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Keep up to date with the latest news and stories from the Coalition and the outdoor community.
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  • All
  • #itsgreatoutthere
  • Activation
  • Advocacy
  • Capacity Building
  • European Week of Sport
  • Grants
  • Green Sport Expert Group
  • Insights
  • Inspiration
  • Members
  • Motivation
  • News
  • Outdoor Activity Days
  • Press release
  • SHARE Initiative
  • Societal Context
  • Who’s Out There
Members

It’s Great Out There Coalition Member Showcase Helly Hansen

Questions answered by Michael Uhl, VP Marketing and Brand Partnerships, Helly Hansen

Norwegian brand Helly Hansen is known around the world and has been active for almost 150 years. The company hasn’t been involved in the It’s Great Out There Coalition for quite that long, but has been a very proactive member since deciding to join in 2021. We’ve collaborated on some exciting and imaginative projects between then and now, and there’s more on the way, starting with Open Mountain Month in June.
Ahead of a busy summer, we caught up with Michael Uhl, Helly Hansen’s Vice President for Marketing and Brand Partnerships.

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YAMBI©MathisDumas
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Grass roots projects across Europe secure #itsgreatoutthere grants to get more people active in the outdoors

We are delighted to confirm details of eight grass roots initiatives that have been awarded #itsgreatoutthere grants of up to €5,000. Between them and through the rest of the year, the projects will deliver over 1,300 Outdoor Activity Days in six different countries – Hungary, France, Croatia, Austria, Ireland and the UK. We received 37 applications for the latest round of grants and once again, it was a tough job to shortlist and select the successful projects. We’re grateful for the help of our members in completing that task.

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Members

Interview with Vittorio Forato – AKU Marketing Manager

In this member showcase feature, we will focus on AKU. This iconic Italian family-owned brand is known world-wide for its high quality footwear, and since the early 1990s has helped countless people to explore the outdoors, from the lowlands to the highest mountains. The culture of AKU is rooted in a love of nature, and the company is a proactive Supporting Member of the coalition, working with us to promote participation and the grass roots delivery of Outdoor Activity Days. In fact, AKU was one of the first coalition supporters to organise an event that was supported by #itsgreatoutthere funding, when the company arranged for a group to experience a trek with donkeys in 2016. We caught up with AKU’s marketing manager, Vittorio Forato, to find out more about what drives the brand and its people, and why the partnership with the coalition is important.

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News

Council Member application

The Coalition is looking for Council members to contribute to the work on OUTO or IGOT topics. Both the IGOT Council and the OUTO Council will work in close collaboration with founding and member brands and supporters to contribute to strategy and long-term goals for IGOT or OUTO, as well as being the voice of the industry, grass roots groups and stakeholders in the outdoor space. We are looking for active community members to join the It’s Great Out There and OUTO council and sit with leading members of the industry to help make a more equitable outdoors.
Apply here before 16th March 2023!

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News

Communications Manager (Job Advert)

Ever wondered what it would be like to combine your passion for the outdoors with a remote full-time paid role? Skiing in the morning, working in the afternoon? Surfing until sundown after a productive morning? We are looking for a passionate and independent outdoor storyteller who can live the dream while getting the job done. Will you strengthen our team?

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Call for Projects 2023
NewsPress release

Call for #itsgreatoutthere grant projects

We are delighted to announce that we are about to launch the next round of #itsgreatoutthere grants.

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Margo de Lange, secretary general for the It's Great Out There Coalition
NewsPress release

New Secretary General pledges to build profile and impact of the It’s Great Out There Coalition

The It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOT) enters 2023 with a new Secretary General leading the organisation. Margo de Lange has stepped up from the role of Policy Officer, replacing Andrew Denton, who remains on the coalition board. The developments are part of a series of changes that are rolling out this year, designed to enhance the coalition’s capacity and boost the next phase of the #itsgreatoutthere campaign to get more people in Europe active in the outdoors.

