Integrating Wilderness Exploration into Education: Blending Outdoor Adventures with Learning

The Lasting Impact of Trekking on Human Growth: Uncovering the Cognitive, Behavioural, and Emotional Benefits of Hiking Across Natural and Urban Landscapes. Exploring How Trekking Education Merges Quality Learning with Environmental Conservation in the Face of Climate Change.
The new edition of the course “Outdoor learning and adventure education” took place in Tenerife from TRE 30/03/2025-05/04/2025 The participants came from all across Europe, with Guna Ostele and Vita Rūķe from SIA Auseklītis 52 in Latvia, Stanislav Kaniansky from Krajská hvezdáreň a planetárium M. Hella v, Žiari nad Hronom in Slovakia, Laura Burger from BG Seekirchen in Austria, Katerina Thouault and Gentiane Lançon from Collège Saint Paul in France. Erwin Declercq from Odisee, University of applied sciences in Belgium, Nikola Nemčovská Steingrúberová from Súkromná základná škola in Slovakia. Anja Liebendörfer from Gymnasium Edenkoben in Germany, Johann Stykow from Anna-Freud-Schule in Germany. Daša Legényová from Evanjelické lýceum in Slovakia

​Beginning with the definition of Trekking Education and Outdoor Education, we explored diverse strategies to inspire students to embrace trekking adventures, emphasizing that 'outdoor' extends beyond natural landscapes and forests. A portion of the training focused on Urban Trekking Education within city environments. During this segment, participants developed the skills to teach subjects like science, mathematics, music, art, and language through interactive activities designed to deepen their awareness of the urban trekking experience.
Another portion of the course centered on applying various tools in a natural setting within local parks. The tested games and activities were highly valued, inspiring participants not only to share their experiences with the group but also to develop their outdoor activities.
On the third day, we embarked on a 9.4 km trek through the stunning La Caldera region, located 40 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz. During the hike, participants explored the principles of Non-Formal Education (NFE), a pedagogical approach that aligns with many outdoor activities. This method emphasizes hands-on experiences, placing learners at the center of the process. By guiding students through the full learning cycle and asking thoughtful reflection questions, they can connect newly acquired knowledge to real-life situations and apply it effectively.

​Wednesday was dedicated to a visit to Mount Teide and its national park, where we trekked around Roques de García, one of Tenerife’s many natural wonders. Along the way, we discussed the importance of teamwork and group dynamics in the classroom, as well as strategies to inspire students to engage in trekking and outdoor activities.
 
On Thursday, we embarked on the longest trek of the week, hiking 12.9 km from Mirador Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo. After an in-depth exploration of trekking-based learning methodologies and a deep dive into the ten Kurt Hahn principles, participants engaged in both urban and wilderness trekking experiences. To conclude their trekking course, each participant designed a lesson plan integrating trekking into their specific subject area, applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.
The final segment of the course focused on creating a customized trekking experience suited to the specific age group of each participant’s students. Considering their students’ ages, learning objectives, and skill development goals, each trekking instructor carefully crafted their session.
Since Friday was designated as a beach day, we began with an hour-long walk through scenic banana plantations, reaching Playa El Bollullo. On the beautiful black-sand beach, participants presented their lesson plans to fellow course members, receiving valuable feedback for improvement.
This week highlighted the power of experiential learning through trekking, giving participants hands-on experience in outdoor education and equipping them with the tools to design practical trekking activities for their students. Throughout the course, participants explored various activities and games they can implement with their students, demonstrating that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls!
Discover more about this course here.(https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/outdoor-learning.html)