Reggio Emilia youth trek with donkeys crosses the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea

Thirty‑two young participants, accompanied by four donkeys, completed a nine‑day slow‑tourism trek that started in the Reggio Emilia province and crossed the Apennine range to reach the Tyrrhenian coast. The journey was organized as a training and educational experience, requiring the group to manage navigation, animal care, camp setup, cooking and problem‑solving while adapting to variable weather and terrain. Organisers emphasized that the presence of the donkeys fostered teamwork and respect for the environment, turning the trek into a practical lesson in responsibility and self‑reliance.

The itinerary was carefully staged, with each participant rotating duties such as leading the group, tending the animals, preparing meals and assembling tents. The expedition faced typical mountain challenges, including steep paths, streams and sudden weather changes, which the youths overcame through collective effort and perseverance.