I wake up to the sound of the staff singing. I have no idea what time it is, but it doesn’t really matter. “Breakfast in 30 minutes!!” someone shouts across the field after ringing the bell. We sit in a circle and I look at the sleepy eyes around me. Luckily, it’s not too hot yet in the early morning. We warm ourselves with bowls of warm porridge and apple. Someone passes around her little bag of cinnamon that she brought from home. I rarely find this kind of peace in everyday life. And here, we have two whole weeks to enjoy nature and each other’s company. A true gift from heaven.

This was already my third year at IYC. Since I had taken a little break, the entire group had changed. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at first. But, just like in previous years, everyone was so open and welcoming. When I think back on it, it all feels like a dream. The warm grass, a cold stream, a place where everyone felt completely free to be themselves. That big tree in the middle brought everything together. This year I’ve learned to write, or rather, to dare to write. Now I’m brave enough to write this little piece!

It feels like writing a love letter. IYC is a place to fall in love. With the music we make, the songs we sing, the stories we share, and perhaps even a secret little camp crush. Everyone had their own style. Some spent the entire day in their pyjamas, while others wore fancy dresses. I watched my own skirts running around the field. I fell in love with the fact that everyone looked sooo amazing, every single day.

This year’s hike was a real chill hike. It was sooo hot that we spent half the time having a siesta or floating around in the swimming pool of a friendly Frenchman. The yellow mirabelle plums were deliciously sweet and sour! Just like sour candy belts. In the village, the locals welcomed us with open arms, and we enjoyed fresh baguettes and peaches at the market in the morning. Despite the heat, I had such a wonderful time and shared so many laughs with my hiking group.

In the days that followed, it was time to share and learn. We shared stories, played weird games, laughed at the funny plays and decorated each other with henna. During these days, you get the chance to step away from the busyness of the world and take a little step back to look at your own life from a different perspective. There’s time to reflect and let new ideas emerge that you can take home and put into practice. But there’s also plenty of room to read a book, swim in the stream, explore the surroundings and occasionally dance your heart out.

On the last morning, we were woken up once again. This time, not by the songs of the staff, but by the thunder and lightning in the distance. At least the camp ended with a bang!

Luckily, I still find myself dreaming about the stories, the delicious food and the shade of that incredibly beautiful tree, right in the middle of the field.

See you soon!

•  Lauri Buijvoets, participant of IYC 2026  •

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