 On 12–13 May 2025, partners in the Erasmus+ policy experimentation project On the Move gathered in Athens for the official kick-off meeting. The two-day event, hosted by Action Synergy, marked the launch of a three-year effort to support the design and implementation of blended mobility in vocational education and training (VET). The project brings together partners from Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece. GeoCamp Iceland leads the project’s dissemination and sustainability work and plays an active role in developing frameworks for mobility coordination and integration. GeoCamp’s involvement builds on extensive national experience in VET and mobility-based education, drawing on the background of Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson, director of GeoCamp Iceland. His longstanding work in vocational and adult education, ranging from heading the Comprehensive College of Sudurnes and founding the Icelandic College of Fisheries to supporting applied learning and international cooperation, adds valuable perspective to the project, especially in adapting blended mobility models to smaller VET systems. During the kick-off meeting, partners explored the core components of the project, including:
For GeoCamp and the Reykjanes region, On the Move represents a timely opportunity to strengthen links between education and industry. The project aligns with regional goals to increase access to VET, promote international mobility, and develop training structures that respond to evolving labour market needs, particularly in sectors such as sustainable tourism, energy, fisheries, and environmental sciences. Moreover, the project supports efforts already underway in Reykjanes to enhance outdoor learning, strengthen cooperation between schools and companies, and create pathways for youth engagement in local innovation and sustainability initiatives. As the project moves forward, GeoCamp will lead communication and outreach efforts while also contributing to the national implementation pilot in Iceland, engaging VET institutions, municipalities, and local stakeholders. We look forward to bringing you updates and information about the progress of On the Move in the future.  On the 8th and 9th of May 2025, the Green Advisor partnership gathered in the vibrant city of Reus, Catalonia, for our final Transnational Project Meeting. Hosted by DomSpain at the inspiring Espai Boule, this final encounter brought together all project partners to consolidate results, review our outputs, and discuss the long-term legacy of the project. Over two energising days, we reflected on our joint achievements and fine-tuned the final elements of the Green Advisor Toolkit—a unique set of open educational resources designed to support more environmentally responsible and digitally literate adult education practices across Europe. Key results showcased in Reus included: Environmental Orientation Tool A self-assessment framework for adult education organisations that helps identify gaps and set goals for greener, more sustainable operations. This tool offers practical recommendations and is tailored for easy adaptation across different institutional settings. EU Project Carbon Footprint Calculator A pioneering calculator that allows project teams to assess the environmental impact of EU-funded mobility and cooperation activities. From travel to digital infrastructure, this tool empowers coordinators to measure and reduce their projects’ carbon footprints. Green Digital Orientation Map An interactive and visually engaging roadmap guiding organisations through practical actions for sustainable and digital transition—aligned with EU Green Deal principles and the Digital Education Action Plan. Podcast Series & Learning Resources We’ve developed a set of podcasts, training videos, and downloadable guides demystifying concepts such as carbon budgeting, green procurement, and sustainable coordination. These resources are designed for self-paced learning and integration into adult education training. Green Open Badge System Participants who complete activities and training modules through the Green Advisor platform can earn digital badges recognising sustainability competences—providing a practical way to validate learning and encourage continued professional development. Final Exploitation and Dissemination Strategy During the meeting, we reviewed our outreach strategy and discussed opportunities for scaling our results. Partners agreed on key next steps, including stakeholder engagement, multilingual dissemination, and new potential projects under the Green Advisor banner. The Green Advisor project has been led by a strong and diverse consortium of European organisations:
Each partner brought unique expertise, ranging from green project design and adult education to digital learning, civic engagement, and research. From the collaborative sessions to the cultural activities in Reus, the final meeting was a true celebration of European cooperation. It marked not just the end of a successful Erasmus+ project, but the beginning of new possibilities for sustainable education and greener project management across Europe. All final results will soon be publicly available at www.greenadvisorproject.com. Stay connected and be part of the movement toward responsible, inclusive, and environmentally aware European initiatives. This project has been funded with the support of the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project No: 2022-1-IS01-KA220-ADU-000085530  The recent volcanic eruptions and tectonic movements on the Reykjanes Peninsula—particularly around the Sundhnúkur crater row near Grindavík—are part of a broader geological episode that geophysicists consider both expected and historically grounded. According to Professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, a leading Icelandic geophysicist, this period of activity closely resembles the Krafla Fires of 1975–1984 in North Iceland, during which significant rifting and lava eruptions occurred intermittently over nearly a decade. What we are witnessing in Reykjanes is a classic example of plate boundary behaviour in action: the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually pulling apart, creating cracks, fissures, and occasional volcanic eruptions as magma rises to the surface. In this case, horizontal extension—or rifting—has already resulted in nearly eight metres of movement in parts of the region over the past few years. While the visible effects near Grindavík have understandably drawn attention due to their proximity to infrastructure, these geological events are not unexpected. Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means that such activity is part of a long-term and natural process. In fact, these events are considered by experts to be a “leak” of energy from a larger tectonic system—one that has remained mostly dormant for centuries. The last comparable cycle on this part of the Reykjanes Peninsula may have occurred over 800 years ago. Importantly, this recent surge in activity is expected to taper off. As Professor Guðmundsson explains, the region may now enter a quiet phase lasting decades or even longer, with the most significant plate movements likely behind us for now. For international students and educators, this makes Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark not only a safe destination but also a uniquely dynamic classroom. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness and study Earth systems in real time, from plate tectonics and geothermal energy to hazard mitigation and climate science. Iceland’s scientific community maintains continuous monitoring, and the infrastructure around Grindavík and the surrounding areas is managed with safety and preparedness in mind. In short, the situation is not a crisis—it is Earth science in motion. Hagafell fissure and Sundhnukur Crater Row seen from drone
 Field-based learning, found poetry, and life-changing moments with GeoCamp Iceland In March 2025, a group of thirteen students from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, set off on an unforgettable journey to Iceland with GeoCamp Iceland. Over six days, they hiked volcanic trails, stood beneath roaring waterfalls, listened to folklore, soaked in geothermal rivers—and found themselves deeply changed. Led by educators Erin Towns and Jennifer Braunfels Wardwell, and guided by Oli and the GeoCamp team, the students didn’t just witness the power of Iceland’s landscapes—they experienced transformation in every sense of the word. The group was encouraged to reflect on their journey by responding to prompts about personal challenges, moments of beauty, or experiences outside of their comfort zones. What emerged was a tapestry of stories—brimming with vulnerability, insight, and connection. “We climbed with the chance of rocks falling below us, but somehow everything seemed better than before… Friends at the beginning turned into family at the end.” — Jack, Junior  For many, the physical challenge of the hikes mirrored internal growth. The steep paths of Reykjadalur became metaphors for resilience and trust—not only in one’s own strength, but in the group. “How could I complete 45 more minutes of this hike when I could barely get through 15? Ms. Towns pulled us aside and said: ‘Take small steps, control your breath, and believe that you can do it.’ Those words stayed with me.” — Meghan, Senior “Each step became a testament of my strength and resilience… With every challenge we overcame, we grew stronger and more confident.” — Rilee, Senior  Even those who arrived with apprehension found belonging. The landscape, the shared meals, the bus rides, the laughter—all became anchors for connection. “I wasn’t very familiar with anyone in the group. Now I feel like I can call them all my friends. We sang together in the car, danced, played with the locals … The places we went only strengthened our bonds.” — Romy, Sophomore “I came to Iceland with a group I didn’t know super well… but this land built connections. When I return to school and wave at my new friends, I’ll be reminded of the unforgettable experience we shared.” — Nora, Senior  For some students, the natural beauty of Iceland provided a space for healing. In wild places, they found stillness—and even peace. “I find a hug in this wild nature. I feel my grief leave my body and settle in a new home.” — Brennan, Sophomore  Others described moments of insight sparked by landscape and legend. A talk about Viking values—curiosity, honour, and integrity—stayed with Colby throughout the trip and became a lens through which he saw not only Iceland but himself. “Was I a Viking? In the sense of education and exploration, I think I was. The people I met and the values I practiced made me feel a part of something greater.” — Colby, Senior  The reflections from teachers added further weight to the impact of the experience. Erin Towns described giving her first lecture at the terminus of Sólheimajökull glacier, drawing from her own work in geophysics while dust blew across the outwash plain and laughter echoed from nearby students. Jennifer Wardwell’s reflection was personal and profound: “This trip was a do-over of all the time we missed. I realized we are the good people—held together by the magic of this place.”  Seeing Iceland Through Their Eyes Alongside their written reflections, students were also asked to choose their favourite photos and add captions describing what they learned. These visual journals are a window into their perspectives and discoveries:  At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe that real learning happens outside the classroom—where students can feel the wind on their face, taste glacial water, and discover what it means to belong to both a group and a global story. Thank you to Edward Little High School for trusting us with your students. You reminded us that education, when rooted in experience and empathy, truly has the power to change lives.  To mark their journey, the group created a found poem—a collaborative piece woven from individual lines contributed by each student. The result is a powerful echo of their shared experience: I find a hug in this nature. Grief leaves my body, finds a new home where it looks and waits. Each step a reminder- a testament of strength and resilience. I call them friends all of the challenges we faced together. How beautiful my life can be, when I step out of my comfort zone. The fog rolls away, showing us beautiful landscapes showing us what we’re capable of. We talk, we laugh, we take pictures- one step after the other. I ask for one piece of advice. He tells me: follow your dreams She says, take small steps, control your breath, have the mindset that you can do it And will. In the afternoon hours we find the river. The mist splashes our faces, The sun hits the water just right a deafening roar surrounds us. Waterfalls, beaches, locals, folklore, foods, prices. So much to experience So much to learn, none of it to be trapped within the four frames of a picture. Every struggle, every hardship fades away, nothing else matters No words in the English language can do the feelings I felt, that day spent in the South, justice. Taking the plunge, knowing creatures from the world beyond would be delighted. This land build connections Through all the little struggles, I look to my friends Each step becoming a testament of strength and resilience. We reach the bottom new souls, taking one day at a time. Everything better than before. We sung, took photos together, danced, played with the locals Played together. When I return to school I’ll wave at my new friends And in the hallways, I will be reminded We did it All of us together. Vikings. Images: Erin Towns
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GeoCamp Iceland is an educational project dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding in natural sciences with practical and active learning. We develop educational content, student and teacher guides and curricula, organize and receive international study groups focusing on natural sciences, environmental challenges, climate change and STEM education.
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