SPORT
DEVELOPS
THE MIND
What happens when sport meets science?
Sport Develops the Mind combines mountain hiking, sport, astronomy, environmental education and intercultural learning in one international experience.
The main activity is an international astronomical hiking camp in the Western Carpathians, bringing together young people from Poland, Czechia and Slovakia.
Participants learn through physical activity, observation, teamwork and direct experience in the mountain environment.
Can you be an athlete and a scientist?
The project brings together activities that are often treated as separate: physical activity and science.
By combining hiking, sport and astronomy, the project creates space for young people to develop different skills through one shared experience.
Four dimensions
Sport, astronomy, environmental education and intercultural learning become part of one experience.
Move
Mountain hiking, mini-orienteering, climbing, team games and physical activities.
Look up
Astronomical observations, identifying celestial objects and astrophotography.
Discover
Light-pollution measurements, plants and the natural environment of the Western Carpathians.
Connect
International teams, intercultural activities, national evenings and cooperation.
9 days.
3 countries.
One mountain range.
The international hiking camp takes participants through the Western Carpathians and connects the three partner countries through one shared programme.
Slovakia
The beginning of the international hiking adventure, combining sport, astronomy, environmental activities and intercultural learning.
Poland
The journey continues through the mountains with physical activities, observation, teamwork and international cooperation.
Czechia
The final stage of the hike, with astronomy, environmental activities and reflection on the experience.
What did we do?
Find the way
Mini-orienteering with maps and compasses.
Climb
Climbing and physical challenges.
Look up
Astronomical observations and identifying objects in the night sky.
Capture the sky
Astrophotography using smartphones and a telescope adapter.
Measure the darkness
Measuring light pollution and comparing different environments.
Discover the flora
Identifying plants with PlantNet and learning about protected species.
Play together
International games, teamwork and intercultural activities.
Take care of the trail
Environmental activities and cleaning up the mountain environment.
Hiking does not have to end when the Sun goes down.
The camp through our eyes
A selection of photographs and videos created during the international hiking camp.
What did participants take home?
“During our evening in the Czech Republic, our Polish group, responsible for the astronomy theme, organized a special night of stargazing and observing the sky. We spent a wonderful evening together, enjoying the stars, learning about the night sky, having lots of fun and interesting conversations. It was a truly amazing and unforgettable evening.”
Paulina · Poland“I spent 9 unforgettable days at the Sport Develops the Mind project! Together with other 30 young people from Czechia, Slovakia and Poland we walked the route from Čadca via Jaworzynka to the Czech mountain cottage Skalka. During the hike in Western Carpathia we took several hikes, orienteering and Goosechase game. Our evenings belonged to astronomy – using telescopes but also to bonfire or intercultural evening. I am bringing home much new knowledge, experiences from nature and particularly nice friendships. I would like to thank my sending organization, Euroteam Czech Republic for a possibility to take part in this project!”
Adéla · Czechia“The most memorable moment from the camp was orientation run in Čadca. We’d international teams which made the run more enjoyable. I liked we supported each other so we could push our limits.”
Lukáš · SlovakiaWhat did we learn?
Teamwork
Cooperation, communication and practical skills developed through physical activities.
Observation
Astronomical observations, recognising objects and creating astrophotographs.
Awareness
Light pollution, biodiversity and the natural environment of the Western Carpathians.
Openness
Intercultural communication, cooperation and international experience.
Take the project further.
The project creates four public results that can be used beyond the international camp by young people, organisations and people interested in mountain hiking, astronomy and the environment.
A campaign promoting mountain hiking, healthy lifestyle, and awareness of the light pollution issue
A social media campaign led by young participants using materials prepared during the hiking camp.
Explore campaign →A brochure containing the plan for the astronomical hiking camp
The camp plan together with educational activity scenarios, prepared in English and translated into the national languages of the partner countries.
Download brochure →How to Prepare a One-Day Astronomical Mountain Trip
A practical guide featuring mountain astrotourism in the Western Carpathians. Available free of charge in English and the partner languages.
Read the guide →Interactive map of endangered plants in the Western Carpathians
An online map designed to encourage mountain enthusiasts to add observations of protected plants in the area.
Explore the map →— in the magazine
Read more about the project.
The project is also presented through the Euroteam Czech Republic online magazine. The Czech version of the astronomical mountain trip guide will be published there.
Read the e-magazine →
The project continues after the camp.
Project materials and participant-created content are shared through partner organisations and dissemination activities.
Campaign
Youth-led communication about mountain hiking, healthy lifestyles and light pollution.
Photography
A photo exhibition presenting the project experience to students and the local community.
Open resources
The brochure and guide can support other organisations in using the project model.
New activities
Project results can support further activities connected with mountain tourism and astrotourism.
Different expertise.
One project.
Fundacja Antares
Astronomy-related activities and coordination of the project.
Visit website →
English (UK)
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