 We are thrilled to welcome a true rock star in STEM and field-based education to our team. Starting on 1 February, Brynja Stefánsdóttir will join GeoCamp Iceland as a part-time project manager, focusing on managing curricula and field guide development. Brynja is a specialist in science education and outdoor learning, with a strong focus on fostering innovative teaching practices in STEM fields. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in natural sciences and teaching from the University of Iceland (2016), alongside a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in natural sciences teaching (2014). Currently, she is furthering her studies in environmental science at the Agricultural University of Iceland. Brynja brings extensive teaching experience, including her work as a natural sciences teacher at Stapaskóli primary school in Reykjanesbær. She has developed and led science and technology workshops for students of all ages, including pre-primary education. Her work also encompasses sustainability-focused educational programmes, featuring hands-on projects that highlight the circular economy, waste reduction, and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, Brynja has contributed to national initiatives aimed at revising competency criteria for science subjects and simplifying teaching frameworks to enhance accessibility for students and educators. She also facilitates creative workshops for adult learners, including individuals with disabilities. Her notable achievements include coordinating Stapaskóli’s “Stapavaka,” a science fair that celebrates students’ use of scientific methods and research. Brynja’s expertise in curriculum development, outdoor education, and sustainability, combined with her passion for connecting students with nature, makes her a vital addition to the GeoCamp Iceland team. We look forward to working with her in the future on all the exciting projects ahead. Nýr starfsmaður GeoCamp Iceland í námsefnisgerð Við erum himinlifandi yfir því að fá sannkallaða rokkstjörnu í STEM greinum og náttúrufræðikennslu í teymið okkar. Frá og með 1. febrúar mun Brynja Stefánsdóttir, kennari við Stapaskóla í Reykjanesbæ, hefja störf sem verkefnastjóri í hlutastarfi hjá GeoCamp Iceland, þar sem hún mun einbeita sér að þróun námsefnis og vettvangsferða, ásamt aðkomu að sértækum verkefnum um útikennslu í Reykjanes jarðvangi. Brynja lauk B.Ed.- prófi frá Háskóla Íslands 2014 og meistaragráðu 2016. Hún kennir við Stapaskóla í Reykjanesbæ, bæði á leik- og grunnskólastigi. Meðfram kennslu stundar hún nám í náttúru- og umhverfisfræði við Landbúnaðarháskólann á Hvanneyri. Brynja hefur verið í hópi kennara sem hafa verið leiðandi í þróun kennsluhátta í Stapaskóla þar sem meðal annars er byggt á verkefnamiðuðu námi, samþættingu og áhugasviðsverkefnum. Með samkennurum sínum á hún hlut að því að kynna námsefni og verkefni á opnu vefsvæði og með hlaðvarpi (Stapaspjallið). Þá hefur Brynja átt frumkvæði að vísindavökum í skólanum þar sem nemendur fást við ýmis verkefni í raunvísindum. Þá tók hún þátt endurskoðun aðalnámskrár í náttúrugreinum, auk þess sem hún hefur kennt á endurmenntunarnámskeiði um náttúrufræði til framtíðar á vegum Menntafléttunnar. Þá er hún meðal upphafsmanna „Stapavöku“ sem er árlega vísindakeppni Stapaskóla, þar sem nemendur sýna aðkomu að vísindalegum aðferðum og rannsóknum. Sérþekking Brynju á námskrárþróun, námsefnisgerð, útikennslu og sjálfbærni, ásamt ástríðu hennar fyrir því að tengja nemendur við náttúru og umhverfi Íslands gerir hana að ómetanlegum hluta af GeoCamp Iceland teyminu. Við hlökkum til að starfa með henni að þeim mýmörgu verkefnum sem eru framundan hjá okkur. There is never a dull moment around Brynja when she is in her element - Nature. Brynja has previously partnered with GeoCamp Iceland in KA1 teacher mobilities on outdoor education in Danish Geoparks, as well as in STEM projects in Croatia.  