Sport Develops Mind

Erasmus+ project

SPORT
DEVELOPS
THE MIND

Hiking. Sport. Astronomy. Nature.
International astronomical hiking camp Poland · Czechia · Slovakia 2026
Explore the project
9 days
3 countries
30 young people
18–25 age group
About the project
01

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.

Why this project?

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.

Science and sport do not have to be opposites.
The project combines

Four dimensions

Sport, astronomy, environmental education and intercultural learning become part of one experience.

01 / SPORT

Move

Mountain hiking, mini-orienteering, climbing, team games and physical activities.

02 / ASTRONOMY

Look up

Astronomical observations, identifying celestial objects and astrophotography.

03 / ENVIRONMENT

Discover

Light-pollution measurements, plants and the natural environment of the Western Carpathians.

04 / CULTURE

Connect

International teams, intercultural activities, national evenings and cooperation.

The main activity

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.

Days 1–3

Slovakia

The beginning of the international hiking adventure, combining sport, astronomy, environmental activities and intercultural learning.

Days 4–6

Poland

The journey continues through the mountains with physical activities, observation, teamwork and international cooperation.

Days 7–9

Czechia

The final stage of the hike, with astronomy, environmental activities and reflection on the experience.

During the camp

What did we do?

01

Find the way

Mini-orienteering with maps and compasses.

02

Climb

Climbing and physical challenges.

03

Look up

Astronomical observations and identifying objects in the night sky.

04

Capture the sky

Astrophotography using smartphones and a telescope adapter.

05

Measure the darkness

Measuring light pollution and comparing different environments.

06

Discover the flora

Identifying plants with PlantNet and learning about protected species.

07

Play together

International games, teamwork and intercultural activities.

08

Take care of the trail

Environmental activities and cleaning up the mountain environment.

Mountains after dark

Hiking does not have to end when the Sun goes down.

Youth voices

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 · Slovakia
Learning through experience

What did we learn?

THROUGH SPORT

Teamwork

Cooperation, communication and practical skills developed through physical activities.

THROUGH ASTRONOMY

Observation

Astronomical observations, recognising objects and creating astrophotographs.

THROUGH NATURE

Awareness

Light pollution, biodiversity and the natural environment of the Western Carpathians.

THROUGH MOBILITY

Openness

Intercultural communication, cooperation and international experience.

Project results

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.

01 / CAMPAIGN

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 →
02 / BROCHURE

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 →
03 / GUIDE

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 →
04 / INTERACTIVE MAP

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 →
Sport Develops the Mind
— in the magazine
From the mountains to 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 →
Beyond the website

The project continues after the camp.

Project materials and participant-created content are shared through partner organisations and dissemination activities.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Campaign

Youth-led communication about mountain hiking, healthy lifestyles and light pollution.

EXHIBITION

Photography

A photo exhibition presenting the project experience to students and the local community.

EDUCATION

Open resources

The brochure and guide can support other organisations in using the project model.

COMMUNITY

New activities

Project results can support further activities connected with mountain tourism and astrotourism.

Three partners

Different expertise.
One project.

Poland

Fundacja Antares

Astronomy-related activities and coordination of the project.

Visit website →
Czechia

Euroteam Czech Republic, z.s.

Intercultural education through sports.

Visit website →
Slovakia

OTI Slovakia

Mountain hiking and sports activities.

Visit website →