1st European Outdoor Sports Education Summit

The first European Outdoor Sports Education Summit, held in Presles, Vercors, France 18-21 September 2023, was a landmark event for professionals in outdoor sports education across Europe. The summit, organised by CREPS (Centre de Ressources d’Expertise et de Performance Sportive) Auvergne Rhône Alpes, was aimed at redefining and enhancing the directions of the European outdoor sports Campus.

The European Outdoor Sports Campus is an ambitious initiative of ENOS, powered by CREPS Auvergne Rhône Alpes (France) aimed at promoting outdoor sports education throughout Europe. At its core, the initiative seeks to fortify the network connecting Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education Training (VET) institutions specialising in outdoor sports.(More information about the Campus below)

The Summit served as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and visionary thinking, aligning with the objectives of the Campus.

The event focused on dialogue for fostering transnational mobility, promoting innovation in teaching practices, and embracing environmental sustainability, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to shape a dynamic, resilient future for outdoor sports education in Europe.

Building a community

The summit provided a unique platform for the 16 attendees to connect, fostering an environment where they could introduce their organisations and gain insights into the diverse range of activities, methodologies, and perspectives prevalent in the sector. Through a blend of formal and informal exchange sessions, participants were able to forge strong bonds. These newly established connections now lay the foundation for nurturing ideas and developing future exchange and cooperation projects.

Identifying the challenges of the sector

During the summit, a significant focus was placed on identifying the various challenges within the European outdoor sports education sector. This was a key step in understanding the current landscape and pinpointing what needs to be addressed for the sector to grow and become more sustainable. One of the main issues highlighted by participants was the lack of recognition for the educational value and soft skills gained through international mobility experiences.

Additionally, there were shared concerns about maintaining quality assurance and adhering to national standards, as well as the need to modernise educational programs. A major obstacle identified was resistance to change, especially due to cultural factors and traditional methods, which often hinder the introduction of new teaching methods, technologies, and updates to the curriculum. However, it was also noted that encouraging mobility and transnational exchanges could be an effective way to overcome this resistance to change.

Building a resilient, modern, inclusive and green outdoor sports education in Europe

A key achievement of the summit was the collaborative development of fundamental values, strategies, and actions for the European Outdoor Sports Campus. This effort resulted in a detailed two-year plan focusing on critical areas such as mobility, innovation, and sustainability. Concentrating on these priorities will help the campus progress towards its long-term objectives.

The summit also empowered outdoor sports education organizations regarding the Erasmus program. The summit aimed to provide more insight and understanding of the program, which is crucial for the development of the sector.

What is the european campus of outdoor sport?

The European Outdoor Sports Campus, part of ENOS (European Network of Outdoor Sports), serves as a central gathering point for experts and organisations dedicated to outdoor sports education. This collaborative network is focused on enhancing international cooperation and improving educational opportunities for both students, outdoor sports education professionals, trainers and teachers. The aim of the campus is to build a more robust, dynamic, and inclusive system for outdoor sports education, achieved through collaborative work across Europe. Currently, the campus boasts 22 member organisations spread across 14 European countries.

“By 2025, the outdoor sports education sector has a strong capacity to develop Erasmus+learning opportunities for learners and staff,in line with the intentions of the EuropeanEducation Area, building enhanced, dynamic,sustainable, resilient, modern and inclusive outdoor sports education systems in Europe.”

Strategy

Skills developpement through transnational mobility and cooperation

The campus aims to enhance the key competencies and transversal skills of participants. This includes nurturing leadership qualities, fostering intercultural understanding, and improving communication and language skills. These are crucial attributes that contribute to the overall effectiveness and adaptability of individuals in the field of outdoor sports. A primary focus of the campus is on promoting transnational mobility and cooperation to achieve this goal. This involves developing and expanding mobility programs, which include student exchanges, internships, and staff training. The aim is to provide a diverse range of experiences for learners and educators. To support these initiatives, the campus fosters partnerships with various institutions and professionals across Europe, creating a robust support network. Additionally, resources and support are provided for learners and staff, which includes assistance with Erasmus capacity building and quality assurance.

Best practices sharing

This involves empowering VET and HE providers in outdoor sports education to manage high-quality mobility projects effectively. It also includes nurturing their ability to develop strong international partnerships, an essential component of their internationalization strategy. Through these efforts, the European Outdoor Sports Campus is setting a new standard for outdoor sports education, making it more dynamic, interconnected, and globally oriented. This goal is to enhance the quality and relevance of outdoor sports education through the adoption of innovative pedagogical methods and technologies. The campus organizes workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among members. Furthermore, the establishment of the European Outdoor Sports Education Summit serves as a platform for continuous sharing of best practices and success stories.

Strong emphasis on environmental transition and sustainable practice

A key focus area of the European Outdoor sports Campus is to integrate environmental education into outdoor sports programs, promoting responsible behavior and awareness of nature’s significance. The campus advocates for green transition and sustainable practices, collaborating with environmental stakeholders to develop and implement sustainability guidelines. It also leads by example, adopting eco-friendly practices in campus activities and encouraging sustainable transportation options for participants. These objectives collectively contribute to creating a more sustainable, innovative, and interconnected outdoor sports education system in Europe.