This December, GeoCamp Iceland had the opportunity to participate in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting 2024 in Washington DC, the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists in the world. With over 25,000 attendees, the conference served as an inspiring platform for scientists, educators, and innovators to connect, collaborate, and share groundbreaking research.

For GeoCamp Iceland, this was a milestone moment—our fifth time exhibiting at AGU and undoubtedly our most successful to date. Over the course of the event, our booth became a hub for enthusiastic conversations about Iceland’s unique role as a natural laboratory for geosciences, sustainability, and energy education.

Unprecedented Interest in Iceland

We were thrilled to see an unprecedented number of visitors at our booth this year. Attendees from universities, high schools, and alumni groups expressed keen interest in bringing their students and faculty to Iceland to experience GeoCamp’s educational programs. By the end of the conference, all 400 of our informational pamphlets were distributed, along with numerous maps, postcards, and books showcasing the wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond.

Building New Partnerships

During AGU, we had the pleasure of meeting dozens of university representatives eager to explore collaboration opportunities. From tailored study tours for student groups to workshops on sustainability and Earth sciences, the discussions underscored the growing demand for hands-on, place-based learning experiences.

We are especially excited about the connections we established with institutions interested in integrating Iceland into their curricula. These collaborations will not only enrich the academic experiences of participants but also promote greater understanding of our planet’s dynamic processes and the importance of sustainable living.

Looking Ahead

GeoCamp Iceland’s participation at AGU 2024 was a good reminder of the global community’s shared commitment to education, research, and environmental stewardship. As we look to 2025, we are inspired to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and welcome even more groups to Iceland’s unparalleled outdoor classroom.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited us at AGU 2024, shared their ideas, and showed interest in working with us. If you’re curious about our programs or would like to explore bringing a group to Iceland, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, let’s continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and changemakers.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about GeoCamp Iceland? Email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

The year 2024 marked a period of growth and impactful achievements for GeoCamp Iceland. As an educational institution and tour operator, we expanded our outreach and strengthened our commitment to experiential learning, sustainability, and international collaboration.

Among the year’s highlights was the signing of a new two-year cooperation agreement with Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and the Association of Municipalities in Suðurnes. This partnership aims to enhance educational initiatives, strengthen ties with schools, and utilise the unique geosites of the Reykjanes Peninsula for STEM and outdoor education. Notably, we spearheaded teacher training trips to Denmark, funded by Erasmus+, which laid the foundation for a regional STEM teacher network.

GeoCamp Iceland welcomed nearly 400 students, teachers, and professors from high schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. Our customised study tours focused on geology, renewable energy, and climate education, with participants from institutions such as the University of Southern Maine, Northern Virginia Community College, and Chaparral High School. This represented a 50% increase in activities compared to the previous year.

We continued our involvement in international projects, including Green Advisor, Geoschools, and AURORA, while concluding six major initiatives like HEDA, Upcycling, and STEM in Croatian schools. These projects highlighted our dedication to developing educational content, fostering sustainability, and supporting innovative teaching practices.

Our marketing and dissemination efforts also expanded, with the launch of a LinkedIn profile, a revamped information pamphlet, and active participation in high-profile events such as Mannamót 2024, the NCGE Conference in Phoenix, and the AGU Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. These efforts have enhanced GeoCamp Iceland’s visibility and strengthened our role as a key player in educational tourism and international collaboration.

As we look to 2025, GeoCamp Iceland remains committed to connecting students, educators, and communities with Iceland’s unique landscapes and natural resources, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth sciences, sustainability, and global challenges.
​
We would like to thank all our partners and friend in Iceland, as well as around the world for making this a memorable and fruitful year. As the vikings said: 

We value your gifts and food.
​But most of all, we value your friendship.

Sigrún Svafa, Magdalena, Óli Jón & Arnbjörn

Download GeoCamp Iceland 2024 Annual Report [PDF]

Þann 17. desember síðastliðinn var undirritaður samningur um klasasamstarf milli GeoCamp Iceland og Íslenska ferðaklasans. Samningurinn var undirritaður af Arnbirni Ólafssyni, framkvæmdastjóra GeoCamp Iceland, og Ástu Kristínu Sigurjónsdóttur, framkvæmdastjóra Íslenska ferðaklasans.