The United Nations has declared 2025 as the "International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation", highlighting the vital role glaciers play in Earth’s ecosystems and their critical importance as indicators of climate change. As glaciers worldwide retreat at an unprecedented rate, this initiative calls for urgent global action to preserve these natural wonders. The Icelandic glaciers have been an integral part of GeoCamp Iceland’s narrative from the very beginning. By bringing students and teachers to recently formed glacial lagoons, rapidly shrinking glacier tongues, landscapes newly revealed by retreating ice, and the majestic moraines left behind, we provide not just an awe-inspiring experience but also an educational journey. These visits serve as outdoor classrooms where participants connect with the dynamic processes shaping Iceland’s environment, explore the impacts of climate change, and gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role glaciers play in our world. Iceland’s glaciers are not just geographical marvels; they are reservoirs of history, culture, and ecological significance. Covering approximately 11% of the country’s landmass, glaciers like Vatnajökull and Sólheimajökull have shaped Iceland’s landscapes and its people’s connection to nature. Yet, the rapid retreat of these ice masses underscores the urgent need to address climate change and preserve this integral part of the planet’s cryosphere.  Supporting the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation GeoCamp Iceland is committed to highlighting the goals of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation by integrating glacier-related education and research into its programs. This year-long initiative is a global call to action, aiming to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and inspire meaningful responses to the climate crisis. At GeoCamp, we believe education is a cornerstone of this effort. We will shine a spotlight on Icelandic glaciers through a range of educational and research-focused initiatives. From hosting university-level research projects led by renowned glacier scientists to introducing high school students to the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers for the first time, our programs are designed to inspire and educate. Sites like Sólheimajökull glacier tounge on the South Coast of Iceland offer not only a scientific exploration of glacial retreat but also an emotional connection as participants witness the profound impact of climate change firsthand. By standing at the edge of a retreating glacier, students can witness first-hand the reality of this global challenge, through sites and sounds.  Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change Our ongoing collaboration with Andri Snær Magnason, author of On Time and Water, adds a unique dimension to our glacier-focused initiatives. Andri’s storytelling provides a bridge between scientific data and human emotion, making the impacts of climate change relatable and deeply personal. “Glaciers are frozen manuscripts that tell stories just like tree circles and sedimentary deposits; from them, you can gather information and create a picture of the past.” His narratives will continue to be an integral part of our programs, helping participants understand not just the science of glacier loss, but also its cultural and existential implications.  A Call to Action for Glaciers
