Tree House Adventure #1

by Klee Michel

Last August/September, we carried out our first Youth Worker Exchange using the experiential education method of tree house building – an adventure we will remember for a long time.

In addition to the practical construction work, a key focus of the program was sustainable catering for the participants. In advance, we purchased fresh fruit and vegetables as well as rice, pasta, and other ingredients in organic quality from a regional supplier. Sustainability was not only meant to be discussed in a workshop – we wanted to live it together.

The entire program took place outdoors. Participants slept in tents or – for the brave – directly on the tree houses. In the evenings, we gathered around the campfire, explored the surrounding forest and nearby swimming lake, and held our daily meetings under our star tent.

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Arrival & Getting to Know Each Other

On arrival day, everyone first set up their tents or sleeping spaces. After sharing the first dinner together, we held our welcome meeting, introduced the project week, and began getting to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere.

Days 1 and 2 focused on deeper connection and trust-building. A high ropes course program strengthened team spirit, courage, and cooperation.

At the same time, we explored the topic of sustainable nutrition. After a short theoretical introduction, participants created their own spreads under the guidance of our cook, Diana. The results were impressive: wild, creative, and incredibly delicious combinations that were enjoyed throughout the entire project with bread and salads.

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Tree House Construction – From Idea to Platform

From Day 3 onward, things became hands-on.

Building the Base

First, we had to find the right building spot. This process was entirely participant-centered: four groups developed their own concepts and presented their proposals. After a democratic vote, the group decided on the largest and highest project – bold and ambitious!

We learned:

• how to select a suitable location
• how to measure beams accurately
• how to choose the right wood

Beams at Work

Next came an intensive training session on ascending load-bearing trees using slings, redirects, and pulley systems. With combined group knowledge and strength, we installed the pulleys and lifted the main support beams up to four meters high.

We also learned how to secure the load-bearing trunks using choking knots.

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Break Day in Berlin

Midway through the program, we took a break in the city: visiting Holzmarkt, Markthalle 9, Tempelhofer Feld – and of course, enjoying nightlife in a club.. It was a great mix of inspiration, culture, and community.

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The Next Steps

Back in the forest, construction continued:

• Lifting seven to eight secondary beams
• Securing them to the main support trunks
• Completing the structural frame

Now the base structure was ready for the platform.

Creating the Floor

In another learning session, participants practiced:

• precise sawing
• accurate leveling
• properly installing the floorboards

With patience and attention to detail, a stable platform emerged – our shared creation.

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A Closing with Highs and Lows

On the final evening, we gathered on the platform to celebrate our construction. Unfortunately, due to time and weather constraints, we were not able to add railings or a roof.

Rain interrupted our closing circle as well, so we moved into our yurt. There, we reflected on one key question:

“What was your most important experience during this project?”

The answers were heartfelt, honest, and deeply moving.

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Key Experiences & Reflections

Of course, not everything was easy. Outdoor living brought real challenges:

Bad luck:

• A lot of rain and cold weather made outdoor life proved demanding and unfortunenately several participants became ill

Learnings:

• Learning units need better alignment
• Keeping everyone meaningfully engaged at all times
• Desire for more theoretical input
• The practice tree house was chosen too high and too large
• The shared kitchen responsibility concept was partly overwhelming

For next time, we will clearly follow the educational principle:
From simple to complex ;-)

Satisfying:

• Two daily meetings and reflection groups worked very well
• Free evenings fostered meaningful connections
• An open and friendly atmosphere was created

Voices of participants:

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I don't need to have always this perfectionism.

In my mind it's really important listen and give power to people around you.

I learned that I can adapt to new situations more easily than I thought.

Voices of the participants:

Describe the project in three words:

TREEHOUSE-WILDNESS-COZY

Nature - Team - Adventure

Learn, patience and new experiences

Epiphany, eye-opening, respected, safe

Nature, friendship, wood

Out of comfort zone, Natural, Vibes

Wild, problems, treehouse

Teamwork, Creativity, Reflection

Wood. Climb. Build.

Collaborative, integrating, inspiring

Take it easy

Inspiring – friendly – creative

What will you always remember?

Finally having the possibility to seat on the "treehouse'''

When we all worled together the last day for finishing at least the platform.

I remember of the technique and cooperative trainers and also location.

The moment we went in the lake at midnight with a few of the participants.

Satisfaction when we sat on the treehouse's floor and campfires.

The people i met

I will always remember the night walk in Berlin and us sitting together on the stairs

The talks in the night, late night swim, the leather climbing up.

The woods and the beautiful setting

Building the floor :D

How much I learned from others and the positive energy during the project.

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Conclusion

Tree House Adventure #1 was intense, educational, and deeply connecting. Despite rain, challenges, and ambitious construction goals, we created something truly special together – not just a tree house, but trust, teamwork, and valuable shared experiences.

We are already looking forward to Tree House Adventure #2 – hopefully with drier weather and maybe even a roof ;-)

Join us from 29.06.-09.07.2026 in Berlin!!!