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GeoCamp Iceland was one of 62 tourism SMEs in several European countries that received European project grant to support digital transformation process within their companies throught the TOURBIT project.
In February 2023, TOURBIT project launched a call for proposals for tourism SMEs aiming to finance innovative digitisation projects for tourism SMEs located in Belgium, Catalonia (Spain), France, Iceland, Lapland (Finland), Portugal and Slovenia. The call raised a lot of interest from the tourism sector as it received more than 230 applications.
Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, was invited to speak on behalf of beneficiary SME's at TOURBIT's final conference in Barcelona on 1 March 2024. Specifically he talked about the importance of having a strong digital presence and the journey that each business has been on as part of the Project, focusing on digital trends and opportunities.
According to Arnbjörn, GeoCamp Iceland's participation in this acceleration programme has had an immediate impact on streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement.
"The TOURBIT project marked a turning point for GeoCamp Iceland's digital approach, providing practical tools and applications that have turned around our operational efficiency. The transition from traditional planning methods to digital platforms has streamlined our processes, allowing for real-time information updates and enhanced planning capabilities. For GeoCamp Iceland, this digital shift has opened new doors for in B2B marketing."
During the project, GeoCamp Iceland has conducted workshops and developed training materials for the staff, in order to ensure a collective understanding. The emphasis on practical solutions, better aligned with the company's objectives, underscored the project's commitment to providing tangible results.
Gradual Adoption and Sustainable Expansion
Getting everyone on board with digital tools is acknowledged as a gradual process, but the positive outcomes from small changes made during the TOURBIT project are steadily gaining traction. As GeoCamp Iceland expands its tour offerings, the data collected through digital tools not only enhances marketing efforts but also guides the delicate balance between growth and maintaining high standards.
Arnbjörn concludes by stressing the importance of not losing the human touch in a world ever more defined by digitalization. "By implementing CRM tools we look towards imporving customer data management in the future. We hope that our participation in the TOURBIT project can serve as a practical example of how digitalization can pave the way for sustainable expansion without compromising the personal aspect that defines our company."
In February 2023, TOURBIT project launched a call for proposals for tourism SMEs aiming to finance innovative digitisation projects for tourism SMEs located in Belgium, Catalonia (Spain), France, Iceland, Lapland (Finland), Portugal and Slovenia. The call raised a lot of interest from the tourism sector as it received more than 230 applications.
Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, was invited to speak on behalf of beneficiary SME's at TOURBIT's final conference in Barcelona on 1 March 2024. Specifically he talked about the importance of having a strong digital presence and the journey that each business has been on as part of the Project, focusing on digital trends and opportunities.
According to Arnbjörn, GeoCamp Iceland's participation in this acceleration programme has had an immediate impact on streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement.
"The TOURBIT project marked a turning point for GeoCamp Iceland's digital approach, providing practical tools and applications that have turned around our operational efficiency. The transition from traditional planning methods to digital platforms has streamlined our processes, allowing for real-time information updates and enhanced planning capabilities. For GeoCamp Iceland, this digital shift has opened new doors for in B2B marketing."
During the project, GeoCamp Iceland has conducted workshops and developed training materials for the staff, in order to ensure a collective understanding. The emphasis on practical solutions, better aligned with the company's objectives, underscored the project's commitment to providing tangible results.
Gradual Adoption and Sustainable Expansion
Getting everyone on board with digital tools is acknowledged as a gradual process, but the positive outcomes from small changes made during the TOURBIT project are steadily gaining traction. As GeoCamp Iceland expands its tour offerings, the data collected through digital tools not only enhances marketing efforts but also guides the delicate balance between growth and maintaining high standards.
Arnbjörn concludes by stressing the importance of not losing the human touch in a world ever more defined by digitalization. "By implementing CRM tools we look towards imporving customer data management in the future. We hope that our participation in the TOURBIT project can serve as a practical example of how digitalization can pave the way for sustainable expansion without compromising the personal aspect that defines our company."
Arnbjörn (far right) on the panel at TOURBIT with Nicholas Hall, CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank, and Guilherme Silva from Casa dos Vales.
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GeoCamp Iceland has signed a two-year cooperation agreement with Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and the assocation of the four municipalities in the region, to organise and develop educational projects within the geopark.
According the the agreement, GeoCamp Iceland will service educational and training activities, set up and manage regional and international development projects as well as serve as educational liaison between educational institutions and the geopark. Additionally GeoCamp Iceland will look at the potential use of resources and geosites in the region to enhance and develop STEAM education.
In addition GeoCamp Iceland will take an active part in the educational part of the EGN2024 Confernece of European Geoparks, taking place in Reykjanes in October this year.
