Learning Beyond Walls: Integrating Wilderness Exploration into Education

"The Transformative Power of Trekking on Human Development: Exploring the Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Benefits of Walking in Natural and Urban Landscapes. This exploration also highlights how trekking-based education fosters high-quality learning while promoting environmental stewardship—an essential connection in the face of today’s climate crisis."

​The new edition of the course “Outdoor learning and adventure education” took place in Tenerife from 27/07/2025 to 02/08/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Yordanka,Nikola from SU "Sveti Kliment Ohridski" in Bulgaria,Alenka from IV.osnovna sola Celje in Slovenia,Dagmar from Evanjelická spojená škola in Slovakia,Petr from ScioSkola Kolín in Czech Republic,Fiona from Main-Limes-Realschule Obernburg am Main in Germany,Ibolya fromVIK Középiskola in Hungary, Emanuela,Elisa,Monica and simonetta from IC Borgo Gesso Cuneo in Italy,Richárd from Solymári Hunyadi Mátyás Német Nemzetiségi Általános Iskola, Alapfokú Művészeti Iskola in Hungary,Kuharic´,Tramišak from INICIJATIVA - centar za edukaciju in Croatia,Daniele from IC Trento 4 in Italy.

Starting with the definition of Trekking Education and Outdoor Education, we explored various approaches to help students embrace trekking adventures—understanding that “outdoor” doesn’t necessarily mean being limited to forests or natural settings. In fact, part of the training focused on Urban Trekking Education, set within the cityscape. During this segment, participants learned how to teach subjects such as science, mathematics, music, art, and languages through creative, hands-on activities designed to deepen students’ awareness and appreciation of their urban surroundings.
​Another part of the course focused on practicing various tools and methods in natural environments, particularly in local parks. All the games and activities tested were highly appreciated, inspiring participants not only to share their experiences and ideas with the group but also to design their own outdoor learning activities.

On the third day, we went on a 9.4 km trek through the beautiful area of La Caldera, located about 40 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz.Participants also explored the concept of Non-Formal Education (NFE), a pedagogical approach that encompasses many outdoor learning activities. This method places students’ concrete experiences at the center of the learning process, emphasizing what they actively do and feel while engaging in a task or activity.By following the entire learning cycle and asking students the right reflective questions, they are able to connect newly acquired knowledge to their own lives and apply it meaningfully. Wednesday was dedicated to a visit to Mount Teide and the National Park, where we went trekking around Roques de García, one of Tenerife’s many natural wonders. Along the way, participants discussed the importance of teamwork and team spirit in the classroom, as well as strategies to motivate students to engage in trekking and outdoor learning activities.

On Thursday, we undertook the longest trekking route of the week, hiking from Mirador Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo, covering a total distance of 12.9 km. This challenging trek was complemented by an in-depth exploration of trekking-based learning methodologies, a deep dive into the 10 Kurt Hahn principles, and hands-on engagement in both urban and wilderness trekking experiences, Each participant culminated the trekking course by designing a lesson plan that integrated trekking into the subject matter they teach. The concluding segment of the course focused on creating a custom trekking experience tailored to the specific age group of each participant’s students. Considering their pupils’ age, targeted skills, and educational objectives, each participant carefully planned a trekking session that combined learning, engagement, and outdoor adventure.Since Friday was reserved for a beach day, we began with a one-hour walk through the scenic banana plantations to reach Playa El Bollullo. On this stunning black-sand beach, participants presented their trekking lesson plans to their peers, receiving valuable feedback for further refinement.

This week exemplified the effectiveness of experiential learning through trekking, allowing participants to fully engage with the practical aspects of outdoor education and equipping them with the skills needed to design trekking-based activities for their students. Throughout the course, participants explored a wide range of activities and games that they can replicate with their students, demonstrating that meaningful learning doesn’t only take place within the classroom.
Discover more about this course  here.