Óli Jón: The Man Behind GeoCamp Iceland

25/11/2024

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.

Keflavík: A Childhood Shaped by Change

Óli's childhood was shaped by Keflavík, a town like no other in Iceland. Known for its mix of influences, the town started as a fishing village and later grew into a hub for trade and industry. When the American Navy built a base there during World War II, Keflavík gained a reputation for being a “room with a view” to the world. The American presence brought modern influences, from TV to a 24/7 radio station playing the latest music—a cultural lifeline that connected locals to trends in Europe and America.

For Óli, growing up in this melting pot was a rich experience. Day trips around the Reykjanes Peninsula with his parents sparked his lifelong fascination with Iceland’s geology. “I still find the Reykjanes Peninsula one of the most beautiful parts of Iceland,” he says.

He likes pointing at things

Music, Teen Years, and Big Changes

Teenage years in Keflavík during the “Age of Music” were particularly exciting. Thanks to the local radio station, Keflavík residents were among the first in Iceland to hear bands like The Beatles. Music fever swept through the town, with pop bands rehearsing in garages and sheds everywhere. “Everyone and their uncle was forming a band,” Óli recalls. While he didn’t perform publicly, like many others, he threw himself into rehearsals.

Keflavík wasn’t just about fun, though. The town underwent big changes, especially when the American Navy left in 2006. Coupled with shifts in the fishing industry, it was a challenging time for the community. Yet, Keflavík adapted, evolving into one of Iceland’s fastest-growing areas, filled with opportunities in tourism and industry.

It takes a lot of gestures to depict the movement of plate tectonics at Þingvellir National Park

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)