Með samningnum verður GeoCamp Iceland virkur þátttakandi í klasasamstarfi íslenskra hagsmunaaðila í ferðaþjónustu þar sem markmiðið er að efla samkeppnishæfni og nýsköpun innan ferðaþjónustunnar. Þetta samstarf skapar tækifæri til að auka tengsl GeoCamp Iceland við aðra aðila í ferðaþjónustugeiranum og leggja grunn að nýjum verkefnum á sviði sjálfbærni, menntunar og vísindamiðlunar. Sérstök áhersla verður lögð á vöruþróun og ábyrgan vöxt, sem fellur vel að áherslum GeoCamp Iceland á STEM-menntun og útikennslu.

GeoCamp Iceland er fyrir stofnaðili Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark og aðili í Markaðsstofu Reykjaness. Þetta nýja samstarf við Íslenska ferðaklasann mun styðja frekari þróun verkefna á Reykjanesi og víðar.

Sixteen new projects were approved on 11th December 2024 by the Interreg NPA Monitoring Committee (www.interreg-npa.eu/apply-for-funding/calls-for-projects/5th-call-for-main-projects/). As the only project approved in priority 3.1 on Capacity building is REGENERATE, a forward-thinking three-year project designed to introduce and embed regenerative tourism practices across the Northern Periphery and Arctic region. Focused on restoring natural environments, revitalising cultural heritage, and strengthening local economies, REGENERATE is led by Visit Reykjanes in collaboration with partners including GeoCamp Iceland.
 
The Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) is a sensitive and vulnerable area that has experienced significant environmental strain due to increased tourism. REGENERATE recognises the urgent need to move beyond minimising tourism’s negative impacts and instead focus on approaches that generate positive outcomes for communities and landscapes. By fostering collaboration between public and private partners, the project will develop strategies, tools, and capacity-building measures to create a tourism sector that benefits local environments and people.
 
Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “The REGENERATE project represents a vital shift towards sustainable tourism. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to bring its expertise in outdoor education and science communication to this collaboration, helping to create models for tourism that give back to nature and local communities.”
 
The project brings together six partners across Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Ireland, including GeoCamp Iceland, Olemisen Balanssia ry, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Gold of Lapland Economic Association, and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
 
With a total budget of €1.194.380, including funding contributions of €776.347 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project will run for 36 months. Together, the partners will build strategic solutions and regenerative practices that can set a sustainable example for other tourism-dependent regions.
 
GeoCamp Iceland’s participation aligns with its mission to promote sustainability, education, and responsible tourism. The project will also strengthen connections between nature, culture, and education in ways that support both visitors and host communities for years to come.

GeoCamp Iceland participated in the European project CE4RT (Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism), led by the Iceland Tourism Cluster. This initiative brought together 18 Icelandic companies with the shared goal of advancing sustainability in tourism and moving towards regenerative practices. 

The CE4RT project has been instrumental in helping our company to develop and strengthen our sustainability practices, including the creation of a comprehensive sustainability plan that includes working toward the Travelife Partner certification, a significant milestone for embedding sustainable tourism principles into our operations.
 
The project has also highlighted the value of collaboration and local networks. Connecting with a community of SMEs working on similar challenges has proven to be valuable for us, providing mentorship, shared knowledge, and practical insights into tackling sustainability goals. The “Leaders & Learners Workshop” in Iceland furthermore demonstrated how local partnerships with green-practicing, family-run businesses can make a significant impact and inspire innovation.
 
Through the project we have been able to gain tools and inspiration to not only implement regenerative practices but also share our journey as a blueprint for other companies or individuals starting their path towards a more sustainable future.

As part of the project results, GeoCamp Iceland has developed and committed towards a Sustainability Strategy available on our website here: www.geocamp.is/sustainability-strategy.html

After two years of collaboration, creativity, and dedication, the HEDA project has successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impact on educators, students, and stakeholders across Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, HEDA brought together partners from Iceland, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Serbia, and Poland to explore how theatre, literature, and visual arts can transform the way students engage with civic and social issues.

The project achieved its ambitious goals by equipping teachers with innovative methodologies to address themes such as democracy, human rights, and social justice. Through hands-on workshops, training sessions, and an accessible e-learning platform, HEDA provided educators with tools to bring these critical topics to life in their classrooms. Over 200 teachers were trained, and the methodology reached thousands of students, inspiring dialogue and fostering critical thinking in schools across Europe.

Key outputs of the HEDA project included:

• The HEDA Methodology Guidelines, offering step-by-step instructions for integrating arts-based techniques into citizenship education.
• Case Studies, featuring creative approaches to teaching civic themes, such as environmental awareness and inclusivity.
• An E-Learning Platform, ensuring the methodology is accessible to teachers beyond partner countries, with resources available in multiple languages.
• Impact Assessment Report, highlighting the significant influence of the methodology on students’ engagement, empathy, and understanding of civic issues.

