Last year's experience of having a preparatory visit just before the summer exchange proved valuable. That is why we want to do the same this year ! We had organised a preparatory visit together with specific training which was attended by the whole team in charge : a staff member from each country, the young volunteers, the persons in charge of the exchange and the responsibles of Views.
Last year, the young volunteers (and also the others !) had the chance of enjoying a practical training in guiding blind persons under the kind and expert guidance of Steve Giddings (UK). It was also the opportunity for everyone in the team to get to know one another and to make contact in a "smooth" way.
This year, besides onsite training mobility and daily living and visual impairment awareness there will be a human relations training : appropriateness of behaviour with participants - conflict resolution and vulnerable adult protection in the UK - talk on cultural differences and some made up case studies and scenarios. No doubt we'll all benefit by that precious contribution !
And, of course, there will be times scheduled for the whole team to more finely divide up between themselves the many responsibilities of the upcoming three week summer camp during which about 20 staff members - a few of which only will have met before - will have to work together in collegiality of responsibility.