| Come to discover how outdoor education in Finland is implemented in the curriculum to promote inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing, nature connection and learning of different shool subjects. |
Target audience
Teachers and school staff at pre-primary- primary-lower secondary school
Tuition
30 hours
Objectives
The main objectives of this course are to:
- explore basics and the theoretical background of experiential learning and outdoor education
- to plan and implement safe, goal-oriented outdoor learning activities in schools
- to teach different school subjects outdoors
- to promote sustainability, wellbeing and nature connection through outdoor education
- to utilize review and reflection in outdoor education and experiential learning
Methodology
Pedagogy and methods that participants will be introduced to during the week:
- Experiential learning
- Collaborative pedagogy
- Activity-based methods and non-formal learning in outdoor education • Review and reflection in experiential learning and outdoor education
Content
Monday: Opening day, introduction to outdoor and experiential learning
Train from Helsinki to Tampere at own cost (suggested train 11.03-12.53, intercity 45). Private bus transportation from Tampere train station to Youth center Marttinen 13.00 – 14.30.
- Introduction to the program of the week
- Outdoor games and group building activities
- Theoretical framework: Experiential learning and outdoor education
- Practical examples of how to teach different school subjects outdoors
Tuesday: Environmental education and nature school pedagogy
- Nature school pedagogy, theory and practice
- How to teach sustainability and encourage pupils to make environmentally friendly choices in daily life
- Practical examples and tools of environmental education: Climate Puzzle and other outdoor activities supporting sustainable thinking
Evening activity: Sauna and swim in the lake
Wednesday: Wellbeing and nature connection in outdoor education
- Nature walks around the island
- Wellbeing effects of outdoor education, examples of activities that enhance nature connection, nature observation and mindfulness activities
- Theoretical perspectives: Effects of outdoor learning on physical and psychological wellbeing, pedagogical applications of shared experiences in nature
Evening activity (own cost): Possibility to try different outdoor activities of own choice; efatbike, SUP (stand up paddle board) and relax in the lakeside sauna afterwards
Thursday: Outdoor education in urban schools and city environment
Bus Transportation to Jyväskylä City
- urban outdoor and environmental education in nature destinations within easy reach from the school
- How to plan and implement outdoor education in the learning environments near the school
- curriculum perspectives: outdoor learning and environmental education in the Finnish national curriculum
- possibility to visit a local primary school
Evening activity (optional, at own cost): Dinner cruise on the lake, historic steam ship s/s Suomi
Friday, Summary and evaluation of the week
- morning outdoor activity
- reflection as a tool in experiential learning
- evaluation of the week
Train to Helsinki at own cost (Departure 13.15, arrival to Helsinki 16.54) Flight home (or possibility of spending an extra day in Helsinki at own cost)
Participants
Minimum number: 15 – Max number: 18
Language
English
Dates
24-28 AUGUST 2026
Sunday – free arrival and stay in Helsinki
Monday: each participant has to book the train at 11:03 to Tampere from Helsinki- private bus is offered to Herraskylä Youth Center
Thursday morning transfer by private bus to Jyväskylä – Friday afternoon free- each participant has to book the train to return to Helsinki for departure the same day or the following day
Provider: UMAK UNIVERSITY – HELSINKI – OID E10144009 – for the Erasmus Beneficiary module
Cost
TOTAL COST: 785,00 €
THE COST INCLUDES:
500 EUROS TUITION PLUS BUS TRANSFERS
285 € full board accomodation in Youth Center Martinnen for 3 days (from Monday to Thursday morning- see details in the brochure)
NOT INCLUDED:
- train from Helsinki to Tampere and return from Jyväskylä to Helsinki
- accomodation/meals in Helsinki on arrival (Sunday) and return on Friday night
- accomodation and meals in Jyväskylä on Thursday/Friday morning
Info and registration
Open for pre-registration: https://forms.gle/PFpYVM3C8mAegEfa8
For more info write to: infosmartedu4all@gmail.com
Download the brochure: https://www.smartedu4all.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Course-in-Finland.pdf
Trainers:
Tero Lämsä is an experienced educator and project specialist with a strong background in experiential learning, adventure education, youth work and teaching. Currently serving as Senior Lecturer and Head of the Degree Program in Adventure and Outdoor Education at Humak University of Applied Sciences, he has held various teaching, development, and leadership roles at Humak since 2008. His work focuses on pedagogical and curriculum development, open university courses, and research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects. In the beginning of his career, he has worked as a primary school teacher and in coaching event projects and club activities for children and youth, including developing non-formal learning related to active citizenship and entrepreneurship in collaboration with schools and youth work. Tero holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of Jyväskylä, complemented by qualifications in outdoor adventure education, paddling instruction, and wilderness medicine. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges formal education, community engagement, and outdoor experiential learning. Internationally, he has led and participated in several collaborative projects and organized student mobilities as well as actively contributed to Erasmus teacher mobility programs and building international networks on the field. He has a strong commitment to developing international connections, environmental education, youth engagement and outdoor adventure education as a professional field. He is also deeply involved in professional networks, serving as a board member of the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning, and chairperson of Finland’s National Adventure Education Network Advisory Board and local networks. Currently Tero is working on developing a new international university degree program on youth wellbeing, and new courses for teachers and youth work professionals under the theme of “outdoor adventures near you” that aim to equip educators with the skills to design and implement safe, meaningful learning experiences in urban natural environments within easy access from the local school or youth center.
Sami Sorjonen is working as international and regional youth work coordinator in Marttinen Youth Centre. He is a community educator (Bachelor of Humanities) with a strong background in youth work, inclusion, and community development. His professional practice focuses on creating learning environments that bring people together through dialogue, reflection, and participation. Sami has extensive experience in international cooperation, non-formal education, and project management, particularly within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps frameworks. Combining creativity with a human-centered approach, he designs and facilitates training programs, workshops, and youth initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities locally and internationally. Change is everywhere, we just need to plan it.