According the the agreement, GeoCamp Iceland will service educational and training activities, set up and manage regional and international development projects as well as serve as educational liaison between educational institutions and the geopark. Additionally GeoCamp Iceland will look at the potential use of resources and geosites in the region to enhance and develop STEAM education.
In addition GeoCamp Iceland will take an active part in the educational part of the EGN2024 Confernece of European Geoparks, taking place in Reykjanes in October this year.
Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, Project Manager at GeoCamp Iceland, will in this period serve as project manager for educational outreach in the geopark, looking into enhancing cooperation between educational institutions and increased opportunity for both outdoor training activities and STEAM education within Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, as well as other development and educational projects.
Sigrún Svafa has a teaching background at Keilir Academy in Iceland, both on adult and primary school secondary school level. During her time at Keilir she also served as a mentor for new teachers, which included guidance and consultancy in educational methodologies and didactics. She has been involved with flipped learning for over a decade, being one of the frontrunners in introducing flipped learning in Iceland.
We look forward to bringing you more information about the cooperation in the near future.
Sigrún Svafa has a teaching background at Keilir Academy in Iceland, both on adult and primary school secondary school level. During her time at Keilir she also served as a mentor for new teachers, which included guidance and consultancy in educational methodologies and didactics. She has been involved with flipped learning for over a decade, being one of the frontrunners in introducing flipped learning in Iceland.
We look forward to bringing you more information about the cooperation in the near future.
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For close to twenty years, GeoCamp Iceland has offered customized study tours for educational institutions, where the participants benefit from our personal network, background in education, contacts with Icelandic educational and research institutions within the field, and experience in receiving international study groups.
Along with planning and hosting these international student at teacher visits, GeoCamp Iceland participates in a number of regional, national and international educational projects, research development and training opportunities, with primary focus on developing teacher and student curricula as well as producing training material for outdoor science education and STEM related training activities.
We've summarized our activities in 2023 in one document: geocamp_iceland_-_annual_report_2023.pdf
Along with planning and hosting these international student at teacher visits, GeoCamp Iceland participates in a number of regional, national and international educational projects, research development and training opportunities, with primary focus on developing teacher and student curricula as well as producing training material for outdoor science education and STEM related training activities.
We've summarized our activities in 2023 in one document: geocamp_iceland_-_annual_report_2023.pdf
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On 28 January 2024, GeoCamp Iceland hosted a training seminar as part of the HEDA project at the Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre, with 12 teachers participating — 8 attending in person from local regional schools and additional four joining the session online. The event introduced educators to the innovative HEDA methodology, which integrates arts-based approaches like theatre, literature, and visual arts to engage students with social and civic issues, aiming to enhance democratic values and critical thinking in classrooms.
The training focused on practical applications of the methodology, including workshops led by experienced educators who demonstrated how these techniques could foster meaningful discussions on topics such as human rights, environmental issues, and social justice. The GeoCamp Iceland team that participated in the LTTA training session in Athens led sessions exploring how the HEDA method could be applied within the Icelandic educational context. Participants experienced hands-on exercises, including role-playing and interactive discussions, which showcased how these creative methods can captivate students’ interest and encourage empathy and reflective thinking.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance of arts-based techniques in making complex civic concepts accessible and engaging for students. Teachers noted that the HEDA methodology provided fresh strategies for classroom engagement, contrasting with traditional teaching methods. They also shared ideas on adapting the techniques to Icelandic curricula, particularly within subjects that address social and environmental issues.
The Icelandic seminar fostered a strong network among local educators, sparking discussions about future collaborations and potential project expansions. GeoCamp Iceland’s commitment to supporting participants in implementing the HEDA approach was reinforced through plans for follow-up sessions and continuous support, ensuring the methodology’s integration into Icelandic schools and contributing to the ongoing success and sustainability of the HEDA project.
For more information about the HEDA project please visit: www.heda-project.eu
The training focused on practical applications of the methodology, including workshops led by experienced educators who demonstrated how these techniques could foster meaningful discussions on topics such as human rights, environmental issues, and social justice. The GeoCamp Iceland team that participated in the LTTA training session in Athens led sessions exploring how the HEDA method could be applied within the Icelandic educational context. Participants experienced hands-on exercises, including role-playing and interactive discussions, which showcased how these creative methods can captivate students’ interest and encourage empathy and reflective thinking.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance of arts-based techniques in making complex civic concepts accessible and engaging for students. Teachers noted that the HEDA methodology provided fresh strategies for classroom engagement, contrasting with traditional teaching methods. They also shared ideas on adapting the techniques to Icelandic curricula, particularly within subjects that address social and environmental issues.