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Youth Hiking School - Zadar
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Youth Hiking School

Grant report

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#itsgreatoutthereMotivationWho’s Out There

#itsgreatoutthere and OPENING UP THE OUTDOORS are seeking Volunteer Community Advisors

The It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOT) is a European not for profit collaboration launched by the outdoor industry to increase public awareness of the benefits of outdoor activities.

Opening Up the Outdoors (OUTO) is a not for profit initiative focusing on diverse ethnic communities, in order to help create an outdoor community and industry that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible to everyone.

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OUTO - Opening Up the Outdoors
#itsgreatoutthereMotivationWho’s Out There

#itsgreatoutthere meets OPENING UP THE OUTDOORS

Founded in 2021, as a response to systemic racism Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) is a UK-based not-for-profit initiative that focuses on the continued inclusion, education, and enjoyment of outdoor spaces by people of the global majority.

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Down by the river
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Down by the river

Grant report

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ActivationMotivationNews

Here are the winners of our #takesomeoneoutdoors competition

23rd September – 23rd October

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Climbing to the top - Yoga and Sport with Refugees
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Climbing to the top

Grant report

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

The wanderlust women Wild camping expedition no.2

Grant report

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ActivationMotivationNews

Join our #takesomeoneoutdoors campaign and win great prizes

23rd September – 23rd October

Adventures are best when shared with friends! Take a friend outdoors and win outdoor equipment.

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Photobylaurelle
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

We Go Outside Too – Out of the Box Festival 2022

Grant report

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Inspiring young people to get outdoors with our Explore Day

Grant report

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The Wanderlust Women - Copyright Harriet
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

The wanderlust women camping weekender no.1

Grant report

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Nordic walking retreat in Pokaini forest
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Nordic walking retreat in Pokaini forest

Grant report

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Youth Hiking School with Hiking Club Paklenica
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Youth Hiking School in Croatia teaches ‘leave no trace’ mindset

As one of the latest organizations to receive support from the #itsgreatoutthere campaign, Zadar Mountain Guides Association is contributing to achieving one of the campaign’s objectives of getting more people active in nature, while doing so in a responsible and genuinely sustainable way.

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Wanderlust Women
ActivationGrantsInspirationMotivation

#ITSGREATOUTTHERE meets Wanderlust Women

Amira Patel is the founder of Wanderlust Women, a hiking and adventure group for Muslim women. Amira’s vision is for it to be normal in society for women from her background to explore the great outdoors, to feel confident when they are out in nature. We spoke to Amira to learn more about her own experience in the outdoors, and plans for the future of Wanderlust Women. 

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EU Sport Forum 2022
AdvocacyNews

Coalition attended the EU Sport Forum 16-17 June 2022, Lille (France)

On 16 and 17 June 2022 the European Commission, in cooperation with the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, hosted the 2022 edition of the EU Sport Forum in Lille, France. The event wad the first in person meeting of European sport stakeholders after the Covid pandemic, themed: ‘European Sport: fair, inclusive and fit for a sustainable future’. Margo de Lange attended the event on behalf of the It’s Great Out There Coalition in her home town.

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Down by the River - grant
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

‘Down by the River’ and #itsgreatoutthere

May finally sees the conclusion of a three-year collaboration between #itsgreatoutthere and the Comunità di San Martino al Campo (SMaC) association, which has been working with young people from difficult backgrounds and providing them with new perspectives in life through outdoor experiences. After a pandemic-enforced break, SMaC has resumed its work with ‘Down by the River’, which will see participants follow the course of the Tagliamento river, via a variety of activities.

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News

Are you ready to welcome the newcomers?

It’s Great Out There Coalition Policy Officer, Margo de Lange, contributed to the latest Suston Magazine digital sendout with an opinion piece on shaping our outdoor culture to be more welcoming to newcomers.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Latest #itsgreatoutthere grants continue support for grass roots outdoor participation projects across Europe

We are delighted to announce details of six grass roots projects that have secured funding through the latest round of #itsgreatoutthere grants. Each will receive up to €5,000 to help them introduce new participants to a wide range of activities in nature. The grants awarded ahead of summer 2022 will deliver almost 800 Outdoor Activity Days in Croatia, Greece, Latvia and the UK.

