Launched in 2021, Outdoor Activity Days (OAD) are targeted physical activity interventions in nature, designed to get citizens active, sustainably, inclusively and responsibly. OAD´s are aligned to the latest World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity and are delivered by outdoor professionals, meeting a clear set of criteria.
The seven projects that have been awarded grants are:
HOME is intended to give the opportunity to know and learn first hand the methodology of outdoor education to profiles that have never experienced it and that for different reasons are coming from vulnerable backgrounds. Our project consists of a six-month cycle of educational expeditions with two specific groups: young migrants and refugees who have recently arrived in the country and women over 55 who are motivated to get out into the mountains. In the first three months we will offer two expeditions to a group of maximum 30 young migrants and refugees in the mountains of Cantabria to teach them about the inclusive potential of outdoor education. In the following three months we will do three day trips with the women’s group, exploring the mountains of Madrid and Cuenca.
Active Kids, Thriving Forest engages 100–125 underserved children in Leiria, Portugal, through outdoor adventures at Mata de Marrazes. Activities include running, climbing, orienteering, and nature exploration, with a focus on local biodiversity and ecosystem awareness. The project also involves 50 families in acorn harvesting, leading to the planting of over 200 native trees, while 100 families commit to long-term tree care. Supported by Decathlon Leiria through equipment donations and volunteer leaders, this initiative promotes physical activity, community bonds, and turns Mata de Marrazes into a vibrant outdoor learning hub.
Rissa Citizen Science is a Tromsø-based nonprofit focused on nature conservation, restoration, and community engagement. Their mission is to foster empathy for nature through citizen science and action in both wild and urban areas. The first activity involves identifying and mapping wildlife to address knowledge gaps affecting national park management. The second focuses on restoring damaged areas along hiking trails, wetlands, alpine tundra, and popular viewpoints. They aim to create a safe, supportive space for meaningful conservation, where participants enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity and gain a sense of accomplishment through visible restoration results.
Follow the activities on INSTAGRAM.
This project supports young people (16–18) from a reintegration center through outdoor sports like hiking, caving, and kayaking. These activities build resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence, offering freedom, stress relief, and a deeper connection to nature. The programme also promotes environmental awareness and overall well-being, fostering discipline, motivation, and a positive mindset—key for social reintegration. Facing challenges in nature helps participants develop strength and determination for life beyond the camp.
The 5-day outdoor camp also includes children aged 8–15, who will learn rock climbing, belaying, campfire cooking, and hiking in the Julian Alps, France—building trust, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.
Everyone On Boards Foundation is an award-winning non-profit empowering young people and families through skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. Rooted in East London, we champion social justice, sustainability, and community-led change, ensuring marginalized voices—especially BPOC youth and children from deprived areas—are heard and uplifted. Through board sports, we create opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, gain vocational training, and become active, fulfilled community members. They stand for Community, Culture, and Planet—breaking barriers to board sports and making action sports less exclusive and more inclusive. Everyone, regardless of background, gender, or circumstances, can ride, learn, grow, and thrive together.
Snow Camp is a life-changing snowsports programme for young people aged 13–21 facing disadvantage. Through accredited courses held at snow centres and dry slopes across the UK, participants progress from beginners to qualified instructors within a year, with opportunities for volunteering and apprenticeships.
They’re seeking funding for First Tracks, a 2-day summer course introducing skiing and snowboarding, combined with life skills sessions. Young people earn a Snow Life Award while building confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting skills.
Outdoor Learning in Ukraine is an NGO operating since 2018 as a nature adventure club for children aged 4–16. The 32-member team includes mountaineers, hikers, cavers, rock climbers, and biologists—all experienced outdoor instructors with an active lifestyle. They organize adventure camps, mountain hikes, rock climbing, rafting, caving, forest days, and one-day school adventures. Partnering with schools and educational groups, their events focus on personal development through harmony with nature.
“Mountain Days” offers safe, one-day outdoor expeditions in the Carpathians, a peaceful natural area protected from war, where children can recharge and regain strength.
We’re excited to find out how the latest #itsgreatoutthere grants will make a difference and introduce more citizens to outdoor activities for the first time. We are sure that every project will help to continue our successful tradition of inspiring thousands of new participants around Europe.
You can read more about the #itsgreatoutthere grants programme HERE.
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