germany is an ecological demonstration site – please use the facilities with
respect for the environment
The horse stables can not be entered, unless permission is granted
pack-list
FOR SLEEPING
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Sheets to cover the mattress and pillow-covers (in exceptional cases this can also be
borrowed from the M.A. Center for €5)
CLOTHING
• Sturdy shoes, sneakers, slippers
• Combined clothing for warm and cold weather, enough for 7 days. Please dress modestly
• Swimming dress (there is a swimming pond at M.A Center Germany)
• When packing clothes, please also be aware that some physically active workshops might
require you to change clothes afterwards.
• A pair of blue jeans for the show on 18th July
• Comfortable, loose clothes for yoga & meditation
• Sports clothes and shoes, if you like to take part in the tournament
• Rain jacket and sun protection (Hat)
HYGIENE
• Personal Hygiene items
• Towels
MEDICAL
• You are obliged to bring all necessary medication with you, as indicated by the doctor. If
you do have bee/wasp sting allergy you are requested to bring two emergency kits with
you. Youth under the age of 18 need to hand over their medicine to the responsible person
at M.A. Center upon arrival, including a written note by their doctor indicating how the
medicine needs to be taken. This person will keep the medicine safe and provide them to
you in accordance with the doctors instructions
• If you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions please make arrangements to bring what
you may require for your diet
• Spray against ticks
DOCUMENTS
• Passport (plus one copy, to be kept separately from the original passport)
• Insurance card
OTHER
• Torch
• Sun lotion, insect repellent
• Paper & Pen
• Pocket Money for snacks at the kiosk and the shop
• Refillable water bottle
frequently asked questions
Q: Which language is used most commonly during the youth exchange?
A: All talks and workshops will be conducted in English. During the talks we provide simultaneous
translation into Spanish, French, Italian and German.
Q: What if I don’t want to participate in a particular activity?
A: All young people must participate in all activities. The AYUDH Summit is committed to the
development of the participant’s life skills through group activities and exposure to diverse
educational experiences.
Q: Can I be together with my friends in the same workshop / group?
A: During certain times you will be together with the youth coming from your country. During
workshop times you will be part of a mixed group with youth of all ages, from different countries.
We encourage the cross-country mix of youth in order to create a platform for intercultural
exchange.
Q: Who is Amma and how is this youth exchange related to her?
A: M.A. Center Germany is inspired by the teachings of Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), one of
the most respected humanitarians and spiritual leaders of this time.
Participants do not necessarily need to have met or know Amma. However, during some talks
and workshops, Amma’s teachings might be mentioned. Spiritual practices like meditation, yoga
and chanting will be offered on a voluntary basis. We hope that participants will feel comfortable
with the spiritual background of the youth initiative.
Q: What Will Happen When You Arrive?
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You will be welcomed at our check-in desk
You may need to provide any information on yourself missing from our records and sign
the participants list
You will be allocated with a community service for which you will be responsible
throughout the week
You will be shown your room or camp site
checklist
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Do I know the address and contact number of where I am going?
Have my parents been given this information?
Do I have a valid passport (and visa, if required) and photocopies of these with me?
Do I have any medicines that I may need for the duration of my stay with me?
For youth under 18, who need to take prescribed medicines: Do I have a written note by
my doctor, indicating how the medicines need to be taken?
Do I have sufficient insurance for my stay in Germany and do I have my insurance card(s)
with me?
Do I know who I will be able to talk to if I am worried or unhappy about anything when I am
on my trip?
Am I ready for my trip? (or do I have any questions, worries or concerns to clarify before I
leave?)
We are looking forward to welcome you soon at M.A. Center Germany!
contact
Country
Germany
Denmark
Austria
Switzerland
Finland
France
Greece
Spain
Portugal
UK
Ireland
Belgium
Netherlands
Italy
Slovenia
All other countries
Email
[email protected], [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
M.A. Center Germany –
Seminarzentrum Hof Herrenberg e.V.
Hof Herrenberg 1
64753 Brombachtal
GERMANY
Phone: +49 6063 579933 / Fax: +49 6063 579953
www.ayudh.eu / [email protected]
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah