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)

GeoCamp Iceland participates in the European Union’s CE4RT (Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming tourism SMEs into sustainable and regenerative businesses. As part of a consortium spanning five European countries — Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, and the Netherlands — GeoCamp has focused on incorporating and promoting the principles of sustainability and regenerative tourism in Iceland, particularly within the Reykjanes Peninsula.
 
The CE4RT Project: A Pathway to Regenerative Tourism
 
Launched in January 2023 and running through January 2025, the CE4RT project supports tourism SMEs in adopting circular economy principles, fostering sustainable practices, and tackling climate action. GeoCamp Iceland has been at the forefront of implementing these goals by collaborating with local stakeholders, such as the Iceland Tourism Cluster and Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, to deliver training, coaching, and practical resources to SMEs.
 
In April 2024, GeoCamp took part in the “Leaders & Learners Workshops” in Iceland, a milestone event that showcased innovative local practices in regenerative tourism. This gathering not only highlighted Icelandic SMEs’ efforts but also facilitated knowledge exchange among international participants, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the CE4RT project.
 
As part of the project, GeoCamp Iceland is currently developing a comprehensive sustainability plan, which includes a new educational initiative. Starting next year, visiting groups will participate in sessions on sustainable tourism in Iceland, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of regenerative practices in the region. This aligns with our emphasis on empowering visitors through education while promoting a deeper understanding of Iceland’s natural and cultural heritage.
 
GeoCamp Iceland has prioritised collaboration with small, family-owned businesses and carefully selects partners committed to green practices, which lead the way in sustainable hospitality and outdoor experiences. By working with like-minded partners, we look towards ensuring that our operations actively support local communities and businesses dedicated to sustainability.
 
The Final CE4RT Conference in Ireland
 
The International Regenerative Tourism Conference in Dingle, Ireland, marks the culmination of the CE4RT project. The two-day event, held on 19–20 November 2024, brought together tourism professionals, researchers, policymakers, and SMEs to reflect on the achievements of the project and explore the future of regenerative tourism. The conference highlights key themes such as climate action, community engagement, and circular economy principles. 
 
The International Regenerative Tourism Conference represents not just the conclusion of the CE4RT project but a launching pad for future collaborations and innovations. For GeoCamp Iceland, it is an opportunity to showcase our achievements, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from international partners to further enrich our contributions to Iceland’s tourism landscape.
 
What are our next steps?
 
GeoCamp Iceland’s involvement in CE4RT reflects our commitment to advancing sustainability, education, and community engagement in tourism. By integrating the lessons learned from CE4RT into our own operations and continuing to advocate regenerative tourism principles, we aim to serve as a model for other regions seeking to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural stewardship.
 
A crucial part of this effort involves working toward achieving the Travelife Partner certification, a significant milestone for tour operators committed to sustainability. While ISO certification remains out of reach for the company at our current size, GeoCamp Iceland has invested in acquiring the necessary resources to work toward our implementation in the future, further embedding sustainable practices into our operations.
 
As part of the CE4RT project, GeoCamp Iceland contributes to advancing the principles of the circular economy in tourism while championing climate action and cultural preservation. Through these efforts, the Reykjanes Peninsula stands as a blueprint for how regenerative tourism can be achieved, with GeoCamp Iceland leading by example in Iceland’s commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring a sustainable and regenerative future for generations to come.

Learn more about CE4RT here: https://ce4rt.euproject.site/

On 29 October 2024, the final Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) for the Upcycling Education project took place in Reus, Spain. Hosted by Open Europe at Espai Boule, the gathering marked a celebratory conclusion to this impactful Erasmus+ initiative, which brought together partners from across Europe, including GeoCamp Iceland. The project aimed to promote sustainable education and practical learning, developing tools that foster eco-awareness and creativity for educators, students, and families.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the project’s most significant outcomes and deliverables. Among the key achievements was the development of educational resources and course materials on sustainable education, soon to be available as interactive flipbooks. NEFINIA, a key project partner, introduced plans to transition all resources—including the conceptual framework and blended course—into this accessible, user-friendly format. The digital flipbooks will provide streamlined, cohesive content for educators, making the materials easy to integrate into diverse learning environments.

The project also delivered a series of engaging webinars and promotional videos, now available on YouTube, with subtitles in multiple languages. These videos offer a dynamic introduction to upcycling and sustainability concepts. Each partner committed to contributing national webinar reports to document the project’s impact, allowing for a comprehensive record of engagement across partner countries.

The Recommendations Guide, developed to support educators and families, is another highlight of the project. Complete with national podcasts discussing practical approaches to upcycling, the guide provides an engaging platform for sustainable education. The guide’s flipbook format will feature the podcasts and insights, creating an interactive, visually engaging resource for educators and families.

As the project’s final step, the project partners will compile a comprehensive report detailing all deliverables and the overall impact on sustainable education. This report will provide a lasting record of the project’s achievements and open doors for future funding opportunities. We look forward to sharing the information and project outcomes with you within the next few weeks.