The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation represents a pivotal moment for global collaboration and action. GeoCamp Iceland will continue to contribute to this mission by blending glacier research, educational experiences, and compelling narratives, with on-site visits in Iceland. Together with our partners, students, and collaborators, we aim to inspire a new generation of advocates for glaciers and the ecosystems they support. In 2025, as we highlight this global cause, we invite you to join us in standing with glaciers, not just as symbols of our country's natural beauty, but as vital elements of Earth’s future. By working together, we can ensure these frozen giants remain a part of our shared heritage for generations to come.  GeoCamp Iceland kemur að þremur verkefnum sem hlutu styrk úr Uppbyggingarsjóði Suðurnesja 2025, en úthlutun úr sjóðnum átti sér stað í Hljómahöll föstudaginn 17. janúar síðastliðinn. STEAM Reykjanes: Samstarf atvinnulífs og skóla um færni til framtíðar GeoCamp Iceland leiðir verkefnið „STEAM Reykjanes“ sem miðar að því að efla menntun í vísindum, tækni, verkfræði, listum og stærðfræði (STEAM) á Suðurnesjum. Verkefnið tengir saman skóla, atvinnulíf og samfélag við þekkingu, umhverfi og náttúruauðlindir svæðisins. Verkefnið felur í sér kortlagningu á samfélagslegum áhrifum STEAM-greina á Suðurnesjum og þarfagreiningu á framtíðarfærni atvinnulífsins, byggt á innviðum og auðlindum svæðisins. Þá verður unnið að þróun tækifæra til eflingar STEAM-náms í skólum og fræðslu fyrir almenning og gesti svæðisins. Megin markmiðið með verkefninu er að vinna að stofnun STEAM-seturs á Reykjanesi, með það að markmiði að tengja saman fjölbreyttar auðlindir, náttúru og samfélag í öflugu samstarfi atvinnulífs, skóla og rannsóknarstofnana. Gárur á Reykjanesi: Vísindalæsi og útikennsla í Reykjanes jarðvangi Reykjanes jarðvangur leiðir verkefnið „Gárur á Reykjanesinu: Vísindalæsi og útikennsla í Reykjanes jarðvangi“ sem hefur það markmið að auka áhuga og þekkingu ungs fólks á náttúruvísindum með útikennslu og skapandi fræðsluverkefnum. Verkefnið kortleggur námstækifæri í nærumhverfi grunnskóla á Reykjanesi og safnar þeim í aðgengilegan gagnabanka. Með því að skrásetja náttúrufyrirbæri, áhugaverða staði, sögur og menningartengda staði í nærumhverfi skólanna er stefnt að því að efla tengsl nemenda við umhverfið, auka þekkingu þeirra, virðingu fyrir náttúrunni og stuðla að sjálfbærri nýtingu auðlinda. Verkefnið stuðlar að vísindalæsi og sjálfbærni með því að nýta einstaka jarðfræðilega sérstöðu Reykjanes jarðvangs sem lifandi kennslustofu. Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, verkefnastjóri GeoCamp Iceland heldur utan um verkefnið fyrir hönd jarðvangsins. Nærandi ferðaþjónusta í kviku umhverfi: Reykjanesið sem áfangastaður fyrir vísindamiðlun og rannsóknir Markaðsstofa Reykjaness leiðis verkefnið „Nærandi ferðaþjónusta í kviku umhverfi“ í samstarfi við GeoCamp Iceland, en það gengur út á markaðssetningu og uppbyggingu sérhæfðrar ferðaþjónustu á Reykjanesinu á tímum eldsumbrota, þar sem lögð verður áhersla á nærandi ferðaþjónustu til að auka athygli á svæðinu fyrir alþjóðlega rannsóknar- og fræðsluhópa. Markmið verkefnisins verður að stuðla að nærandi ferðaþjónustu og eflingu svæðisins sem áfangastað jarðfræði-, eldfjalla- og umhverfisrannsókna. Unnið verður að markvissri markaðssetningu á Reykjanesinu sem lifandi áfangastað fyrir fræðslu- og vísindatengda ferðaþjónustu, þar sem alþjóðlegir rannsóknar- og nemendahópar fá aðgang að einstöku umhverfi til náms, rannsókna og þekkingarmiðlunar, og þar með auka sýnileika svæðisins í alþjóðlegu vísindasamfélagi. Uppbyggingarsjóður Suðurnesja er samkeppnissjóður sem hefur það verkefni að styðja við verkefni sem falla að Sóknaráætlun Suðurnesja á sviði menningar, atvinnu og nýsköpunar. Samband sveitarfélaga á Suðurnesjum (SSS) annast umsýslu sjóðsins og er auglýst eftir styrkumsóknum einu sinni á ári. GeoCamp Iceland participates in new projects funded by the Suðurnes Regional Development Fund in 2025GeoCamp Iceland will take part in three projects supported by the Suðurnes Regional Development Fund in 2025, serving as the lead applicant for one and as a partner for two others. The fund supports projects that align with the Suðurnes Regional Plan in culture, innovation, and business development.
