Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Group Building Activity
Adventure-Based Outdoor Learning Method for Inclusion and Well-Being
Adventure-based outdoor learning using hiking, climbing and cooperative challenges with reflection. It supports well-being, confidence, teamwork and social inclusion, especially for young migrants and diverse groups.
Aims of the tool
The aim of this learning tool is to use outdoor and adventure-based activities as a non-formal education method that supports well-being, social connection and personal development.
The tool helps participants:
reduce stress and improve emotional well-being through nature-based activities
build confidence and self-efficacy through manageable challenges
develop teamwork and communication skills
strengthen social inclusion and intercultural interaction
create a safe space for experiential learning through reflection and shared experiences.
Outdoor activities combined with guided reflection allow participants to learn through action and transfer these experiences into everyday life.
Description of the tool
This learning tool is based on adventure-based outdoor education and experiential learning. It uses nature-based activities such as hiking, climbing, cooperative challenges, camping tasks, navigation exercises or team missions combined with structured reflection.
The approach follows the principles of learning by doing and Kolb’s experiential learning cycle:
Concrete experience (participating in an outdoor activity)
Reflection on what happened during the activity
Identifying lessons and insights
Applying learning to future situations.
The activities are designed to be low-threshold and accessible, meaning participants do not need previous outdoor experience or strong language skills. The focus is not on extreme sport or competition but on shared experiences, cooperation and gradual challenges.
Through outdoor experiences participants often report:
reduced stress and improved mental well-being
stronger social connections
increased confidence and resilience
opportunities for communication beyond language barriers
development of teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The method works especially well with diverse groups because interaction happens through action and cooperation rather than only verbal communication.
Available downloads:
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5708
This tool is for
Youth workers, educators and facilitators working with young people, especially migrants, refugees and young people with fewer opportunities. The method can also be used with adult participants interested in outdoor experiential learning (approx. 20–60 years old). It can be particularly useful for: young migrants, refugees and newcomers youth workers and educators volunteers and NGO staff adults interested in outdoor activities and experiential learning. Participants do not need previous outdoor experience. The activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible for people with different backgrounds and abilities. Typical participants are individuals interested in: active outdoor experiences personal growth and learning social interaction and teamwork exploring new environments and challenges.
and addresses
Social Inclusion
It is recommended for use in:
Training and Networking
Materials needed:
Required materials depend on the activity but typically include:
Outdoor equipment
comfortable clothing suitable for weather
hiking shoes
backpacks
water and snacks
Activity materials
map and compass or navigation apps
climbing or safety equipment (if climbing activities are included)
simple camping or outdoor cooking equipment
materials for group tasks or challenges.
Facilitation materials
reflection questions or discussion prompts
flipchart or notebook for debriefing
first-aid kit and safety equipment.
Most activities can be organised with minimal equipment, making the tool adaptable for different environments.
Duration:
The duration can vary depending on the format. A typical session lasts 2–4 hours, including preparation, activity and reflection.
Example structure:
1️⃣ Introduction and ice-breaker (15–20 min)
Participants get to know each other and learn the goals of the activity.
2️⃣ Outdoor activity / challenge (60–120 min)
Examples:
hiking or nature exploration
cooperative team tasks
climbing or navigation exercises
problem-solving challenges.
3️⃣ Reflection and learning discussion (30–40 min)
Participants discuss:
what happened during the activity
what worked well and what was challenging
what they learned about teamwork, communication and themselves.
4️⃣ Transfer to everyday life (10–15 min)
Participants reflect on how the experience can be applied to real-life situations such as cooperation, stress management or integration into a new community.
The tool can be used as a single activity session or as a series of outdoor learning sessions over several weeks.
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
Developed by the consortium of the Erasmus+ project “First Step is Half the Journey”: International Volda (Norway), Highlights e.V. (Germany), and Costa Connect (Spain).
in the context of
The tool was developed within the Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnership project “First Step is Half the Journey: Exploring Adventure-Based Outdoor Education for Well-Being and Inclusion of Young Migrants”. The project explored how adventure-based outdoor educ
The tool has been experimented in
The tool was tested and implemented during: training activities for youth workers outdoor learning sessions pilot activities with young migrants and refugees non-formal educational activities organised by partner organisations in Norway, Germany and Spai
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Nikolay Kryshov (on 20 May 2026)
and last modified
18 May 2026
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