Project Name: HCSD – Hiking for Health, Climate Change and Skills Development

ERASMUS-SPORT-2023-SSCP, Project Number: 101134649

K.A.NE. – Social Youth Development participated as a partner in the European Erasmus+ Sport project HCSD – Hiking for Health, Climate Change and Skills Development, a two-year collaborative initiative (December 2023 – November 2025) that brought together organisations from Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Greece and the Netherlands.

The project was coordinated by Wild Atlantic Learning Limited (Ireland) and focused on using hiking as a powerful educational tool to promote:

• Physical and mental wellbeing

• Environmental awareness and climate responsibility

• Youth empowerment and resilience

• Sustainable regional development

• Leadership, teamwork and life skills

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Why Hiking?

In a time where young people face increasing stress, screen fatigue, and climate anxiety, hiking offers a simple, accessible and low-cost way to reconnect with nature, themselves, and their communities.

Through structured “Youth Hiking Clinics”, the project combined outdoor physical activity with non-formal education methods. Hiking became more than exercise — it became a learning environment where young people explored:

• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Local biodiversity and heritage

• Personal responsibility toward climate action

• Risk management and outdoor safety

• Communication and teamwork

The project recognised that while many young people are aware of climate change, they often feel powerless to act. HCSD aimed to shift that perspective by encouraging individual responsibility, practical engagement and local action.

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The Greek Contribution

In Greece, the project emphasised youth mountaineering, outdoor self-reliance and sustainable trail tourism. Activities connected young people with local hiking routes, including mountain trails, while integrating reflection on sustainability, resilience and responsible consumption.

Through collaboration with hiking organisations and local actors, young participants gained hands-on experience in outdoor learning environments, strengthening both their physical wellbeing and civic awareness.

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📘 Project Result: “Hiking to Change” Handbook

One of the key outcomes of the project is the handbook:

Hiking to Change – A European Guide to Youth Hiking Clinics

This practical guide was developed through European collaboration to support youth workers, educators, schools, and organisations in implementing youth-friendly hiking activities.

The handbook:

• Explains why hiking is relevant today

• Provides step-by-step guidance on organising youth hiking clinics

• Shares concrete examples from Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Greece, and the Netherlands

• Connects hiking activities with SDGs and sustainability education

• Offers practical tools for risk assessment, preparation, reflection and impact

It highlights how hiking can promote:

✔ Physical and mental wellbeing
✔ Sustainability awareness
✔ Resilience and leadership
✔ Active citizenship
✔ Community connection

The guide is designed to be practical, adaptable and accessible, making it suitable for both formal and non-formal educational settings.

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📥 Download the Handbook

You can access the full handbook by clicking on the image below:

Disclaimer:

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