Educational programmes
Education for nature
Investing in the generations who will care for nature
Through our nature education programmes, we help children and young people discover nature, understand it and develop a desire to protect it. Learning comes naturally through experiences that bring them closer to nature and give them the freedom to explore it with both mind and heart.
We could not deliver these projects without the support of partners who share our mission. We work closely with schools and teachers across the Făgăraș Mountains, alongside partners from across Romania and Europe, to develop educational programmes that are relevant, engaging and designed to create a lasting impact.
Download nature education resources
We provide resources for pupils, parents and teachers specifically designed for use in the classroom, at home or during leisure time, encouraging learning about nature and conservation. These materials include worksheets, games and activity guides. The resources are easily accessible and can be adapted for different age groups, encouraging an interactive approach to environmental education.
Junior Ranger
The Junior Ranger programme, launched in 2023, aims to stimulate interest in and teach young people about nature conservation. Those who join the programme learn through direct field experiences, working alongside our rangers. The programme aims to develop long-term care for and passion for nature – attitudes that are essential for preserving the country's natural values.
The programme is designed as a long-term learning journey, in which pupils progress according to their involvement and accumulated experience.
Together with rangers and specialists from Foundation Conservation Carpathia, participants take part in camps, hikes, workshops, volunteering activities, nature explorations, and study trips.
They progress through several levels – Roe Deer, Red Deer and European Bison – and track their progress in a personal notebook.
Along the way, they develop skills such as navigation in nature, first aid, nature photography and mountain skills, and receive stamps marking the competencies they have acquired.
Children who would like to join the programme must send a letter explaining why they want to become a Junior Ranger, what their favourite place in nature is and what they would do for the community and nature in the area where they live.
New participants are selected through an annual application process and begin their Junior Ranger journey with introductory camps. They then continue to take part in activities alongside the Foundation's rangers and specialists throughout the year.
The programme is aimed at pupils in grades 4–8 from Arefu, Brăduleț, Corbeni, Dragoslavele, Lerești, Nucșoara, Rucăr, Stoenești, Sălătrucu and Valea Mare Pravăț, in Argeș County.
Adopt a Corner of Nature
The ‘Adopt a Corner of Nature’ competition invites children from the Făgăraș Mountains area to get involved in nature conservation by exploring and promoting the natural values near where they live. Every year, there is a new competition.
What do participants have to do?
• Identify and present a special place in their community.
• Propose concrete conservation actions and then implement them.
• Promote that place both offline and online.
The most deserving participants will take part in an exchange programme in the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany, where they will have the opportunity to learn about best practices in nature conservation.
Nature in the Classroom Caravan
The ‘Nature in the Classroom’ programme brings environmental education directly into classrooms around the Făgăraș Mountains.
What does it involve?
• Interactive activities on topics related to nature conservation.
• Conversations encouraging children to discuss and think critically about environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the reintroduction of missing species.
• Active involvement of children in conservation actions through a project competition.
• A deeper understanding of nature and its importance, with the aim of protecting it.
As part of the programme, children are encouraged to work together on creative projects inspired by the topics explored during the classroom sessions. Selected projects may be rewarded with nature camps or themed day trips, giving children the opportunity to continue learning through direct experiences in nature.
Carpathia Scholarships
Carpathia Scholarships support pupils from Țara Făgărașului who are passionate about nature. The initiative, developed by Foundation Conservation Carpathia together with the Țara Făgărașului Community Foundation, provides scholarships for pupils with good academic results and an affinity for natural sciences.
The programme includes participation in camps at the Richita Nature Activities and Exploration Centre and a personal development mentoring programme.
In this way, we support young people's development and help them expand their knowledge of biodiversity conservation. Pupils are selected through a rigorous selection process, and scholarships are awarded annually.
Education camps at the Richita Nature Activities and Exploration Centre
At Richita, nature is a classroom, playground, source of inspiration and curiosity.
Through practical activities, games, hikes and many outdoor experiences, children are encouraged to become independent and curious, exploring local flora and fauna and learning about the importance of protecting nature. Together with nature educators, rangers and specialists from Foundation Conservation Carpathia, they observe the forest, plants and animal tracks and are encouraged to ask questions and discover natural processes at their own pace, so that they can understand them better.
Each activity is designed to:
• create a deep connection with nature
• develop long-term nature protection skills
• promote healthy habits and an active lifestyle
• stimulate curiosity, attention and a desire to explore
The educational programmes at the Richita Nature Activities and Exploration Centre take place throughout the year, courses at Richita are usually 3-5 days long.
Support our education projects
If you would like to support our education projects, we invite you to write to Ana-Maria Atonoaie, Partnerships Director, at a.atonoaie@carpathia.org.