Partner schools have committed to continuing the use of HEDA methodologies, and some are already working on expanding the approach through new initiatives and collaborations. In Iceland, the project has inspired an active network of educators, contributing to broader efforts to implement all schools in Reykjanes as UNESCO schools. Similarly, in Italy, participating schools are exploring new Erasmus+ proposals to build on HEDA’s foundation.

So while the HEDA project has officially concluded, its influence will continue to grow. The project materials remain freely accessible on the HEDA website, ensuring that educators worldwide can integrate these techniques into their teaching.

The HEDA partnership thanks all participants, educators, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions. Together, we have reimagined citizenship education, creating a pathway for young people to engage deeply with the issues that shape our society. Though this chapter has ended, the spirit of HEDA lives on in classrooms and communities across Europe.

For project results please visit our website: www.heda-project.eu

Experience a unique 10-day open study tour in Iceland in July 2025, where you’ll explore geology, renewable energy, and climate change through hands-on learning and unforgettable fieldwork.

GeoCamp Iceland invites students and teachers to join an unforgettable study tour exploring Iceland’s remarkable geology, innovative renewable energy systems, and climate action initiatives.

Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—spanning active volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal fields—serve as a natural classroom to examine Earth’s dynamic systems. Participants will delve into the science behind geothermal energy, visit cutting-edge carbon capture projects, and witness firsthand how Iceland leverages its natural resources for sustainable energy.
Designed for hands-on learning and exploration, this tour offers an incredible opportunity to connect with experts, deepen your understanding, and experience Iceland’s unique approach to addressing global challenges.

Learn more and join us on this transformative journey by visiting our Study Tour 2025 page or contact us at [email protected].

Highlights from the Outdor Education Conference by Suðurnesjabær and Vogar Municipalities

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is uniquely positioned to inspire outdoor education, using its rich landscapes as a dynamic learning environment. This potential was spotlighted during a recent conference, “Outdoor Learning in Education”, organised on 21 November 2024 by the Education and Leisure Departments of Suðurnesjabær and Vogar Municipalities. The event, attended by educators from preschools and primary schools across the municipalities, showcased innovative approaches to outdoor learning.

Unlocking the potential of outdoor learning in geoparks

Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, Educational Project Manager for Reykjanes Geopark and GeoCamp Iceland, presented a vision for outdoor education that leverages the Geopark’s distinctive features. She introduced “Ripples”, an initiative born from collaboration with local science teachers. This project aims to create a digital idea bank filled with place-based activities tailored to the unique natural and cultural contexts surrounding each school. Accessible to all teachers in the region, this resource seeks to empower educators to bring the Geopark’s landscapes into their lessons, fostering creativity and curiosity.

Sigrún also highlighted how the UNESCO Schools initiative in Reykjanes has laid a foundation for cross-sectoral collaboration among schools, educational levels, and municipalities. Reykjanes Geopark, as a neutral and central coordinator, plays a pivotal role in strengthening these connections and supporting schools in integrating outdoor education into their curriculum.

Learning beyond the classroom

The conference also featured inspiring talks from other educators. Anna Soffía Wahlström, a preschool teacher in Suðurnesjabær, shared examples of outdoor activities with young children, showcasing the diversity of learning experiences possible in natural settings. Dr. Jakob Frímann Þorsteinsson from the University of Iceland explored the broader benefits of outdoor education, emphasising how it allows students to develop different strengths than those nurtured in traditional classroom environments.

Recipient of the 2024 Icelandic Education Award for her innovation in outdoor education Hrafnhildur Sigurðardóttir, from Sjálandsskóli in Garðabær Municipality, shared practical insights from her work in outdoor teaching. She stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary tools and training to succeed outside the classroom, as well as creating a culture of outdoor learning. Her tips included ensuring proper clothing for all participants and using simple incentives, like hot cocoa, to make outdoor activities even more enjoyable.

A natural fit for education

With its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, coastal areas, and rich biodiversity, Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor learning. The proximity of schools to nature in Suðurnesjabær and Vogar makes these opportunities exceptionally accessible. As this conference demonstrated, the momentum for outdoor education in the region is growing, driven by innovative ideas, strong collaboration, and a shared vision for using nature as the ultimate classroom.