The Icelandic seminar fostered a strong network among local educators, sparking discussions about future collaborations and potential project expansions. GeoCamp Iceland’s commitment to supporting participants in implementing the HEDA approach was reinforced through plans for follow-up sessions and continuous support, ensuring the methodology’s integration into Icelandic schools and contributing to the ongoing success and sustainability of the HEDA project.
For more information about the HEDA project please visit: www.heda-project.eu
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The past year we've been fortunate to participate in an EEA funded project on implementing STEM education in Croatian schools. The project concluded with events, conferences and open days in all our partner schools, which brought the staff of GeoCamp Iceland for a final visit (for now) to Croatia.
During the project lifetime GeoCamp Iceland organized and arranged monthly online meetings and workshops with our partner schools in Croatia, aimed to enhance understanding of STEM in education as well as work with pedagogy and educational methods. We arranged four study visits for a total of close to 50 Croatian teachers to Iceland, and took part in similar workshops and meetings, bringing over twenty teachers and experts from Iceland to Croatia in four visits.
We thank our Croatian partners from OŠ Vladimir Nazor Budinščina, Osnovna škola Sibinjskih žrtava, OŠ Josipa Kozarca Lipovljani and OŠ "Vladimir Nazor" Đakovo for their dedication and commitment in the project, and for their warm welcome and generosity. We congratulate them on their achievements and the results in increasing interest and actively introduce STEM topics in Croatian education.
During the project lifetime GeoCamp Iceland organized and arranged monthly online meetings and workshops with our partner schools in Croatia, aimed to enhance understanding of STEM in education as well as work with pedagogy and educational methods. We arranged four study visits for a total of close to 50 Croatian teachers to Iceland, and took part in similar workshops and meetings, bringing over twenty teachers and experts from Iceland to Croatia in four visits.
We thank our Croatian partners from OŠ Vladimir Nazor Budinščina, Osnovna škola Sibinjskih žrtava, OŠ Josipa Kozarca Lipovljani and OŠ "Vladimir Nazor" Đakovo for their dedication and commitment in the project, and for their warm welcome and generosity. We congratulate them on their achievements and the results in increasing interest and actively introduce STEM topics in Croatian education.
From final meeting in January 2024 and Open day in November 2023 in Lipovljani
From the final conference and open day in January 2024 in Sibinj
Final conference in January 2024 in Ðakovo
Final conference in January 2024 in Budinščina
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We had the pleasure of hosting Marist College for a ten-day study tour in May 2023 on using social-ecological frameworks to examine Icelandic systems in the field. You can view their complete tour and field trip in Iceland on Polarsteps: http://tinyurl.com/3sbyvna9
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For close to twenty years, GeoCamp Iceland has offered customized study tours for educational institutions, where the participants benefit from our personal network, background in education, contacts with Icelandic educational and research institutions within the field, and experience in receiving international study groups.
In 2023 more than two-hundred high-school, college and university students, as well as close to fifty teachers and professors, attended GeoCamp Iceland study tours in Iceland. This included participants from four colleges, three universities and two high-schools as well as national and international organizations, with a combined one-hundred days of activities in Iceland.
A key part in our development is to actively participate in educational projects dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding in natural sciences with practical and active learning. Along with receiving international study groups of secondary school, college and university students, as well as teacher groups - we develop educational content, student and teacher guides and curricula, focusing on STEM education, promotion of natural sciences, awareness of climate change and use of renewable energy.
Through these activities GeoCamp Iceland participates in regional, national and international educational projects, research development and training opportunities, with primary focus on developing teacher and student curricula as well as producing training material for outdoor science education and STEM related training activities.
GeoCamp Iceland is lead partner in two international projects (Green Advisor and HEDA) as well as participants in seven other transnational projects.
Four international projects were completed in 2023. GeoCamp was a project partner in several applications in the year, with one new project starting in the year - the three-year Erasmus+ KA3 Project ACADIMIA.
GeoCamp Iceland is a founding member of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and sits on the board of the organization. We are members of both Reykjanes and Hafnarfjordur Marketing Offices.
We would like to thank all our partners in Iceland and our friends 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.
In 2023 more than two-hundred high-school, college and university students, as well as close to fifty teachers and professors, attended GeoCamp Iceland study tours in Iceland. This included participants from four colleges, three universities and two high-schools as well as national and international organizations, with a combined one-hundred days of activities in Iceland.
A key part in our development is to actively participate in educational projects dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding in natural sciences with practical and active learning. Along with receiving international study groups of secondary school, college and university students, as well as teacher groups - we develop educational content, student and teacher guides and curricula, focusing on STEM education, promotion of natural sciences, awareness of climate change and use of renewable energy.
