The Facilitator Methodological Manual is available in three languages (English, Latvian and German) ensuring broad accessibility and allowing facilitators to deliver the simulation in diverse educational environments. The guide also offers practical examples, troubleshooting advice and ready-to-use templates, helping youth workers confidently implement Green Quest as a high-quality experiential learning activity.

 

A structured role-play negotiation activity based on six stakeholder roles, each representing different priorities and constraints within a contested sustainability issue. The game mirrors real-life decision-making processes and enables participants to explore how environmental, social and economic interests intersect.

The simulation requires a minimum of six players plus a facilitator, with each participant assigned to one role. It can be scaled to larger groups by creating parallel teams, making the most effective group sizes 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 participants.

 

WHY GREEN QUEST?

Youth workers increasingly need methods that capture young people's attention, stimulate critical thinking and foster meaningful dialogue. Simulation games are powerful because they:

• Encourage active, hands-on participation

• Help learners experience complexity instead of only hearing about it

• Build negotiation, communication and teamwork skills

• Allow participants to test strategies, make mistakes and learn from consequences

• Create emotional engagement, making learning memorable and transformative

 

WHO IS THE GAME FOR?

Green Quest is designed for:

• Youth workers, trainers and facilitators working with young people aged 15+

• Students and educational groups exploring sustainability or civic engagement

• Organisations implementing Erasmus+ or local training initiatives

• Groups interested in negotiation, systems thinking and participatory learning

It is suitable for both introductory sessions and more advanced sustainability workshops.

 

WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN THROUGH THE GAME?

The simulation supports the development of core competences such as:

• Understanding the interconnected nature of sustainability

• Systems thinking and holistic decision-making

• Negotiation and constructive communication

• Empathy and perspective-taking

• Critical thinking and argumentation

• Active citizenship and democratic participation

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HOW THE GAME FITS INTO YOUTH WORK?

 

The simulation can be used as:

• A standalone 3–4 hour educational activity

• Part of longer training programs

• A tool for thematic workshops on climate, environment or civic engagement

• A method for preparing youth for debates, participation projects or consultations

• A way to introduce sustainability topics in a practical, engaging format