What a weekend it has been! In the middle of the Carpathian Mountains in Sinaia, Romania, Agile Camp Romania took place, and it was nothing short of amazing.
Picture this: a weekend with intriguing activities, attended by incredibly passionate individuals, predominantly Agile Coaches, Scrum Masters, developers, and management professionals. With a total of 50 participants, including many dedicated volunteers and organizers, the event was an impressive experience.
One of the most exciting aspects of this event was the Open Space Technology (OST), a method of running large group meetings or events around a central topic where participants themselves proposed sessions. They’d pitch their session ideas, and then everyone could choose to attend sessions based on their interests. It was my first experience with this format, and it truly empowered the participants to shape their learning journey, as the process is designed to be highly participatory, inclusive and collaborative.
Of course, I couldn’t resist getting involved right from the start. I facilitated an ice-breaking activity, harnessing collective creativity. The following day, I hosted a session titled “Visual Thinking for Agile Professionals.” In this one-hour session, we had a blast exploring various aspects of Visual Thinking, boosting our creativity, and engaging in brief discussions on how visuals can be leveraged for improved communication. We delved into using emotions to enhance common understanding, clarity, and memory retention.
This event was nothing short of fascinating. I left with lots of brilliant ideas to integrate into both my personal and professional life, whether as a facilitator or a coach. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting extraordinary, passionate, and inspirational people who left a strong impression.
As a delightful bonus, we were visited by a friendly bear family who observed us from a safe distance – a truly memorable encounter with the local wildlife.
The evenings were filled with socializing, games, impromptu guitar sessions, captivating storytelling, and public speaking that added an extra layer of charm to this already fantastic experience.
Special thanks to Adrian and Lucian for their invitation and impeccable organization.
Agile Camp Romania 2023 will undoubtedly remain etched in my memory as a weekend of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this community of Agile enthusiasts and looking forward to come back to the next edition in 2024!
