About the project

“Be Active with Hiking” encourages positive lifestyle changes among young people by promoting physical activity, mental health, and connection with nature. The project aims to increase young people’s interest in hiking and to develop non-formal methods through which they can learn about the importance of an active lifestyle, connection with nature, mental health, and environmentally friendly behaviors, by training youth workers who will contribute to this goal.

Context

Within the European Union, obesity and physical inactivity have become a public health issue, continuing to worsen among younger generations. Technological advances and the labor market—where most jobs no longer require physical activity—lead to behaviors that encourage sedentary lifestyles. “Be Active with Hiking” proposes solutions to these problems by:

• Promoting hiking as an accessible and enjoyable activity;

• Developing non-formal methods to learn about health, nature, and green behaviors during hikes;

• Creating educational materials for young people and youth workers;

• Organizing hiking activities dedicated to young people.

Through these activities, the project promotes physical movement, health education, and an authentic reconnection with nature.

Objectives

Throughout its duration, the project aims to achieve several key goals:

• Creating a toolkit with essential information for preparing hikes and adopting an active lifestyle;

• Developing a card game focused on health, connection with nature, ecological behaviors, and mental health (45 cards, 15 for each topic);

• Training 18 youth workers to organize easy and medium-level hikes, developing skills for facilitating games during activities;

• Creating a training format to support organizations in organizing hiking routes and facilitating non-formal methods;

• Organizing local activities in which the 18 youth workers will involve at least 180 young people in hiking activities.

Partner organizations

• Asociația Întoarce-te la Sport – Romania (Coordinator)

• Sushal Hub Sdruzhenie – Bulgaria (Partner)

• Zajednica Sportskih Udruga Grada Rijeke – Riječki SP – Croatia (Partner)

Learning, Teaching and Training Activity of the BAH – Be Active with Hiking Project, Rijeka, Croatia | 6–12 July 2025

Between 6–12 July 2025, Rijeka Sport Club hosted the Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTT) within the BAH – Be Active with Hiking project, a strategic partnership co-funded through the Erasmus+ Sport programme. The event brought together youth workers and trainers from Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia for an intensive educational experience where nature, physical activity, and non-formal learning were seamlessly combined.

Mobility Activities

• Day 1 was dedicated to getting to know the participants, presenting the program, logistical planning, and holding a transnational project meeting. Discussions focused on the current stage of implementation and the next strategic steps.

• Day 2 included a light hike in the Platak area, accompanied by interactive workshops led by mountain guide Boris Kurilić. The sessions focused on first aid, map and compass orientation, essential hiking equipment, and responsible behavior in nature.

• Day 3 offered a memorable experience: the ascent to Mount Vojak, the highest peak of the Učka mountain range, during an approximately 3.5-hour hike. Along the route, participants learned about physical preparation for hiking and safety in mountain conditions.

• Day 4 combined urban education with physical activity. The morning featured a first aid workshop organized by the Rijeka Red Cross, followed by a guided stretching and breathing session led by Nicoleta Mocanu. In the afternoon, participants took part in an interactive tour of Rijeka—from Korzo and Molo Longo to Trsat—integrating educational games developed within the project.

• Day 5 was dedicated to reflection and evaluation. Participants analyzed the impact of the activities and assessed the project’s three intellectual outputs:

  • The set of 45 card games—creative and interactive activities designed to be integrated into hikes to stimulate reflection, learning, and dialogue on topics such as mental health, ecology, and physical activity;

  • The Hiker’s Handbook—a comprehensive and accessible guide providing essential information on organizing hikes, equipment, safety, and outdoor educational activities;

  • Training Format for Hikers—a detailed course framework for youth workers and facilitators, supporting the organization and delivery of outdoor activities with educational value.

Participants provided structured feedback on the developed materials, actively testing them during daily activities. The activity concluded with a visit to the historic military tunnel in Rijeka, connecting St. Vitus Cathedral with Dolac Street, offering insight into the city’s history and serving as a fitting conclusion to a week focused on learning and connection.

Impact and Conclusions

The week in Rijeka provided participants with opportunities for experiential learning, international collaboration, testing innovative educational tools, and promoting an active, balanced, and sustainable lifestyle. The LTT activity made a significant contribution to the overall objectives of the BAH – Be Active with Hiking project and laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives in the field of outdoor education.

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.