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Outsiders Project: Dora Atim, Photo Credit: Phil Young for The Outsiders Project x SquareSpace
ActivationAdvocacyInsightsInspiration

Outsiders Diversity report

The North Face, adidas, Arc’teryx and Patagonia come together in a new report highlighting the lack of diversity in Outdoor Culture.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Call for applications for 2022 #itsgreatoutthere grants

Applications are open until 28th February

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Coalition joins European Commission Green Sport Expert Group
AdvocacyGreen Sport Expert GroupNews

Coalition adds outdoor perspective to European Commission Expert Group

We are delighted to report that the It’s Great Out There Coalition has been invited to join the European Commission’s Expert Group on ‘Green Sport’. This is a subgroup of the main Expert Group that is responsible for the implementation of the EU Work Plan for Sport (E01564), and in that context, it’s an influential body involving all 27 Member States.

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Photo by Hey Framling!
ActivationGrants

List of grants

Find out which projects we have funded over the years!

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ActivationAdvocacyNewsOutdoor Activity Days

It’s Great Out There Coalition pledges to deliver thousands of Outdoor Activity Days to support European Commission’s HealthyLifestyle4All campaign

The It’s Great Out There Coalition is delighted to support HealthyLifestyle4All, the European Commission’s two-year campaign that aims to link sport and active lifestyles with health, food and other policies. The coalition and the #itsgreatoutthere campaign that we lead are already key partners for a range of Commission initiatives, embedding the outdoor sector in the development of policy and on-the-ground projects that are designed to encourage and facilitate more active lifestyles for physical and mental wellbeing. HealthyLifestyle4All is the latest initiative that will push that vital agenda throughout Europe and the coalition will play a full and proactive role in it.

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ActivationNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Helly Hansen and #itsgreatoutthere to deliver Outdoor Activity Days with We Go Outside Too

We have already helped thousands of citizens to get active in the outdoors through our #itsgreatoutthere grants programme and that will continue. Meanwhile, it’s really encouraging that we are also starting to get approaches from companies and non-profit organisations with other ideas. So we were delighted when outdoor brand Helly Hansen made contact, not only to join the coalition from 2022, but also to propose an initiative that will benefit both the #itsgreatoutthere campaign, and a great UK non-profit project called We Go Outside Too.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Grant helps give new experience in the UK’s oldest National Park to hundreds from inner city Nottingham

One of the projects that we have supported with an #itsgreatoutthere grant this year is True Nature Project, an initiative by the non-profit organisation AKA – Health, Wealth and Oneness CIC, in Nottingham, UK. AKA teamed up with coalition member Equip Outdoors to propose an ambitious plan to take young people and adults from the inner city and give them access to hiking and other activities in the Peak District, the UK’s oldest National Park. With the support of a grant, the team helped over 250 people to participate this summer, with some very positive responses from those involved.

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Advocacy

Aiming for a greener approach to outdoor activities and sport

One of the trickier tasks for everyone involved in the #itsgreatoutthere campaign is achieving our overarching objective of getting more …

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Mountaineering Youth Programme
ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

From Madrid to the mountains with support from #itsgreatoutthere

Last year, we awarded a series of #itsgreatoutthere micro-grants to projects around Europe, as part of our response to the impact of COVID-19 on the non-profit sector. Supported by the European Outdoor Group, we adapted our existing grants scheme in order to help a greater number of smaller projects that would otherwise struggle to get underway. One of the initiatives that we backed was the Federacion Madrileña De Montañismo Mountaineering Youth Programme in Spain and the team there has recently sent us some great feedback

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Copyright Walk and Talk Trust
#itsgreatoutthereMotivationNews

