GeoCamp Iceland organised a workshop on 20 February 2025 with representatives from all youth councils in the Reykjanes region as part of the Erasmus+ funded AURORA Project. Around 25 young people gathered for a dynamic workshop encourraging participants to reflect on the role of outdoor learning in their education and personal development.

Through engaging group discussions, the youth explored key questions from the AURORA project guidebook, sharing their perspectives on how learning outside the classroom impacts their connection to nature, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They highlighted memorable outdoor learning experiences, from fjord excursions to wildlife observation, and discussed the advantages of learning in natural settings compared to traditional indoor education. Participants emphasised the benefits of fresh air, physical activity, and hands-on learning in making education more engaging and meaningful.

While the enthusiasm for outdoor learning was evident, the discussion also addressed barriers, such as unpredictable weather and limited infrastructure for structured outdoor education. However, the young participants agreed that these challenges could be overcome with proper planning, better facilities, and a shift in mindset, viewing the outdoors as an extension of the classroom rather than an occasional learning space.

Technology’s role in outdoor education was another topic of debate. While digital tools can enhance learning - such as using apps to identify plants and wildlife - there was a consensus that excessive screen time can distract from the immersive experience of being in nature. The importance of balancing technology with direct engagement in the environment was a recurring theme.

The workshop concluded with a strong message from the youth. They are eager for more opportunities to learn outdoors. They called for outdoor education to be integrated into school schedules more regularly and for decision-makers to prioritise the development of outdoor learning spaces. Their enthusiasm and advocacy reflect a broader shift towards education that is active, experiential, and deeply connected to the natural world.

The insights gathered during this session will contribute to the ongoing work of the AURORA project, helping shape strategies for promoting outdoor learning among young people.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore how outdoor education can empower youth and foster a stronger connection to the environment.

As summer approaches, GeoCamp Iceland is gearing up for our most exciting season yet. The year is set to become a milestone for our field-based learning programs with a number of new partner institutions joining us for the first time, including University of Maine, Exeter Academy and Brooklyn College, as well as returning groups eager to revisit Iceland’s dynamic landscapes once again.

A Growing Global Community

This summer, students and educators from universities, colleges, and high schools across North America and Europe will embark on immersive learning experiences with us. Their participation underscores the growing interest in Iceland as a premier destination for outdoor education in Earth sciences, sustainability, climate change and STEAM subjects.

Why Iceland? Why Now?

Iceland’s ever-changing geological features, from active volcanoes to retreating glaciers, provide an unparalleled real-world classroom. With climate change at the forefront of global discussions, students will have the opportunity to witness and study its effects firsthand while learning about Iceland’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Our hands-on programs encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, fostering a deep understanding of these pressing global issues.

This summer’s study tours will feature a diverse range of academic focuses, including:

• Geology & Volcanology: Exploring Iceland’s unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, recent volcanic eruptions, and geothermal landscapes.
• Climate Change & Glaciology: Investigating Iceland’s rapidly changing glaciers, their role in the global climate system, and how Icelandic landscapes are shaped by environmental forces.
• Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Examining Iceland’s innovative use of geothermal and hydroelectric power, with visits to energy plants and sustainable communities.
• Cultural & Human Geography: Understanding how Iceland’s history, culture, and geography interact, including visits to historical sites, fishing villages, and UNESCO-listed locations.
• Integrative Health & Wellness: Exploring Iceland’s geothermal pools, sustainability in health tourism, and the intersection of nature and well-being in a Nordic context.

Each program is tailored to the needs of our partner institutions, ensuring a customized and impactful learning experience.

Looking Ahead

With more students than ever engaging in field-based learning with GeoCamp Iceland, we are excited to expand our impact and continue fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. If your institution is interested in joining us for a future program, we’d love to hear from you.

Follow along on our social media channels and website for updates and highlights from this incredible summer ahead. Here’s to an unforgettable season of exploration, discovery, and learning in Iceland.

Nordplus Preparatory Meeting in Iceland: Laying the Foundation for ‘Ripples of Knowledge’

From 15–17 January 2025, representatives from four partner institutions gathered in Iceland for a Nordplus Junior preparatory visit, setting the stage for an exciting new project focusing on outdoor education and STREAM-based learning. Hosted by GeoCamp Iceland, the meeting brought together educators from Alytus Piliakalnis Progymnasium (Lithuania), Palsmane Elementary School (Latvia), and Lasnamäe Vene Gümnaasium (Estonia), all united by the common goal to enhance students’ engagement with the environment through hands-on, field-based learning.

Day 1: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in Outdoor Education

The first day introduced the partners to each other and their respective institutions, with discussions centred around their approaches to outdoor education and the integration of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects. Each school presented its experiences, methodologies, and the challenges they face in implementing outdoor and place-based educationwithin their curricula.

A key focus of the discussions was the challenges and opportunities in outdoor education—including the logistics of field-based learning, teacher training, and how to make outdoor lessons accessible year-round in different climates. Iceland’s unique landscape provided an ideal setting for this discussion, as GeoCamp Iceland showcased how the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark serves as an open-air classroom for teaching natural sciences, sustainability, and geoscience.

The day also featured a short excursion to key geological sites in Reykjanes, where the group discussed the potential of outdoor education in strengthening students’ scientific literacy, problem-solving skills, and engagement with real-world environmental challenges.

Day 2: Drafting the ‘Ripples of Knowledge’ Project Proposal

Building on the insights gained during the first day, the second day was dedicated to formulating ideas and structuring a Nordplus Junior application. The partners worked collaboratively to develop the concept for a project that will focus on leveraging outdoor education in close proximity to primary schools.

Titled ‘Ripples of Knowledge: STREAM-Based Outdoor Education for a Greener Tomorrow’, the project will aim to:
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• Develop and implement STREAM lesson plans that can be carried out within close proximity of school buildings, making outdoor learning more accessible and practical for teachers.
• Encourage students to engage with their local environments, using nature as a learning space to enhance understanding of sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action.
• Promote interdisciplinary teaching methodologies, integrating digital tools, creative learning strategies, and environmental problem-solving.
• Strengthen Nordic-Baltic collaboration in education, fostering the exchange of best practices in outdoor learning and sustainability education.

Partners outlined the project’s key activities, including field visits, teacher training workshops, and student exchanges to share and test newly developed outdoor learning materials. The session concluded with a review of administrative and financial requirements for the proposal.

Day 3: Site Visits and Excursions in Iceland

The final day provided further inspiration through a series of site visits and excursions in Iceland, reinforcing how outdoor education can be effectively integrated into the curriculum, inspiring ideas for the implementation of the ‘Ripples of Knowledge’ project in each partner country.

The preparatory meeting successfully laid the groundwork for the Nordplus Junior application, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and ensuring that outdoor education remains at the heart of innovative learning in the Nordic-Baltic region. With a shared commitment to engaging students with their local environments, the partners are now ready to take the next steps in bringing ‘Ripples of Knowledge’ to life.