Abstract
The first college of physical education and sport, called the Institute of Physical Education and Sport (now the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Charles University - UK FTVS), provided the first tertiary education in nature programmes in Prague in the 1950s. Members of the Outdoor Sports Department also helped found Vacation School Lipnice in 1977 (from 1992 part of Outward Bound Czech Republic).
The development of these programmes led to texts for students and teachers, and PhD theses and further studies also aimed to inform pedagogy and outdoor education theory and practice. At UK FTVS outdoor sports and turistika activities are part of compulsory courses for students studying PE and sport, sport management and adapted PE for people with special needs.
The foundation course 'Turistika and Outdoor Sports' is compulsory for all students studying PE and sport. It introduces students to outdoor sports, such as orienteering, cycling, climbing and mountaineering, outdoor games, outdoor exercises, ropes courses, parcour and environmental activities.
The course serves as a model for developing school education in nature programmes. Students not only are introduced to different outdoor pursuits and activities but also learn how to lead outdoor games or a cycling trip with children.