Charity campaign walks to success by funding free boots for 1,000 kids

A North East England based charity will donate more than 1,000 pairs of walking boots to children following the success of its first fundraising campaign. People from across the region have taken part in The Big Smile, a series of 50 charity walks, organised by the Walk and Talk Trust and backed by local newspaper The Northern Echo, and high profile individuals and organisations, including Sir Chris Bonington, Alan Hinkes and the It’s Great Out There Coalition.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Latest #itsgreatoutthere grants will deliver thousands of days of outdoor activities

Grass roots projects around Europe are set to deliver thousands of days of outdoor activities after securing support from the It’s Great Out There Coalition. In the latest round of #itsgreatoutthere grants, seven non-profit initiatives will receive between €1,000 and €5,000, which will help them to deliver almost 2,000 ‘Outdoor Activity Days’ (OAD) in a natural environment, bringing together physical activity, inclusion and nature conservation. Thanks to the grants, projects in France, Finland and the UK will now be able to give many young people new experiences in the outdoors, safely and responsibly.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

About the first round of 2021 #itsgreatoutthere grants

The following seven projects have been awarded #itsgreatoutthere grants of between €1,000 and €5,000:

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Girls count! Adventures

A STEAM themed outdoor adventure for Black mothers and daughters, aimed at building mathematical identities of Black working class girls through mother/daughter engagement, mobility, and discovery in STEM. The project will build relationships, confidence and Math, storytelling and media literacy through small citizen-science type activities focused on environment and the outdoor world.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Minds Matter

Our experience pre and during CV19, has told us that deprived young people are more vulnerable to developing poor mental-health and we regularly see first-hand, young people who are “not fit for work” through a toxic combination of shockingly poor physical and mental-health.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Outdoors to Share

Outdoors to Share supports disadvantaged Hackney families to help each other to get outdoors regularly – to play,walk and camp. This will include 6 supported walks & 2 overnight camps with 8 families plus social gatherings to reinforce the message that getting outdoors every day is important.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Outdoor by Ternua and IGOT, Action 3

Objective of the action: Making nature activities accessible to „NEETS”, by highlighting benefits on mental and physical health as well as on the skills developed, which can be transferable in the world of work: effort, surpassing oneself, risk-taking…

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Families in the Mountains

The project called “Family in the mountains” aims to enable vulnerable families living in the territory of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley to take part in sports activities for a social and territorial inclusion.

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Woman running in park
ActivationAdvocacyInsightsNews

Major new research confirms link between physical activity and better COVID-19 outcomes

The British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) has published details of a major research project with COVID-19 patients, undertaken by …

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AdvocacyNewsSocietal Context

Putting the outdoors at the heart of Europe’s post pandemic recovery plan

The whole of Europe is now turning its focus on how society and the economy will recover after the pandemic and that is reflected in the development of some major policy and budget planning that is underway. In that context, the It’s Great Out There Coalition is actively involved in some important public affairs work, encouraging EU members to ensure that sport and physical activity feature in National Recovery and Resilience Plans that are being prepared.

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ActivationNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Launch of #itsgreatoutthere Outdoor Activity Days aims to boost participation across Europe

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has unveiled details of a new concept that will be at the heart of the next phase of its long term project to get Europe active outdoors. The coalition has launched #itsgreatoutthere Outdoor Activity Days, which will deliver clear and measurable results for every contribution to the organisation and will allow more companies, other organisations and individuals to get actively involved in the campaign.

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ActivationNewsOutdoor Activity Days

The Coalition launches #itsgreatoutthere Outdoor Activity Days and announces a new round of funding for grassroots projects

Since its launch in 2017, the Coalition has grown into a major pan-European movement, inspiring citizens to get active in the outdoors. Through the #itsgreatouthere campaign, the coalition has both promoted outdoor participation to the public and worked with European institutions to influence policy that encourages active lifestyles. In addition, #itsgreatoutthere has directly helped get more of the public into nature for the first time, with thousands of young people across Europe benefiting from grants that have supported grass roots projects.