The meeting closed with reflections on the project’s successes and discussions on future applications of its resources, followed by a celebratory dinner. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to have been part of the project and looks forward to seeing how the Upcycling Education resources will inspire sustainable learning in Iceland and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on how GeoCamp Iceland will continue to incorporate these valuable tools into its educational programmes.

For more information please visit www.upcyclingeducation.eu

Even with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Iceland tops the list of the safest places in the world. Iceland consistently ranks as the world’s safest country, making it an ideal destination for student travelers and educational groups. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland has topped the list for 14 years, and it’s easy to see why. With no military, low crime, and a strong sense of community, Iceland offers a peaceful environment for both locals and visitors. This is why GeoCamp Iceland is thrilled to welcome students from around the world to experience the unique combination of safety and natural wonder that our country offers.

Community built on trust and low crime

The core components of Iceland’s safety are its low crime rate, strong social cohesion, and community support systems. Iceland’s crime rate is among the lowest globally, and the close-knit society means that locals feel they can depend on one another. This extends to visitors, as Icelanders take pride in looking out for guests and creating a welcoming atmosphere. At 

Another reason why Iceland is so safe, especially for young visitors, is the freedom available to children and youth. Iceland’s low crime and small communities allow children to enjoy a level of independence that’s rare elsewhere. At GeoCamp Iceland, we ensure that students experience this freedom in a safe, structured way, guiding them through outdoor activities, whether exploring volcanic landscapes or studying coastal biodiversity. By providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences, GeoCamp Iceland encourages students to interact confidently with Iceland’s stunning landscapes while emphasizing responsibility and safety.

Leader in gender equality and life quality

An additional aspect contributing to Iceland’s safety is the nation’s strong stance on gender equality. Iceland ranks first worldwide in gender equality, making it a particularly reassuring destination for young women and diverse groups. This commitment to fairness and inclusivity is evident in Iceland’s societal attitudes, and GeoCamp Iceland reflects these values in our programs. We aim to create a supportive environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to explore and learn.

Iceland also offers an exceptional quality of life, ranking high in areas such as clean air and water, community support, and life satisfaction. This quality of life fosters a society that values mutual respect, responsibility, and well-being, all of which contribute to Iceland’s reputation as a safe destination. GeoCamp Iceland emphasizes these values in our programs, inviting students not only to learn about Iceland’s landscapes but also to experience the social values that make Iceland unique. By immersing students in this environment, we aim to provide an unforgettable, holistic educational experience.

Staying safe in Iceland’s beautiful but challenging nature
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While Iceland’s natural beauty is a major draw, it does come with its own set of hazards. Rapidly changing weather and challenging terrains require visitors to take precautions. Icelanders are well aware of this and operate a highly organized volunteer-based search and rescue network to support those exploring the wilder parts of the country. GeoCamp Iceland collaborates with local rescue teams and uses resources like the SafeTravel website to prepare students for their activities. Through these partnerships, we ensure students learn safe travel practices and gain an understanding of responsible outdoor exploration.

In short, Iceland’s unparalleled safety record, welcoming culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes make it the perfect place for educational travel. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to offer students a gateway to this remarkable country, where they can learn, explore, and experience Iceland in a secure and supportive setting. For those considering a study trip to Iceland, GeoCamp Iceland provides a unique opportunity to engage with the natural world in one of the safest places on Earth.

GeoCamp Iceland took part in a training event in Florence in October as part of the Acaδimia Project (https://european-acadimia.eu/), which included fifty teachers and teacher trainers from eight countries with the objective to explore and practice Creative and Inclusive Learning Methods.

Among the large group of teachers and trainers, were three participants from GeoCamp Iceland’s as well as teachers from Akurskóli and Gerðaskóli Primary Schools in Reykjanes on behalf of our organisation. 

The seminar was a vibrant hub of learning, collaboration, and exploration. For GeoCamp Iceland, it was especially rewarding to discover new ways of tackling environmental issues and STEAM topics in the classroom, presenting these challenges through the lens of nature and sustainability. Looking ahead, the project will now focus on equipping local teachers with the skills and tools to integrate these innovative methods into classrooms across Reykjanes.

“I found the trip absolutely fantastic!” shared Ragnheiður Alma Snæbjörnsdóttir from Akurskóli Primary School at the end of the five-day event. “The training sessions were highly beneficial, and networking both domestically and internationally was invaluable. We had the opportunity to explore new teaching methodologies; even familiar concepts were presented in a fresh context, making them immediately applicable in the classroom. Diverse examples were provided, allowing me to select those most suitable for my teaching practice.”
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In the group photo, GeoCamp Iceland’s team stands with project partners from the University of Iceland and teachers from Vesturbæjarskóli, Hörðuvallskóli, and Kársnesskóli Primary Schools, celebrating a successful step forward in educational innovation.