Turistika activities and games, dramaturgy, and the Czech outdoor experience

Czech education in nature traditions

“…However, due to its nationalistic ideals, Sokol was always banned in restrictive times – first under the Habsburgs, for supporting the Czech national revival, then during the Nazi occupation and again for 40 years under communism. Nevertheless, going into the outdoors, and engaging in physical activity was a framework for effectively bringing a group of fellow Czechs together… “walls have ears, but trees, rivers and mountains do not.” Escaping into nature allowed Czechs to generate their own sub-culture and rules, for example, turistika activities, the tramping movement or weekend trips (Martin et al , 2007). These activities could occur without communist influence or oppression.…”

“…These special settlements with wooden cabins and simple places for camping with a campfire were built in beautiful natural environments especially near rivers around Prague and other bigger towns. Activities were adapted to the specific conditions of the country and are part of the creation of an indigenous Czech culture of staying in nature (Martin et al , 2007). Tramping traditions are still alive and popular today, particularly the many unique tramping songs.…”

“…It is of interest to note that the basic compulsory course “ Turistika and Outdoor Sports” at the UK FTVS had activities called cvičení v přírodě (outdoor exercises) for over 30 years, without the staff members knowing that some of these activities were called “ropes courses” abroad. Besides ropes courses, it includes various exercises done outdoors using just nature, like throwing stones, climbing trees, jumping across streams or crossing a stream on a tree (Martin et al , 2007). For lecturers and students of UK FTVS , Norway was an example of a country with a positive relationship with the natural environment, as well as an example of an excellent natural environment for sport.…”

“…At the beginning of the 1970s, many exchange opportunities between the Norway and Czechoslovakia tertiary faculties were allowed. Czech university specialists had the chance to become familiar with the Norwegian cultural “open air life” concept of friluftsliv (Martin et al , 2007), which embraces nature, recreation, rejuvenation and enjoyment of the outdoors as a way of restoring life balance.…”

“…As outlined in the introduction, throughout Czech history the development of a unique, active and passive involvement with the outdoors has provided a unifying effect, a way of building self-esteem and an attachment to the Czech nation and language, while often under the influence of oppressive outside regimes (Martin et al , 2007). Both VSL and the UK FTVS have their philosophical roots linked to the Greek ideal of kalokagathia , a harmonious development of body and soul, they created a unique approach to experiential education – an unusual school founded on a holistic principle, which was ideologically “accepted” by the communist regime.…”