Igniting the spark of youth leadership: The Academy 2025 in Corinthos
Bringing together nearly 200 young leaders from across Europe, The Academy 2025 transformed Corinthos, Greece, into a vibrant hub of learning, inspiration, and action. Held from 13 to 18 November 2025 under the support of the Messengers of Peace fund, this joint event of the European Scout Region and the Europe Region WAGGGS blended high-quality training with dynamic non-formal learning opportunities, all designed to equip participants with the skills and mindset to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Delivered by a team of 26 expert facilitators, The Academy offered Scouts and Guides an energising environment where strategy met action. It was a space to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and strengthen the leadership needed to design meaningful youth programmes, advocate for change, and build more inclusive and resilient communities.
Scouts and Guides developed tools and competencies throughout the week that will enhance their leadership journeys and personal growth. There were sessions on non-formal education and youth participation, creating inclusive programmes, peace education and life skills, public speaking, communication, advocacy, volunteer coordination, and organisational effectiveness.
Interactive learning formats, including marketplace, networking dinner, and ‘World Café’, created numerous opportunities to form meaningful connections. Participants also expanded their horizons with a panel of Greek organisations, including Kids Safe Lives, which promotes lifesaving first aid skills; Amadryades, advancing environmental protection and sustainability; and the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute, which raises awareness about road safety through education.
Through interactive presentations and sessions, including an eye-opening alcohol-impairment simulation, participants gained new perspectives on community challenges and the role young people can play in addressing them.
Together, participants reflected on what it means to bring light into a world that needs their leadership, passion, and creativity. As a result of these experiences, participants will enhance their employability, foster entrepreneurship, and drive youth-centred change locally, nationally, and on a European scale.
As they return home, they carry with them new skills, renewed motivation, and a shared commitment to strengthen their movements and communities. The Academy 2025 has ignited a powerful spark and, now, it’s up to each participant to turn that spark into a lasting blaze.
About Messengers of Peace
The Messengers of Peace initiative supports NSOs and National Scout Associations (NSAs) in delivering projects that inspire young people as champions of peace, strengthen organisational capacity, and implement impactful community actions. Funded with the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Messengers of Peace projects aim to empower Scouts to take action as active citizens in peace and sustainable development at local, national, and regional levels.