STEAM Reykjanes: Bridging Industry, Schools, and Future Skills GeoCamp Iceland leads this initiative aimed at connecting industries, schools, and communities in Suðurnes. The project envisions a STEAM Centre leveraging the region’s natural resources and geological uniqueness to foster education, innovation, and skill development, promoting sustainability and future-oriented careers. Ripples in Reykjanes: Scientific Literacy and Outdoor Learning in the Reykjanes Geopark In collaboration with the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and local UNESCO schools, this project seeks to strengthen students’ and teachers’ connections to nature and culture. By mapping key natural and cultural sites, it promotes scientific literacy, sustainability, and a deeper sense of place. Regenerative Tourism in a Dynamic Landscape: Reykjanes as a Destination for Science and Research Led by the Reykjanes Marketing Office, this project develops specialised tourism in the region with a focus on education and scientific research. GeoCamp Iceland contributes by creating educational materials and supporting promotional efforts.  This December, GeoCamp Iceland had the opportunity to participate in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting 2024 in Washington DC, the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists in the world. With over 25,000 attendees, the conference served as an inspiring platform for scientists, educators, and innovators to connect, collaborate, and share groundbreaking research.
For GeoCamp Iceland, this was a milestone moment—our fifth time exhibiting at AGU and undoubtedly our most successful to date. Over the course of the event, our booth became a hub for enthusiastic conversations about Iceland’s unique role as a natural laboratory for geosciences, sustainability, and energy education. Unprecedented Interest in Iceland We were thrilled to see an unprecedented number of visitors at our booth this year. Attendees from universities, high schools, and alumni groups expressed keen interest in bringing their students and faculty to Iceland to experience GeoCamp’s educational programs. By the end of the conference, all 400 of our informational pamphlets were distributed, along with numerous maps, postcards, and books showcasing the wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond. Building New Partnerships During AGU, we had the pleasure of meeting dozens of university representatives eager to explore collaboration opportunities. From tailored study tours for student groups to workshops on sustainability and Earth sciences, the discussions underscored the growing demand for hands-on, place-based learning experiences. We are especially excited about the connections we established with institutions interested in integrating Iceland into their curricula. These collaborations will not only enrich the academic experiences of participants but also promote greater understanding of our planet’s dynamic processes and the importance of sustainable living. Looking Ahead GeoCamp Iceland’s participation at AGU 2024 was a good reminder of the global community’s shared commitment to education, research, and environmental stewardship. As we look to 2025, we are inspired to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and welcome even more groups to Iceland’s unparalleled outdoor classroom. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited us at AGU 2024, shared their ideas, and showed interest in working with us. If you’re curious about our programs or would like to explore bringing a group to Iceland, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, let’s continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and changemakers. Contact Us Interested in learning more about GeoCamp Iceland? Email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!  The year 2024 marked a period of growth and impactful achievements for GeoCamp Iceland. As an educational institution and tour operator, we expanded our outreach and strengthened our commitment to experiential learning, sustainability, and international collaboration. Among the year’s highlights was the signing of a new two-year cooperation agreement with Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and the Association of Municipalities in Suðurnes. This partnership aims to enhance educational initiatives, strengthen ties with schools, and utilise the unique geosites of the Reykjanes Peninsula for STEM and outdoor education. Notably, we spearheaded teacher training trips to Denmark, funded by Erasmus+, which laid the foundation for a regional STEM teacher network. GeoCamp Iceland welcomed nearly 400 