Through these activities GeoCamp Iceland participates in regional, national and international educational projects, research development and training opportunities, with primary focus on developing teacher and student curricula as well as producing training material for outdoor science education and STEM related training activities.
GeoCamp Iceland is lead partner in two international projects (Green Advisor and HEDA) as well as participants in seven other transnational projects.
- Erasmus+ Green Advisor
- Erasmus+ UpCycling
- Erasmus+ Project: Bridges - European Recovery Strategies for Education after Covid-19
- Erasmus+ HEDA Project
- Erasmus+ KA3: ACADIMIA - Teacher Training Academy
- EEA Project: GEOCAMP - supporting geology teaching towards active citizenship (CZ)
- EEA Project: Geothermal activity in Lipik (HR)
- EEA Project: EOG - Technologies of the future in today’s school (PL)
- EEA Project: STEM in Croatian schools (HR)
Four international projects were completed in 2023. GeoCamp was a project partner in several applications in the year, with one new project starting in the year - the three-year Erasmus+ KA3 Project ACADIMIA.
GeoCamp Iceland is a founding member of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and sits on the board of the organization. We are members of both Reykjanes and Hafnarfjordur Marketing Offices.
We would like to thank all our partners in Iceland and our friends 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.
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Representatives from GeoCamp Iceland participated in the conference in the "Education of Tomorrow: Shaping Employee 4.0 in the World of New Technologies", organised by the INFOTECH Foundation in cooperation with the Białystok University of Technology and GeoCamp Iceland.
The conference, which took place on 29 November 2023, was part of the two-year project "Technologies of the future in today's school", which received a 217.000 EUR support from the EEA Grant funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Among topics at the conference were discussed challenges and opportunities for future employees in Poland and Iceland in the era of automation, course development on vocational level on the "Basics of Programming", and the teaching curriculum for "Programming Secondary School".
The conference also offered an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging knowledge and experience on the future of professional education in the digital era.
The conference, which took place on 29 November 2023, was part of the two-year project "Technologies of the future in today's school", which received a 217.000 EUR support from the EEA Grant funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Among topics at the conference were discussed challenges and opportunities for future employees in Poland and Iceland in the era of automation, course development on vocational level on the "Basics of Programming", and the teaching curriculum for "Programming Secondary School".
The conference also offered an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging knowledge and experience on the future of professional education in the digital era.
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NCGE - The National Council for Geographic Education offers - in partnership with GeoCamp Iceland - a graduate-level equivalent, short course in geographic inquiry and field methods for in-service teachers and education professionals. Iceland’s extraordinary and unique landscapes will be our classroom and laboratory.
This fantastic summer institute is a graduate-level equivalent, a short course in geographic inquiry and field methods for in-service teachers and education professionals. Iceland’s extraordinary and unique landscapes will be our classroom and laboratory.
Spend nine magical days developing geographic inquiry skills in Iceland June 28 - July 7, 2024.
Application Deadline is 31 January 2024
For more information please visit: https://ncge.org/professional-development/geocamp-iceland
This fantastic summer institute is a graduate-level equivalent, a short course in geographic inquiry and field methods for in-service teachers and education professionals. Iceland’s extraordinary and unique landscapes will be our classroom and laboratory.
Spend nine magical days developing geographic inquiry skills in Iceland June 28 - July 7, 2024.
Application Deadline is 31 January 2024
For more information please visit: https://ncge.org/professional-development/geocamp-iceland
From NCGE - GeoCamp Iceland in 2023
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GeoCamp Iceland partners in the ACAδIMIA (European Academy of Creative and Inclusive Learning) project, with ten other project partners from eight countries. We are coming together to create а European Teacher Academy - a hub dedicated to expanding the use of creative teaching methods. ACADIMIA is a dynamic catalyst for change. It is designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively integrate creative methods in mainstream education.
The project will develop a Joint Curriculum on the use of Creative methods in diverse classrooms and is going to organise a series of joint teacher training activities (online workshops, Summer Campus, e-learning courses, blended learning courses, classroom-based courses etc) which will also test diverse mobility and training schemes.
You can follow the progress of the project on our website (https://european-acadimia.eu/about/) and our regular newsletters.
The project will develop a Joint Curriculum on the use of Creative methods in diverse classrooms and is going to organise a series of joint teacher training activities (online workshops, Summer Campus, e-learning courses, blended learning courses, classroom-based courses etc) which will also test diverse mobility and training schemes.
You can follow the progress of the project on our website (https://european-acadimia.eu/about/) and our regular newsletters.
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