Wilderness Exploration into the Curriculum: Fusing Outdoor Adventures with Formal Education

The Profound Influence of Trekking on Human Development Throughout History and Today: Exploring the Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Benefits of Hiking in Natural and Urban Landscapes. Additionally, Examining How Trekking Education Connects High-Quality Learning with Environmental Preservation Amidst the Challenge of Climate Change.”

Noua ediție a cursului “Învățare în aer liber și educație prin aventură” took place in Bologna from 03/05/2026 to 09/05/2026. The participants came from all across Europe, with Paula and Miguel from IES Conde Diego Porcelos in Spain, Sandra and Inga from Nīca Secondary School in Latvia, Jesús from IES Rambla de Nogalete in Spain, and Pedro, Toni and Miguel from IES Albuhaira.

Starting with defining the concept of Trekking Education și Educație în aer liber, we explored various approaches to lead our students to embrace trekking adventures, recognizing that ‘outdoor’ doesn’t necessarily limit us to natural settings and forests. In fact, a segment of the training focused on urban trekking Education within the cityscape. During this segment, participants acquired the skills to instruct subjects such as science, mathematics, music, art, language, and more through engaging activities that heightened their awareness of their urban trekking environment.

Another part of the course was focused on practicing many tools in a Natural Environment in local parks. All the games and activities tested were much appreciated and gave inspiration to our participant not only in sharing their activities with the rest of the group, but also to create their own outdoor activity.During the week, we had different routes not only in the city of Bologna but also in some other places nearby. Hence, this is a brief review of the week’s organisation. On Monday, our path was reaching Giardini Margherita and San Michele in Bosco. Moreover, for the activities, they were based on team building energizers, icebreakers and group-based activities for cooperation, trust and connection with nature. On Tuesday, the path was reaching the Pianoro Trekking Ring.

In addition, the activities were based on immersive silent walks to connect outdoor education and mindfulness and activities to build a common story based on natural elements. On Wednesday, we reached Villa Ghigi and the main activity was combining school subjects with Non-Formal and Outdoor Education. On Thursday, we reached Parco dei Gessi and we completed some activities on reflecting about how get the best from each outdoor site, designing outdoor activities while preventing and minimising risks, debating about students’ safety in outdoor classes. Finally, on Friday, we went to San Luca and Sentiero degli Dei for our last day. As for the activities, participants shared their adventure outdoor activity plan build up over the training course day while coming up with their considerations and inputs about assessing students in Adventure Outdoor Activities.

During this course participants were able to explore a vast series of activities and games that they will be able to replicate with their students, showing that learning doesn’t happen only inside a classroom!

Descoperiți mai multe despre acest curs  aici.