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ActivationAdvocacyMotivationNews

It’s Great Out There Coalition: Annual Report 2020

Last December, we held our General Assembly (online, of course), updating our members about activities during 2020 and outlining plans for the year ahead. Despite the exceptional circumstances, we were able to reflect on lots of positive progress. The core message of #itsgreatoutthere resonated more than ever during 2020, and by adapting what we did, we were able to play an important role in the outdoor industry’s response to the pandemic, working closely with our members and other partners.

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WHO guidelines on physical activity
AdvocacyNewsSocietal Context

“Being physically active…can help add years to life and life to years”

At #itsgreatoutthere campaign HQ (which moves around, but is usually on a hill or mountain somewhere), we were very interested to see the news that the World Health Organization (WHO) has released new physical activity guidelines, recommending that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every week. The guidelines also state that children up to the age of 17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day, and that those activities should be mostly aerobic.

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Black Girls Hike
MotivationWho’s Out There

Inclusivity and diversity in the outdoors – leading campaigners in the news

From the moment that we launched the #itsgreatoutthere campaign, one of our key priorities has been to encourage greater diversity in the outdoors. We have championed projects that seek to accomplish this and actively supported many through our #itsgreatoutthere grants programme, directly helping thousands of new people from many different backgrounds to explore the outdoors for the first time.

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AdvocacyNewsSocietal Context

Bringing nature back to our #BeActive lives – free online event on Thursday 10 December

Next week, our colleagues at the European Outdoor Group (EOG) will be participating in an exciting online seminar, organised by the European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS). ‘Bringing nature back to our #BeActive lives’ will feature a panel of experts from across the outdoor and sports industry, including EOG President Mark Held, ENOS Chairman Mike McClure, Head of the Nature Unit DG ENV European Commission Nicola Notaro, and elite outdoor sports athlete Kilian Jornet.

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European Week of SportMotivationNews

outdoorsmiles competition – highlights

Sharing is caring. Especially when it comes to fun outdoor activities. Whether it’s a walk in the nearby park, organizing a picnic after work, planning a weekend trip into nature or creating fun outdoor games for kids, it’s all the more fun when shared with the people around you.  

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

#itsgreatoutthere grant helps hundreds of young people discover adventure in the mountains

Early in 2020, we awarded an #itsgreatoutthere grant to a ‘En Passant par la Montagne’ (‘Through the Mountain’), a non-profit initiative that allows young people and adults in underprivileged or challenging circumstances to access the mountains and outdoor sports as a source of motivation and support to rise above their current situation.

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News

Invitation – The power of the Outdoors

INVITATION The power of the Outdoors October, 2214:00 – 16:00 CET VIRTUAL SEMINAR by ENOS and IT’S GREAT OUT THERE …

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Welcome to my garden
MotivationWho’s Out There

Welcome to my garden

Everyone deserves a holiday; Belgian group of outdoor enthusiasts set up citizen driven garden sharing community for slow travellers to facilitate #staycation slow tourism.

The Coalition reported on increased interest in outdoor activity after Covid-19 restrictions eased in many EU countries. The research indicated that most of the respondents missed outdoor activities above all else while restrictions were in place.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Young people from six nations will benefit from new #itsgreatoutthere grants

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has confirmed the 10 projects that will be supported in the latest round of #itsgreatoutthere grants. Local initiatives in six different countries that mainly involve young people, will each receive €1.000, to help them get new participants active in the outdoors, experiencing activities that include climbing, camping, trekking, adventure racing, orienteering, canyoning, skiing and snowboarding.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

The rewarding results of #itsgreatoutthere grants

One of the most rewarding aspects for everyone involved in our movement is receiving news of how an #itsgreatoutthere grant has helped introduce young people to the outdoors for the first time. Our grant programme was launched in 2017 and we’ve already supported 17 projects of different sizes and types around Europe, directly benefiting around 5,300 people. In our first round of grants in 2020, we backed two great initiatives and they have recently reported back after a successful summer.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Launch of #itsgreatoutthere micro-grants to help non-profit organisations get Europe active outdoors

