In June 2025, partners from across Europe came together in Turku, Finland, for the final Transnational Partner Meeting of the Erasmus+ AURORA project. Hosted in the historic Vanha Suurtori district, the meeting marked the conclusion of the project which focused on strengthening outdoor learning through technology, inclusion, and youth engagement.

AURORA – Advancing Understanding and Respect of Outdoor and Rural Areas – has brought together organisations from Ireland, Finland, Türkiye, and Iceland to co-create new methods and tools that help young people reconnect with nature in meaningful ways. From the very beginning, the project has aimed to make outdoor learning more accessible—particularly for youth who may face social, economic, or geographic barriers.

GeoCamp Iceland hosted the first Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTTA) in Reykjanes and led the development of educational content on climate change and nature-based learning. Working alongside partners and young participants, we helped shape two major outputs: the AURORA Guidebook and the AURORA Platform. Both resources bring together practical experience, youth input, and innovative technology, including AR and VR tools designed to enhance environmental education.

While the project may be formally ending, we believe the outcomes will have lasting value, both within Iceland and for our international network of educators and students. The guidebook provides us with a solid framework: guidelines, checklists, and structured approaches we can draw from when planning outdoor learning activities or supporting schools and university groups. The digital platform, once fully launched, will offer engaging ways to prepare students before field trips and extend learning beyond the landscape itself.

As an organisation grounded in place-based education and international exchange, GeoCamp Iceland sees great potential in applying what we’ve gained through AURORA. Whether it’s a group of Icelandic students exploring the Reykjanes Geopark, or a visiting university cohort engaging with Icelandic nature and sustainability themes, the tools developed in this project will help us deliver deeper, more inclusive, and more thoughtful learning experiences.

We’re grateful to our partners for their collaboration and to the young people whose perspectives helped shape the project’s direction. AURORA has shown that by combining outdoor learning with meaningful participation and digital innovation, we can create something both practical and inspiring. We look forward to sharing the results, and continuing the work in new ways.

Outdoor Learning and Sustainability in Cappadocia

From 23–29 April 2025, the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, Türkiye, set the stage for the second Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) of the AURORA project--Advancing Understanding and Respect of Outdoor and Rural Areas. Hosted by Worldwise, this mobility gathered youth and group leaders from Ireland, Finland, Iceland, and Türkiye for a week of immersive outdoor education and intercultural exchange.

The programme unfolded across UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient underground cities, and surreal rock formations, turning Cappadocia into an open-air classroom. Activities included hands-on outdoor workshops, sustainability sessions, and augmented reality (AR) storytelling, all designed to foster environmental awareness, digital competence, and peer collaboration.

Participants engaged with themes such as conservation, eco-friendly practices, and behavioural change. Highlights included exploring Derinkuyu Underground City, hiking through Ihlara Valley, and visiting Zelve Monastery and Monks Valley. These excursions were not only experiential but also contributed to the development of the AURORA AR platform, capturing footage that will be used to educate other young people across Europe.

Cultural evenings hosted by each partner country deepened intercultural understanding and solidarity, while reflection sessions and the certificate ceremony provided recognition of the personal and professional growth achieved during the mobility.

The LTTA in Turkey exemplified the spirit of the AURORA project—where outdoor learning meets digital innovation, empowering youth to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways.

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.

From 22-28 September 2024, GeoCamp Iceland hosted the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) for the AURORA Erasmus+ project. Participants from across Europe gathered in Iceland’s stunning Reykjanes Peninsula to engage in outdoor learning workshops, cultural exchanges, and immersive experiences with the natural environment.

Highlights of the Week

• The programme kicked off with presentations from partner organisations, setting the stage for fruitful discussions on outdoor education. GeoCamp Iceland’s team led a fascinating outdoor learning workshop in the unique geological landscape of Reykjanes.
• The week featured a diverse range of cultural evenings, with participants from Ireland, Finland, and Türkiye sharing their traditions through food, music, and storytelling.
• A full-day tour of the Golden Circle offered participants a first-hand experience of Iceland’s remarkable geothermal and geological features, combined with outdoor learning activities along the way.
• The event concluded with a reflection session and certification ceremony, where participants received recognition for their contributions to the AURORA project.

The AURORA project, designed to integrate outdoor learning and technology through augmented and virtual reality, continues to build momentum with its focus on innovative teaching. The LTTA1 in Iceland was a resounding success, setting the foundation for future activities as the project progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates from the AURORA project as we continue to enhance outdoor education for young people across Europe!

GeoCamp Iceland participated in the first Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) of the Erasmus+ AURORA project, hosted in Ireland from 30 April to 1 May 2024. This two-day meeting marked an exciting beginning for the project, bringing together partners from across Europe to collaborate on key deliverables that will drive the initiative forward.

The meeting centered on the development of the AURORA project’s two primary outputs:

1. AURORA Guidebook: The guidebook will consist of nine chapters, with each partner leading the development of a specific chapter. Content creation will start in May 2024, and the final English version is expected to be completed by August. Each chapter will be based on research and workshops conducted with young people, ensuring their voices shape the educational materials. The guidebook will also feature innovative elements like QR codes to make it more engaging.
   ​
   
2. AURORA Platform: Set to begin development in October 2024, the platform will serve as a central hub for sharing resources and supporting outdoor learning through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The TPM discussed the equipment needed to film AR/VR footage, with several partners offering to contribute their own resources.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including evaluation and reporting procedures, dissemination strategies, and preparation for the upcoming events. GeoCamp Iceland is excited to continue working on this inspiring project, which aims to bring outdoor learning and technology together to create impactful educational experiences for young people.

GeoCamp Iceland will host the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) from 22-28 September 2024. The LTTA will include outdoor learning workshops, field trips to Iceland’s stunning natural landmarks, and training sessions on how to use AR/VR technology to enhance educational experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s northern lights, weather permitting, and engage in cultural activities.