Day in Mountain

Background Researches indicates that, when children play and learn in nature, they do so with more vigor, engagement, imagination, and cooperation than in wholly artificial environments, and that symptoms of attention deficit and depression are reduced. Teachers agree that children need more access to nature because of modern life. All partners indicates same problem in their environment. Doing physical activity outdoor positive processes are triggered in our bodies - “happiness” hormones, curiosity etc Objectives The main aim of the project was to ensure human resources that will be well trained to guide organised children tours in nature and to mountaineering or mountain climbing trips. Children learned through direct experience under the guidance of specifically trained educational workers while gaining different motoric skills and knowledge, as well as forming positive attitudes towards the importance of physical activity and exercise. Implementation Firstly, we created a questionnaire for teachers and proceeded with survey. The questionnaire gain us information about teachers interest to participate in such or similar projects, their past experience, about their formal or non-formal education on topic etc. Based on results of survey we made training materials about benefits, behavior in nature, games for teachers and provided a training for them. Practical workshop for teachers was held and they used knowledge in all partners activities. Achievements 36 teachers who acquired new knowledge and skills through capacity building workshops, for organizing and guiding children in mountain environment.Handbook of 50 pages intended for teachers but also mountaineers and parents, for the organization of hiking trips for children15-minute didactic film - a kind of video manual.The Croatian Mountaineering Association and local authorities have accepted the Handbook and the Project as a valuable contributiom to the comunity.