🛩️ The Airplane Mode Challenge (3 event-package)
"A 28-day challenge for those ready to fly higher, not scroll deeper."
Ready for Wave 7 of "The Airplane Mode Challenge*"?
With the Curious Bird Project, we are on a mission to put ourselves in ‘Airplane Mode’🛩️ and help others do the same. When you are in Airplane Mode, you spend your time in the way you really want, by reading books, meeting new people, or starting that project you always wanted to do. All because digital distractions don’t distract you anymore.
*Previously known as the Unplug & Unfold Challenge
🎁 WHAT IS THIS?
The Airplane Mode Challenge is a 28-day challenge where we:
Come together with a small group of curious, young-minded people 😎
Spend as much time as possible doing the screen-free things we really want to do (reading, meeting new people, going exercising…) 💃
Challenge each other to spend as little time as possible on digital distractions 🌱
Learn from one another’s ideas, stories, and experiences 💛
Play real-life games, have deep talks, and forget what time it is 🧨
✨ WHAT DO WE BELIEVE IN?
“Curiosity + Community + Challenge = Real Change”
That’s what we truly believe in.
We noticed that when you bring people together with a positive, curious mindset who want to challenge themselves and help each other, that’s when real change happens.
But how do we do this practically?
📒 HOW DOES IT WORK?
We bring the group together during 3 in-person meet-ups spread over 28 days.
LIFT-OFF (Tuesday 20th of May, 19-22h)
FLY UP, PHONES DOWN (Tuesday 3th of June, 19-22h)
TOUCH-DOWN (Tuesday 17th of June, 19-22h)
🛫 LIFT-OFF event marks the start of the challenge and is the moment when you will meet fellow curious birds and buckle up for the ride. We will identify the digital distractions we want to cut back on and keep each other accountable.
🛸 At FLY UP, PHONES DOWN, we reflect on the first two unplugged weeks and after an exclusive hour for you who are participating in the challenge, the event opens it doors to other curious birds (both newbies and oldies).
🛬 Last but not least, TOUCH-DOWN is the moment when we reflect on our journey, gain clarity on what truly matters, and shape our long-term relationship with digital distractions. Emotional goodbye hugs are included for free!
🎟️ HOW MUCH IS IT?
The challenge comes with a 48 euro commitment which includes:
👥 3 in-person meet-ups each 3 hours full of connection, growth & fun
📚 Access to our Curious Library of Interesting Books
🪶Access to the Curious Bird Community
🍹 Fresh drinks during the events
🛩️ Support for our mission to help each other put ourselves in Airplane Mode
🏄♂️ HOW CAN I JOIN?
Scroll back to the top of this page & buy your ticket there to participate in the challenge. Be fast because spots are limited (and we don’t want you to miss the fun!) 🚀
🚩 WHERE IS IT?
All events will be organised within the Leuven city centre. The exact locations will only be revealed to ticketholders. 👈
❤️ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
🎉 "Keep going with the good vibes and good work! Shine light like the sun, cause we don't need the light of the screens" – Victor Reyniers
🎉 "Through the Challenge, I experienced 28 days of reflection, real-life interaction, and rediscovery. From choosing which distractions to let go of to forming genuine bonds with fellow participants, this journey was powerful." – Omnath C.P.
🎉 "Because of the challenge, I learned that I’m capable of more than I thought — I managed to let go of TikTok! Now, I spend more time in nature and have discovered the beauty of Belgium in ways I never did before." – Shuman
❓FAQ
What if I can’t make it to all 3 events?
It’s best if you can attend all 3 events, so we recommend that you make sure you can participate in all 3 events.
Which language do we speak during the events?
To be inclusive for as much nationalities as possible, we use English as our main language during the events. Only if all attendees are Dutch-speaking, it is also possible to do it in Dutch.
Do I have to give up my phone completely?
NO! You choose yourself how far you want to go in the unplugging. For some that means unplugging specifically from Instagram, for others, it’s a whole list of social media and mobile apps. You do you. We are there to support and challenge you.
I’m already using app-blockers and screen-time limits, is this for me?
Yes! If you have already tried app-blockers, and screen time limits, you might have noticed they don’t help you as much as you hoped, especially after a while. With the challenge, we combine insights out of the psychology of habits with community and personal experience to create an environment in which the chances of long-term change are the highest.
Why do you charge?
We put a lot of time and energy into creating the perfect atmosphere in which you can grow as a person, connect with others and have lots of fun! We are convinced that what we bring to the world is truly valuable and believe it should be a fair exchange. However, we also believe that money shouldn’t be the reason you don’t sign up. If that’s the case, hit us up and we’ll see what we can do!
✨ A LITTLE BACKSTORY
The spark for The Airplane Mode Challenge lit in Leuven in December 2021. On a dark winter evening, a small book club gathered in a cozy apartment to share how the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport had changed their lives. The idea of “helping each other spend less time digitally distracted” took flight that night. Now, The Curious Bird Project continues to build on that initial spark, bringing people together to challenge their digital habits.
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