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has announced details of a new round of #itsgreatoutthere grants, designed to fund projects by non-profit organisations that take new people into the outdoors.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Outdoor Families Get Out After Lockdown Project

As lockdown eases, The Outdoor Families Get Out After Lockdown Project will help disadvantaged families in London to rebuild their confidence and get outdoors more regularly.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Out and About

We plan to dedicate the funds to our Norrbotten and Västerbotten department where we arrange sport, outdoor and cultural activities for immigrants and locals. The funds will go to a five month project and cover 10% of the regional coordinator who helps our volunteers to organise outdoor activities, spread the word and find participants and make sure the activity runs smoothly and that the activity leaders have everything the need, both information wise but also material.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

AFK Autumn Holiday Programme

Closure of schools & colleges and removal of activities, care and support networks, and respite due to COVID-19 has catastrophic. Loneliness, isolation and anxiety are prevalent. The Lancet lists those with learning disabilities in the most vulnerable groups to experience profound mental health issues during and post pandemic.

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ActivationGrantsOutdoor Activity Days

Inspiring young people to get outside after Covid

In response to the pandemic we postponed our usual programme and set up a bespoke, virtual, one-to-one mentoring scheme. Post-lockdown, we would like to run some group activity day sessions in the winter/early spring months which will provide a much-needed opportunity for the young people on our programme to reconnect, experience positive activities outside the home again and resume their YAT adventures.

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#itsgreatoutthereAdvocacyInspirationNews

New research reveals greater public appetite for outdoor activities after COVID

New research released today reveals that the appeal of outdoor activities has been boosted by enforced COVID-19 restrictions. In a survey of consumers in seven countries* – UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Sweden – 70% of respondents stated that they are specifically looking forward to participating in outdoor activities after lockdown eases. In addition, 67% agreed that they have really missed being able to take part in pursuits such as hiking, climbing, cycling, snow sports and other mountain activities during lockdown, while 86% stated that outdoor activities are essential for people’s wellbeing. Across Europe, 58% of consumers said that they have missed outdoor activities above all else while restrictions have been in place.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Outdoor with TERNUA and #itsgreatoutthere by CREPS

For several years now, the CREPS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Vallon Pont d’Arc has been making outdoor activities more accessible to young people who do not engage in physical activity, are lost on the education system, looking for work, and often in social difficulties, aged 16 to 25 years. The activities aimed to achieve this goal, highlight the benefits both on mental and physical health of outdoor activities and focus on the transferable skills required to enter the world of work take place naturally: effort, surpassing oneself, risk taking.

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Free to be Kids – growing children’s emotional health
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Free to be Kids – growing children’s emotional health

“Free to be Kids” projects for lasting positive memories outdoors:
The projects the kids undertake with “Free to be Kids” are designed to give them the opportunity to experience adventure, inclusion, safe challenge and to make lasting positive memories in natural settings.

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#itsgreatoutthereInspirationMotivationNews

10 Good Principles for Outdoor Sports in Protected Areas

On the occasion of the 2019 European Week of Sports, the EUROPARC Federation and the European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS) launched simultaneously the 10 Good Principles for Outdoor Sports in Protected Areas (PAs) during their respective Conferences. These Principles aim to promote good conduct among outdoor sports practitioners.

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European Week of SportMotivationNews

TakeSomeoneOutdoors competition: Explore the winner photos

Sharing is caring. Especially when it comes to fun outdoor activities. Whether it’s a walk in the nearby park, organizing a picnic after work, planning a weekend trip into nature or creating fun outdoor games for kids, it’s all the more fun when shared with the people around you.  

