For me, this was the first time on IYC. Everything was new, a surprise and a thing to discover. And I did discover.

This camp has made me come closer to my own feelings again. I have connected with people in a way that makes me realise what life is about for me. I have learned so much from simply being. I guess that’s what describes camp best for me, I was very nervous in the beginning, thinking a lot about all the people, whether they would like the person I am and becoming. But when the first days arrived, I felt loved and welcomed so fast.

You sing twice a day at camp. It is something I can barely explain in words. For me, it is a moment where I feel so much euphoria and connection with my own body and with others in hearing all their different voices and making something beautiful together.

But also, there is a hike, lots of picnics, delicious food, late campfires, dancing, art, workshops, laughing, maybe some rain (we had…), but that makes you appreciate the sun more when it comes! And I have felt so much peace every evening, after the close of day, walking outside, watching the sunset and the moon’s arrival.

When I arrived back home, I felt grief for missing people. But also comfort in the grateful thought that I can miss something in such a way. I feel very rich because of this experience, and I have learned from people around me, from myself, from meeting people and feeling the open environment that was there at camp.

The things that IYC offers stir up the desire to meet people and to connect on a deeper level. IYC is an experience I’ll genuinely take into the rest of my life. I can recommend it to everyone. Hope to see you there!

•  Floran Plompen, participant of IYC 2025  •

If you enjoyed Floran’s story, you can read more articles here.