students, teachers, and professors from high schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. Our customised study tours focused on geology, renewable energy, and climate education, with participants from institutions such as the University of Southern Maine, Northern Virginia Community College, and Chaparral High School. This represented a 50% increase in activities compared to the previous year. We continued our involvement in international projects, including Green Advisor, Geoschools, and AURORA, while concluding six major initiatives like HEDA, Upcycling, and STEM in Croatian schools. These projects highlighted our dedication to developing educational content, fostering sustainability, and supporting innovative teaching practices. Our marketing and dissemination efforts also expanded, with the launch of a LinkedIn profile, a revamped information pamphlet, and active participation in high-profile events such as Mannamót 2024, the NCGE Conference in Phoenix, and the AGU Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. These efforts have enhanced GeoCamp Iceland’s visibility and strengthened our role as a key player in educational tourism and international collaboration. As we look to 2025, GeoCamp Iceland remains committed to connecting students, educators, and communities with Iceland’s unique landscapes and natural resources, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth sciences, sustainability, and global challenges. We would like to thank all our partners and friend in Iceland, as well as around the world for making this a memorable and fruitful year. As the vikings said: We value your gifts and food. But most of all, we value your friendship. Sigrún Svafa, Magdalena, Óli Jón & Arnbjörn Download GeoCamp Iceland 2024 Annual Report [PDF] Highlights from the year  Þann 17. desember síðastliðinn var undirritaður samningur um klasasamstarf milli GeoCamp Iceland og Íslenska ferðaklasans. Samningurinn var undirritaður af Arnbirni Ólafssyni, framkvæmdastjóra GeoCamp Iceland, og Ástu Kristínu Sigurjónsdóttur, framkvæmdastjóra Íslenska ferðaklasans. Með samningnum verður GeoCamp Iceland virkur þátttakandi í klasasamstarfi íslenskra hagsmunaaðila í ferðaþjónustu þar sem markmiðið er að efla samkeppnishæfni og nýsköpun innan ferðaþjónustunnar. Þetta samstarf skapar tækifæri til að auka tengsl GeoCamp Iceland við aðra aðila í ferðaþjónustugeiranum og leggja grunn að nýjum verkefnum á sviði sjálfbærni, menntunar og vísindamiðlunar. Sérstök áhersla verður lögð á vöruþróun og ábyrgan vöxt, sem fellur vel að áherslum GeoCamp Iceland á STEM-menntun og útikennslu. GeoCamp Iceland er fyrir stofnaðili Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark og aðili í Markaðsstofu Reykjaness. Þetta nýja samstarf við Íslenska ferðaklasann mun styðja frekari þróun verkefna á Reykjanesi og víðar. Collaboration Agreement with the Iceland Tourism ClusterOn 17 December, a collaboration agreement was signed between GeoCamp Iceland and the Icelandic Tourism Cluster. The agreement was signed by Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, and Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, Managing Director of the Iceland Tourism Cluster.
This agreement establishes GeoCamp Iceland as an active participant in the cluster collaboration, aiming to enhance competitiveness and innovation within Icelandic tourism. The partnership creates opportunities to strengthen GeoCamp Iceland’s connections with other stakeholders in the tourism sector and to lay the groundwork for new projects in sustainability, education, and science communication. Particular emphasis will be placed on product development and responsible growth, aligning with GeoCamp Iceland’s focus on STEM education and outdoor learning. GeoCamp Iceland is a founding member of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and a partner of the Reykjanes Marketing Office. This new collaboration with the Tourism Cluster will support the further development of projects on the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond.  Sixteen new projects were approved on 11th December 2024 by the Interreg NPA Monitoring Committee (www.interreg-npa.eu/apply-for-funding/calls-for-projects/5th-call-for-main-projects/). As the only project approved in priority 3.1 on Capacity building is REGENERATE, a forward-thinking three-year project designed to introduce and embed regenerative tourism practices across the Northern Periphery and Arctic region. Focused on restoring natural environments, revitalising cultural heritage, and strengthening local economies, REGENERATE is led by Visit Reykjanes in collaboration with partners including GeoCamp Iceland.
The Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) is a sensitive and vulnerable area that has experienced significant environmental strain due to increased tourism. REGENERATE recognises the urgent need to move beyond minimising tourism’s negative impacts and instead focus on approaches that generate positive outcomes for communities and landscapes. By fostering collaboration between public and private partners, the project will develop strategies, tools, and capacity-building measures to create a tourism sector that benefits local environments and people. Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “The REGENERATE project represents a vital shift towards sustainable tourism. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to bring its expertise in outdoor education and science communication to this collaboration, helping to create models for tourism that give back to nature and local communities.” The project brings together six partners across Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Ireland, including GeoCamp Iceland, Olemisen Balanssia ry, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Gold of Lapland Economic Association, and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. With a total budget of €1.194.380, including funding contributions of €776.347 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project will run for 36 months. Together, the partners will build strategic solutions and regenerative practices that can set a sustainable example for other tourism-dependent regions. GeoCamp Iceland’s participation aligns with its mission to promote sustainability, education, and responsible tourism. The project will also strengthen connections between nature, culture, and education in ways that support both visitors and host communities for years to come.  GeoCamp Iceland participated in the European project CE4RT (Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism), led by the Iceland Tourism Cluster. This initiative brought together 18 Icelandic companies with the shared goal of advancing sustainability in tourism and moving towards regenerative practices.
The CE4RT project has been instrumental in helping our company to develop and strengthen our sustainability practices, including the creation of a comprehensive sustainability plan that includes working toward the Travelife Partner certification, a significant milestone for embedding sustainable tourism principles into our operations. The project has also highlighted the value of collaboration and local networks. Connecting with a community of SMEs working on similar challenges has proven to be valuable for us, providing mentorship, shared knowledge, and practical insights into tackling sustainability goals. The “Leaders & Learners Workshop” in Iceland furthermore demonstrated how local partnerships with green-practicing, family-run businesses can make a significant impact and inspire innovation. Through the project we have been able to gain tools and inspiration to not only implement regenerative practices but also share our journey as a blueprint for other companies or individuals starting their path towards a more sustainable future. As part of the project results, GeoCamp Iceland has developed and committed towards a Sustainability Strategy available on our website here: www.geocamp.is/sustainability-strategy.html After two years of collaboration, creativity, and dedication, the HEDA project has successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impact on educators, students, and stakeholders across Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, HEDA brought together partners from Iceland, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Serbia, and Poland to explore how theatre, literature, and visual arts can transform the way students engage with civic and social issues.
The project achieved its ambitious goals by equipping teachers with innovative methodologies to address themes such as democracy, human rights, and social justice. Through hands-on workshops, training sessions, and an accessible e-learning platform, HEDA provided educators with tools to bring these critical topics to life in their classrooms. Over 200 teachers were trained, and the methodology reached thousands of students, inspiring dialogue and fostering critical thinking in schools across Europe. Key outputs of the HEDA project included:
Partner schools have committed to continuing the use of HEDA methodologies, and some are already working on expanding the approach through new initiatives and collaborations. In Iceland, the project has inspired an active network of educators, contributing to broader efforts to implement all schools in Reykjanes as UNESCO schools. Similarly, in Italy, participating schools are exploring new Erasmus+ proposals to build on HEDA’s foundation. So while the HEDA project has officially concluded, its influence will continue to grow. The project materials remain freely accessible on the HEDA website, ensuring that educators worldwide can integrate these techniques into their teaching. The HEDA partnership thanks all participants, educators, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions. Together, we have reimagined citizenship education, creating a pathway for young people to engage deeply with the issues that shape our society. Though this chapter has ended, the spirit of HEDA lives on in classrooms and communities across Europe. For project results please visit our website: www.heda-project.eu  Experience a unique 10-day open study tour in Iceland in July 2025, where you’ll explore geology, renewable energy, and climate change through hands-on learning and unforgettable fieldwork.
GeoCamp Iceland invites students and teachers to join an unforgettable study tour exploring Iceland’s remarkable geology, innovative renewable energy systems, and climate action initiatives. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—spanning active volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal fields—serve as a natural classroom to examine Earth’s dynamic systems. Participants will delve into the science behind geothermal energy, visit cutting-edge carbon capture projects, and witness firsthand how Iceland leverages its natural resources for sustainable energy. Designed for hands-on learning and exploration, this tour offers an incredible opportunity to connect with experts, deepen your understanding, and experience Iceland’s unique approach to addressing global challenges. Learn more and join us on this transformative journey by visiting our Study Tour 2025 page or contact us at [email protected]. |
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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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