Read More →
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

AKU – ORME – Festival dei sentieri

One day out to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn more about the benefit of mountain life. More than 100 young mountain lovers in Fai Della Paganella (Dolomites, Italy) had an amazing experience at “ORME – The Outdoor Festival Along the Trails”.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Skills for Living

We run a service called Skills for Living, for Care experienced Young people aged 16-24. These are vulnerable young people whom usually struggle mentally and social, we therefore work with them around their mental health, relationships and emotional anxiety. We work with them over a long period of time to try and build trust and the relationship as they rarely trust anyone. We try and look for ways to help their confidence and self-esteem as well as building resilience within them.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

HEALING NATURE: CYCLING ALONG THE DANUBE RIVER – School on Wheels

On the 6th of may 2019 eleven students of the SMaC school embarked with their educators and some volunteers in a 5-day bicycle journey in the Wachau region of Austria. Starting from the medieval town of Melk, the group followed the course of the Danube river for 120 km, sleeping in Tulln and Krems am der Donau, before reaching Vienna for the final stay.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

11 students, 15 days, one goal: Crossing the Pyrenees

Each year, students in 9th, 10th and 11th grade at a school in Hamburg (Winterhuder Reformschule) prepare for a 2-week challenge. A challenge that pushes students physically and mentally.

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ActivationGrants

Equipment for Wetherby Explorer Scouts

The Wetherby District Explorer Scouts consists of around a hundred 14-18 year old boys and girls. We have been recently rejuvenated with an influx of 30+ new members and are looking to go on several camps (both as individual units and as a whole).

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ActivationGrants

School cross the Alps

The class 7b put itself the goal of crossing the alps from Oberstdorf to Meran in 8 days. The concept behind it is called Herausforderung“ (=challenge), in which students in the age of puberty, when academic requirements and personal interests are most often separated by a huge gap, meet a personal challenge aside the daily school routine.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

TRAIL BLAZERS – adventure camp – follow up

Follow your heart, take a chance and blaze a trail! TrailBlazers is a youth empowerment mission to build confidence, resilience and life skills to help teenage girls tackle mental health issues and live courageously. On a beautiful sunny weekend in October 2018, 50 girls had the experience of a life-time at the inaugural adventure camp at PGL in Dorset. Here is the story of what happened…

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#itsgreatoutthereMotivationNews

#itsgreatoutthere launches collaboration with HorizonSports.tv

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has announced details of its latest collaboration, with HorizonSports.tv, the world’s only nature sports and wellness video platform. The team at HorizonSports has created a dedicated #itsgreatoutthere channel with content designed to inspire more people to get active in the outdoors. In addition, the two partners have revealed a special subscription offer for members of the public to use and share with family, friends and colleagues. 

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY TO DISCOVER THE JOY OF MOVEMENT

Hundreds of young people from a school in eastern England are enjoying new experiences in the outdoors thanks to the award of an #itsgreatoutthere grant. Over 400 students, including 128 who had never been on the water before, have already been canoeing in boats that were purchased using the grant, led by Dom Brister from Stamford Welland Academy in Lincolnshire, part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust. Thousands more will be given the chance to explore the outdoors in the canoes in the coming years, learning a wide range of new skills in the process.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Stamford Welland Academy

Hundreds of young people from a school in eastern England are enjoying new experiences in the outdoors thanks to the award of an #itsgreatoutthere grant. Over 400 students, including 128 who had never been on the water before, have already been canoeing in boats that were purchased using the grant, led by Dom Brister from Stamford Welland Academy in Lincolnshire, part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust. Thousands more will be given the chance to explore the outdoors in the canoes in the coming years, learning a wide range of new skills in the process.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

TRAIL BLAZERS: Take a chance follow your heart & blaze a trail

TrailBlazers is a ground breaking youth empowerment initiative to help teenage girls develop the confidence and skills to navigate their own path and live courageously

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

New #itsgreatoutthere grant for Rosendale school

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has confirmed that the next #itsgreatoutthere grant will be awarded to a collaboration between Finnish children’s outdoor brand Reima and an inner city primary school in London. The grant will help the two partners run a project designed to create a culture of being more active among young people and those with whom they interact.

