Join the Eco Summer Camp 2026 – The 4th Edition of Our Sustainable Summer School!
Mark your calendar: August 8-15, 2026
Format
7-day intensive program
On-campus accommodation
All meals included
Participants
Students and young professionals
Smaller group of older participants
Credits
4 ECTS credits available
(Optional for all participants)
Open to students & non-students
Language
English (B2 level required)
International community
Cross-generational dialogue
After four transformative years of the Eco Summer Camp in Switzerland (2021–2024), we are excited to open a new chapter in 2026 at an inspiring new location: Kolleg St. Blasien in the Black Forest, Germany.
Our mission remains unchanged: to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on sustainability, now within a vibrant setting that deepens community life and shared experience. In 2026, we will once again welcome students, professionals, and practitioners from around the world, alongside leading experts and scholars.
This one-week summer school offers an inclusive, enriching space for learning and exchange at eye level. We warmly welcome participants of all ages, believing that meaningful ecological, social, and spiritual transformation emerges through intergenerational dialogue and a shared sense of responsibility for our common future.
Building on feedback from previous editions, Eco Summer Camp 2026 places a strong focus on hands-on, practical experiences, including field trips, gardening, and extended time in nature. These immersive activities foster mutual learning, tangible projects, and lasting inspiration, while supporting both personal growth and collective well-being.
Participation fees start at €500 for students and €700 for non-students.
Join us at Eco Summer Camp 2026 and be part of an international movement shaping a more just, connected, and sustainable world together.
Lectures
Workshops
Community
Nature
Spirituality
Former participants said…
From wild consumption to responsible engagement.
This is the slogan and goal of the Eco Summer Camp. The struggle against environmental degradation and the preservation of our planet must first and foremost become a cultural movement in which everyone assumes their own responsibility, as individuals and in cooperation with their peers; knowing, however, that any true and lasting change is only possible through a deep change in one’s own inner attitude. Thus, we are all called upon to make our personal contributions as well. The time to merely delegate our future to others is over. Only in this way can we bring about changes in the long term that will deeply transform our society from within, so that we can look to the future with confidence – for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the objectives?
The camp aims to broaden the participants’ horizons and strengthen an international network of people who contribute to a true cultural change in environmental issues. The entire week is dedicated to exploring and developing sustainable strategies essential for building an ecologically sustainable society.
All participants, as well as the experts, will be on campus during the whole time to promote personal encounters as well as personal growth through a direct and informal transfer of knowledge.
Through an innovative pedagogy (self- and group-reflection, excursions, encounters, etc.) in the framework of a holistic approach (head, heart, and hands), participants have the opportunity not only to listen to outstanding speakers but also to foster interpersonal growth through a mindful approach (e.g., eco-spirituality, meditation, etc.) as well as through a practical contribution to organizing the week (harvesting, cooking, cleaning, etc.).
Experience shows that such a pedagogy, which not only touches the intellectual sphere but also considers the spiritual and the practical dimension, is a more effective way to foster lasting change in one’s everyday life and professional engagement.
Who are we addressing?
The camp is intended for people who are interested in widening not only their personal knowledge about ecological issues, but in experiencing a unique opportunity to enlarge their own network in meeting peers and experts from all over the world while engaging in a constructive dialogue and discourse.
The official language of the gathering is English. Applicants should have at least a B2 level in English.
What is the location of the event?
Where does the Eco Summer Camp take place?
The Eco Summer Camp 2026 will be held at Kolleg St. Blasien, a well-known educational center located in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany.
The Kolleg is part of the historic grounds of a former Baroque monastery. It sits right in the heart of the scenic Southern Black Forest Nature Park. This peaceful, natural setting is the perfect environment to switch off and focus entirely on the camp’s topics and community.
A major feature is that our main sessions and workshops will take place in the brand-new Natural Science Campus (Nawi-Zentrum). This modern facility is fully equipped and designed for exploring environmental issues, science, and sustainability.
Kolleg St. Blasien is an educational center with a long history and a focus on global responsibility.
Is this an accessible event?
Accessibility
Kolleg St. Blasien is a large campus with historical buildings. We aim for an inclusive experience, but please be aware that full wheelchair access may be limited in certain older parts of the venue. If you need specific accessibility support, please contact us directly so we can make the necessary arrangements for your room and access.
How to arrive?
Arrival
St. Blasien is located close to the German, Swiss, and French borders (about 60 km from Basel and Zurich).
Arrival by Car: The Kolleg is easy to reach via the A 5 (Freiburg/Mitte exit) or the A 81 (Donaueschingen exit), connecting to the beautiful B 500 route toward St. Blasien.
Arrival by Public Transport: The main public transport hubs nearby are Waldshut-Tiengen (Germany) and Seebrugg(the end station of the Dreiseenbahn train line).
- From Switzerland/Freiburg: Take the train to Seebrugg Station. From Seebrugg, public buses (Line 7319) run to St. Blasien (approx. 20–25 minutes).
- From Waldshut-Tiengen: Take the regional bus (Line 7322) from the Waldshut Busbahnhof (Bus Terminal) directly to St. Blasien (approx. 45–50 minutes).
We suggest checking the Deutsche Bahn (DB) website for the latest travel times to St. Blasien (Rathaus or Busbahnhofstops).
What's the cost?
Camp Expenses for 2026
The total cost for participating in the camp depends on your room choice and whether you are a student. Here are the details:
If these fees are a barrier for you, but you would still like to join the Eco Summer Camp, please reach out to us directly.
For Students:
- Double room with sink: 500 €
- Single room with sink: 600 €
For Non-Students
- Double room with sink: 700 €
- Single room with sink: 900 €
Transparency in Pricing
We believe in full transparency regarding camp expenses. The actual cost per participant, including accommodation, speakers, and facilitators, is 2,000 €. Thanks to generous donations from foundations and partner institutions, we can offer reduced fees, making the camp accessible to more participants while maintaining a high-quality, impactful experience.
If you feel inspired to support this initiative, we would be grateful for any additional contribution to this unique week—every contribution makes a difference!
Can I receive ECTS points?
As a summer school, the Eco Summer Camp allows students to earn 4 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. The program combines academic depth with interactive learning through lectures, discussion seminars, workshops, and excursions throughout the week.
The actual assessment of performance to earn the ECTS credits will be published here shortly. The specific assignment will be communicated in good time before the start of the camp.
How can I apply as a student?
Student Registration Information
To register as a student for the Eco Summer Camp, please provide the following additional information during the registration process:
- Proof of enrolment at your university
- CV
We look forward to welcoming you to the Eco Summer Camp!
How can I apply as a non-student?
Registration Information for Non-Students
To register as a non-student for the Eco Summer Camp, please provide the following information during the registration process:
- CV
We look forward to welcoming you to the Eco Summer Camp!
How can I contact?
- Michael Yang: michael@ecosummercamp.org
- Jakob Ellensohn: jakob@ecosummercamp.org
Organizing team
Prof. Dr. Barbara Crostini
Academic director
Aurelia Brida
Co-Project Lead
Martin Föhn SJ
Meditation Guide & Coach
Fabian Moos SJ
Marketing & Facilitation
Maximilian Schachinger
Martin Schröder SJ
Program & Facilitation
Michael Yang
Co-Project Lead























