From 26 to 30 June 2026, the Eco Patrols consortium gathered in Šibenik, Croatia, for the International Workshop on E-Game Upgrading, focused on developing the next stage of the Eco Patrols experience: connecting the mobile game with real-life environmental action and learning.
The workshop brought together partners with different perspectives, young people, environmental practitioners and youth workers, to explore how the existing game can be complemented by practical challenges, educational activities and group experiences.
From playing the game to taking action
The workshop focused on a key question: What happens after a young person finishes a game zone?
In Šibenik, partners worked on creating stronger links between the Eco Patrols mobile game and young people’s everyday lives by identifying the most engaging zones, untapped potential and opportunities for real-life challenges. The main outcome was the development of workshop concepts and practical challenges across eight themes:
For each theme, participants explored how the game content could encourage young people to move from learning, to reflection, and ultimately to action, turning the digital experience into practical learning and real-world engagement.
Designing new tools around the game
An important part of the workshop was the development of a new tool that sits around the Eco Patrols game, without changing the game itself. The aim was to make the experience more interactive and attractive, particularly by creating opportunities for real-life challenges and group participation. We explored how Eco Patrols could become a starting point for collective learning, discussion and action.
Three perspectives, one Eco Patrols experience
We worked in three groups, each bringing a different perspective to the development process.
1. Youth
This group represented the player's own voice.
Their task was to develop real-life challenges for three game zones from the perspective of young people themselves. Instead of asking “What should young people do?”, the focus was on: “What would I actually do?” This helped ensure that proposed challenges were realistic, accessible and engaging.
2. Environmentalists
This group provided the environmental and sustainability perspective. Their role was to make sure that the proposed challenges were not only attractive, but also connected to genuine environmental needs and could contribute to meaningful change.
3. Youth Workers
They focused on how the game can be used as an educational tool with groups. They developed concrete formats for using Eco Patrols in contexts such as schools, youth centres, camps and youth exchanges, connecting gameplay with non-formal education and facilitated learning.
Testing the Eco Patrols Manual with young people
Alongside the international workshop, GEYC also contributed to the development and testing of the Eco Patrols Manual, which is currently being created. GEYC tested three modules with young people, using practical activities to assess how the content works in a real youth learning environment:
1. Circular Economy
On the 21st of April, together with 24 of participants, we explored how resources can be used more sustainably and how we can move from a linear to a circular approach.
2. Earth Systems
With the occasion of Earth Day, we celebrated togheter with 10 GEYC community members by getting to know the Earth better. This workshop helped young people understand Earth as an interconnected system and explore the relationships between natural processes, resources and human activity.
3. Food Waste
This workshop raised awareness about the environmental impact of food waste and encouraged young people to identify practical solutions in their everyday lives. It was organised togheter with the USAMV Bucharest Student Association.
Circular Economy
Earth Systems
Food Waste
The testing provided an opportunity to gather direct feedback from young participants and observe how different methodologies, activities and topics can be translated into engaging learning experiences. Soon the manual is going to be finished, and we will equip teachers, youth workers, educators and youth leaders to facilitate the modules in schools and their youth hubs, or even for the occasion of Green Week.