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De Buurtcamping - photo by Vincent van Kleef
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

New #itsgreatoutthere grant helps communities to connect through campsites in city parks

The It’s Great Out There Coalition has awarded its seventh #itsgreatoutthere grant to a Dutch project called De Buurtcamping. The initiative is designed to unify local communities and provide opportunities for those living on low incomes to have a holiday, by giving them outdoor experiences in campsites set up in city parks. The #itsgreatoutthere grant is helping De Buurtcamping engage with local sports companies and activity providers to host a range of activities within the camps over the summer months.

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ActivationGrants

Introducing local youth to the mountains

Many local youth (living in Haute-Savoie) have absolutely no contact or connection with the surrounding mountain environment. The non-profit En Passant par la Montagne offers them a chance to explore the mountains through a multi-activity week-long trip.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

37 pupils are travelling by bike through the Netherlands

The 37 pupils of class 7b from the „Freie Waldorfschule am Kräherwald e.V.“ are travelling by bike through the Netherlands. For two weeks the girls and boys discover cities and the landscape of Holland, sleep in tents and will have to resist wind and weather. They will do something they would never do on their own – but as a group they will reach their goal and share a great experience together. Hopefully it will inspire them to make this way of travelling an option for future holiday activities as well as outdoor activities in general.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

It’s Great Out There: FMM Big Mountain Clean Up

Every year on the first saturday of June, FFM (Madrilenian federation of mountaineering), convene the mountaineers from Madrid to share a day in nature.

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School on Wheels expedition up the Danube river
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

It’s Great Out There: School on Wheels expedition up the Danube river

Adventures take many forms, and can have a different purpose and meaning to every person that takes part.

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Photo by Arthur Poulin on Unsplash
#itsgreatoutthereMotivationNews

#itsgreatoutthere teams up with Unsplash to share outdoor inspiration

The It’s Great Out There Coalition is working in partnership with Unsplash, an industry-leading photography community where over 50,000 photographers contribute their amazing work openly and for everyone to use freely. Together with Unsplash, we are launching a curated collection of inspirational images that show what #itsgreatoutthere means to people around the world. 

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#itsgreatoutthere at Kemptner Hut
ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Crossing The Alps with a school class

Thirteen Teenagers From Northern Germany Accomplished A Huge Challenge This Summer

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European Week of SportMotivationNews

50 friends’ hike. #TakeSomeoneOutdoors

So you’re keen to try something new and different this spring. You’re up for a Microadventure. Great!

“But now what?” I hear you ask. “What should I do?”

The good news is that you can do whatever you like on a microadventure. There are even fewer rules than Fight Club.

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ActivationGrantsNewsOutdoor Activity Days

Trek with donkeys by AKU

Trek with donkeys is an easy and educational trek which is perfect both for children and adults and amazingly fits for the goal of #itsgreatoutthere. The donkey is the perfect mate for children’s treks: it is smart and calm, it loves being petted, it walks with regular and slow steps, it makes the trek more fun.

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Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile on Unsplash
AdvocacyNewsSocietal Context

Cities with active residents see boost in economy and productivity

Cities in which residents are physically active have a big advantage over their more sedentary rivals, with better economic productivity, higher property values and improved school performance, as well as a healthier population.

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MotivationSocietal ContextWho’s Out There

OUTDOOR against CANCER

The project Outdoor Against Cancer (OAC) starts under the motto „stay fit – get healthy“ #stayfitgethealthy on this years OUTDOOR fair in Friedrichshafen (July 15th – 18th), where this project will be presented to the public in two conferences.

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NewsSocietal Context

Test fitness at primary school, say health campaigners

Children should be tested for fitness, as well as maths and English, to reduce inactivity, say health campaigners. Campaign group …

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Capacity BuildingInspirationMotivationSocietal Context

Kids Will Be Kids

Children who lead a rough and tumble lifestyle tend to have parents with a great deal of trepidation. Every parent, teacher, or caregiver knows when caution is thrown to the wind things tend to get a little dangerous.

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AdvocacyMotivationNewsSocietal Context

Risky outdoor play positively impacts children’s health: UBC study

Children who engage in risky outdoor play see greater physical and social health benefits. New research from UBC and the …

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