The conference reinforced the essential role that geoparks like Reykjanes can play in inspiring outdoor education. By integrating local natural and cultural heritage into teaching practices, schools can foster deeper connections between students and their environment, preparing them to become future stewards of our planet. 

On 25 September, in celebration of the International Day of the United Nations Global Goals, 18 schools in Reykjanes raised the Global Goals flag as a symbol of unity and commitment to integrating the goals into education and community awareness.

The day marked a significant milestone for the educational community in Reykjanes, as these schools have signed a declaration of intent to join the UNESCO Schools Programme. The programme aims to promote sustainable development, global citizenship, and a culture of peace. Schools involved in the initiative now include all primary schools in the region, seven preschools, Suðurnes Comprehensive College, and the Icelandic College of Fisheries.
The idea for this initiative originated from the Suðurnes Platform, a collaborative network of municipalities, businesses, and educational institutions in the area. It is implemented with the support of Reykjanes Geopark, with GeoCamp Iceland leading the project on its behalf. The initiative is specifically designed to align with the core elements of the Icelandic national curriculum and supports Target 4.7 of the United Nations Global Goals, focusing on education for sustainable development.

The declaration of intent outlines plans to begin the application process for UNESCO School status within two years. By doing so, the schools have committed to embedding the Global Goals into their educational practices and fostering collaboration across schools and municipalities. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility for all of us as inhabitants of this planet. The Global Goals provide a clear framework to address the challenges the future demands,” states the declaration.

Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson - or Óli Jón as friends and Icelanders in general call him - founder of GeoCamp Iceland, has spent a lifetime combining his love for education, his hometown of Keflavík, and Iceland’s natural wonders. From growing up in a unique and ever-changing community to pioneering educational projects, Óli's story is one of creativity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to helping others discover Iceland’s treasures.

A Career in Education and Innovation

After years of studying and working abroad, Óli returned to Iceland in 1995 to serve as a headmaster in Keflavík. He led significant transformations in local education, but his drive to do more led him to establish the Icelandic College of Fisheries in Grindavík.

The College began with just a handful of students, offering practical, hands-on education in fisheries and related industries—fields often overlooked in traditional academic settings. Under Óli's leadership, the College expanded, becoming a vital institution in Iceland’s educational landscape.

In recent years, Óli decided to step away from his role as headmaster of the College to focus entirely on his true passion: GeoCamp Iceland. This transition marked a new chapter in his mission to redefine outdoor education and create lasting connections between students and Iceland’s natural environment.

The Birth of GeoCamp Iceland

GeoCamp Iceland was born from Óli's belief in the transformative power of experiential learning. By immersing students in Iceland’s “ultimate classroom,” the initiative offers unique opportunities to study geology, sustainability, and environmental sciences through hands-on exploration.

Looking ahead, Óli envisions GeoCamp as more than just an educational programme—it’s a platform for fostering global collaboration and building a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The camp is expanding its focus, incorporating themes like climate change, renewable energy, and community-based sustainability projects. By partnering with local industries, researchers, and global institutions, GeoCamp aims to inspire innovative solutions to the challenges facing our planet.

Óli's dream is for GeoCamp to become a hub for lifelong learning, where students of all ages and backgrounds can connect with Iceland’s unique environment. Whether it’s a group of university students studying geothermal energy or schoolchildren discovering the wonders of volcanic formations, GeoCamp offers experiences that leave a lasting impression.

A Global Vision

Óli's international collaborations reflect his belief that education is a universal tool for empowerment. Whether he’s working on outdoor education in Europe, promoting STEM initiatives, or advocating for innovative teaching models, his projects all share a common goal: to inspire curiosity and equip learners with the tools to build a sustainable future.

Through GeoCamp Iceland and his international work, Óli continues to create opportunities for young people to engage with education in transformative ways. His leadership has made him not only a local figurehead in Iceland but also a respected voice in global education innovation. Through various international development projects, he has been instrumental in promoting outdoor education as a transformative learning tool. 

Looking Ahead

Óli's story is a testament to how a person’s vision can create meaningful change. From transforming education in Keflavík to establishing GeoCamp Iceland as a gateway to learning, his work has inspired generations to think differently about education, nature, and community.

As GeoCamp Iceland moves forward, Óli Jón remains dedicated to its mission of blending education, sustainability, and the beauty of Iceland. For him, the journey is just beginning, and the future is full of possibilities.

The post is based on an article about Ólafur Jón on Hit Iceland from 2023 (https://www.hiticeland.com/post/olafur-jon-arnbjornsson-from-a-room-with-a-view)