This evening we tasked the group to create their own "passport" - one that described themselves, their hobbies, passions, beliefs and values. We handed out magazines, glue, scissors and colored pens -- they applied themselves with great creativity. Later, the group took turns to show and describe their passports as a creative introduction of themselves. Not only did we learn that almost everyone loves pizza, we also glimpsed their dreams for embracing diversity, helping the discriminated and the universal desire to positively change the world. If only all passports could be so expressive and inspiring. Pictured: Niklas & Anna with their passports

This afternoon we played some games to help everyone get to know each other. Goals from this session are to learn names and develop trust/ teamwork. One challenge was to put a hula hoop on the ground and see how many people we could "put" into it - meaning that at least one foot had to be _in_ the hoop and the foot outside the hoop could not touch the ground. The game quickly became 3 dimensional with several people piled on top. End result? 15 people for 20 seconds. Not too bad for the first try!

Hi everyone. The young people have all finally arrived from the 4 corners of the world. For the past 24 hours, we’ve busied ourselves settling into the boat, learning 40 new names (the young people, the educators and the ship’s crew). We are slowly getting oriented with the ship and getting to know each other – all in English, which is a 2nd language for almost everyone. Oh… and then there’s the jetlag… Zzzzzzzz. After a “buon viaggio” ceremony by friends, family, officials and organizers we finally set sail this afternoon – heading toward the blue horizon and into the arms of this adventure. For many of our group, this is the first time to experience life on a boat. The excitement and wonder is contagious. I have to say it would touch the heart of even the most rugged and seasoned mariner. We are lucky today. The sky is clear and there is wind, so we are putting up the sails immediately! Pictured below: Name Games with some group members

Ciao from the Nave Italia! I’m Jennifer, one of the educators for the YPG8 project and the facilitator of this blog. One of the goals of the YPG8 is to use this blog as a way to talk about what we are learning and experiencing during this very special voyage. You will regularly hear from me about the daily activities of the group. I will also be posting photos of our adventures. More importantly -- you will also hear from the young people who are embarked on the Nave Italia. There are no rules or requirements for what they post – our goal is simply to give you a glimpse of our adventures on the sea, some insight on the issues we are discussing and to share some of the thoughts and feelings the activities provoke. We invite you to share this experience with us and to post any questions, feedback or well wishes to the teens and the crew. Thanks for joining us. Fair seas to all.

On July 1st twenty young people from different countries will sail off from Civitavecchia's port on Nave Italia. They will learn how to sail while debating on the same global issues as the G8 leaders, using their diversity as an enriching element to discussion.

The blog is an opportunity for young people all over the world to contribute to these discussions and to follow the Young People G8 delegates in their journey.

Welcome on board!

Alexander, Anna, Clara, Florent, Giovanni, Jacob, Janneke Luise, Melissa, Novisa, Rossella, Amy, Antonio, Dora, George, Hazem, Jacopo, Liza, Nilklas, Rachel, Stefano.