(Testing) Becoming a Certified Trekking Guide

An Intensive Journey is a multi-day, immersive and transformative training experience that goes deeper than a standard workshop. It combines short inputs with a lot of hands-on practice, so participants learn by doing.
The goal is that you leave with clear, usable competencies, more confidence, and concrete next steps to apply what you learned in your own life.

What makes YEP Academy’s approach different is the combination of academic depth, high-quality facilitation, and nature-based learning—grounded in the concept of the Ecological Self.
We create a safe and supportive learning space where people can take meaningful risks, be honest, and grow—without pressure to “perform.” At the same time, we work with clear structures, ethics, and strong group agreements that support inclusion, respect, and wellbeing.
Our Intensive Journeys are evidence-informed and academically grounded: we draw on experiential education, nature pedagogy, group dynamics, psychology, leadership studies, and sustainability thinking—then translate these frameworks into practical methods participants can use immediately.
Nature is not just a “nice background” in our training. We treat landscapes, weather, and places as active learning partners, helping participants build deeper awareness, responsibility, and connection—to themselves, others, and the living world.

It means we actively create conditions where learning is possible: clear group agreements, respectful and non-judgemental communication, consent and boundaries, inclusion, and confidentiality. You are invited to challenge yourself, but you stay responsible for your own limits. Our facilitators hold the process carefully, and feedback is structured to be constructive and supportive.

• Head: You receive clear inputs, concepts, and “back-ups” based on literature, models, and visual flipcharts - so you understand the why and the structure behind the methods.
• Heart: We create a safe and supportive space for reflection, dialogue, and connection - so learning is meaningful, personal, and grounded in values and awareness.
• Hand: The biggest part is practical in nature. You will train real skills through hands-on exercises, practice, field application, and reflection loops—so you leave able to apply what you learned.

• Challenge & Adventure
• Meaningful Personal Impact
• Self-Assessment
• Building Strong Relationships
• Active Learning & Problem Solving

Yes. Many introverts thrive in our intensive journeys. Participation does not mean being loud - it means being present, engaged, and willing to practice. We balance group moments with individual reflection and smaller-group work, so different personality styles can contribute in a natural way.

No. You will be invited to communicate and reflect, but you never have to share anything you don’t want to. We encourage authenticity and learning, not “performance” or oversharing. You can always choose your level of personal disclosure.

That’s okay. Intensive learning can be powerful, and we plan for different needs. There are breaks and structured moments to pause, and you can communicate with the facilitation team if you need support or a step-out. Taking care of yourself is part of responsible participation.

We design activities with different entry points and challenge levels. Our facilitators offer clear guidance, and peer learning is structured so beginners feel supported while experienced participants stay challenged. The aim is shared learning without comparison or pressure.

That’s absolutely fine. Many participants join for the first time. We guide the learning step by step, explain methods clearly, and build confidence through practice in a supportive environment. You don’t need to be “experienced”—just open, curious, and willing to engage.

Yes. A mandatory online preparation meeting will take place about one week before the intensive journey starts. It’s a chance to meet your fellow participants and facilitators, align expectations, clarify logistics and safety, and go through the final preparation steps. The meeting link and details will be shared in your confirmation email after successful registration and payment.

There is no written or verbal exam. Instead, the learning happens through active participation: hands-on practice in nature, engagement in the group process, and reflection. If you aim for the Certified YEP Academy Facilitator / Guide, an additional practical assignment (co-facilitation) is required after the course.

Your safety and wellbeing are a core priority in every YEP Academy Intensive Journey. We work with clear procedures, trained staff, and location-specific planning to reduce risk and respond effectively if something happens.
Emergency contact and medical information is collected during registration
Consent forms are signed and submitted before the program
All facilitators hold valid first aid certification
Accident insurance is provided by YEP (coverage up to USD 5,000)
Location-specific risk assessment checklists are applied and briefed
Child protection guidelines are followed (when applicable)

Connectivity may be limited depending on the location. During our Intensive Journey, mobile phones are not allowed during the program flow and can only be used in specific break sessions. This helps everyone stay present, connect more deeply, and fully engage with the experience.

We kindly invite you to stay for the full journey as agreed, including arrival and departure times, as this supports the group process and learning flow. If this is not possible for you, please clarify your situation with us in advance so we can explore options and confirm what is feasible within the venue and logistics. Please note that any travel changes or extra nights are usually at your own cost, and availability may be limited.

First, complete your registration by clicking the button and following the instructions, including the payment process. After your registration and payment has been successfully received, you will get a confirmation email with your invoice, packing list, and details for the mandatory online preparation meeting (held one week before the intensive journey starts).

If scholarships are available, you will see an “Apply for Scholarship” button above. By choosing this option, you apply first instead of registering and paying directly. After you submit the scholarship application (including the required information and acceptance of the Terms & Conditions), we will review it and get back to you within the communicated timeline. If your scholarship is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with the next steps, your invoice (and co-payment details if applicable), as well as the packing list and preparation meeting information. Your place becomes final once you confirm your participation and—if required—complete the payment by the deadline. If the scholarship is not granted, you can still register as a self-funded participant if places are available, or withdraw your application.

Yes. We offer customized Intensive Journeys for organizations (NGOs, schools, companies, youth groups etc.) and adapt the content, duration, location, and intensity to your goals and context. Reach out to us with your objectives, group profile, and timeframe, and we will propose a tailored concept and offer.

• Cancellations more than 4 weeks before the camp/training: full refund
• Cancellations 1–4 weeks before the camp/training: 50% refund
• Cancellations less than 1 week before the camp/training: no refund

• After the intenisve jounrney, we’ll send you a short evaluation form.
• Your certificate will follow within one month, once the journey is completed.

If you require further assistance, please contact us at info@yep-academy.org.