OUTDOOR EDUCATION

A Life-Changing Outdoor Learning Experience

In today’s world, young people need more than just classroom learning—they need real-world experiences that build courage, resilience, and leadership. Our unique adventure education program provides an immersive, multi-day, team-based outdoor expedition in the mountains of Southern Spain, where participants develop skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships… while having an unforgettable adventure!

Out here, every challenge is a lesson and every obstacle an opportunity to grow. With expert instruction and personalized coaching, young participants gain the knowledge to navigate the outdoors and the mindset to tackle whatever adventure comes next, both on the trail and beyond.

What Makes This Special

✅ Learning through experience – Engaging, real-world, hands-on learning in a natural environment.

🎉 Adventure & Fun – Feel the joy and freedom of exploring nature, working hard, and making friends.

🌱 Personal growth – Develop independence, resilience, and confidence by overcoming challenges; group reflections and discussions deepen and extend the learning and sense of achievement.

🤝 Teamwork & Friendship – Build trust and collaboration skills, and form lasting friendships, through shared challenges and exciting group experiences.

🧭 Skill development – Navigation, campcraft, safety, and self-sufficiency in wilderness settings.

🌍 Deep nature connection – Extended time outdoors builds appreciation and awareness.

📵 Screen-Free, Nature-Based – Encourages focus, presence, and connection with others.

🎒 Expert guidance – Supportive mentorship from professionals with decades of experience.

About Us

We are Maarten de Vos and T.J. Eisenstein, outdoor educators with over 25 years of combined experience in wilderness instruction and youth leadership. We share a passion for empowering young people through immersive outdoor experiences, using nature as a classroom and a catalyst for growth.

Maarten de Vos: I live with my wife and three children on the Costa Vicentina in Portugal. My journey began at the Outdoor Sports Academy in the Netherlands with a degree in Physical Education. Over the past 17 years, I have coached youth and adults in outdoor sports, from climbing to cross-country skiing, across Europe. I also coach for MyQuest, an international leadership organization, in Nepal and beyond.

T.J. Eisenstein: Sharing my passion for the outdoors has been my life’s work for the past 12 years. I am a licensed outdoor guide in Portugal, where I have led more than 8,000 guests on hikes and multi-day treks. My outdoor certifications cover Hiking, Backpacking, Mountaineering, and Rock Climbing. From 2021-24, I led a weekly program for students aged 8-15, teaching how to safely, effectively, and joyfully explore nature.

Program Details

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Sierra Nevada National Park outside Granada, Spain (6 hour drive from Lagos)
• Dates: Spring (April), Summer (June 1-7, 8-15), Fall (Aug 31-Sep 6, Sep 7-13)
• Ages: 12-16+ (some exceptions possible)
• Group size: 8-14 participants with 2 instructors

• Required Gear: Sleeping bag (0C) & pad (rentals available); Rucksack (50+L), hiking shoes and clothing for mountain environments. A detailed packing list will be provided.
• No Phones: This is a fully screen-free experience. 
• Accommodation: 6 nights tent camping: 3 nights at a campsite; 3 nights of wild camping

Price: €650, all inclusive (need-based scholarships possible)

Itinerary Overview

🚙  Day 1: Travel (6 hrs) + Arrival: Group dinner and evening games at Basecamp.
🌿  Day 2: Basecamp Preparation: Skills training, teambuilding, essential outdoor education.
⛰️  Days 3 – 5: Mountain Expedition: Hiking and camping; applying and extending skills; overcoming obstacles; group activities and and discussions; wilderness lessons; and more.
🔥  Day 6: Conclude Expedition + Celebration: Exit mountain in evening: return to Basecamp for showers, celebration dinner; and group reflections and debrief
🚙  Day 7: Closing + Travel (6 hrs): Organizing gear; final celebrations; breakfast; return travel.

Sample Daily Itinerary

Each day of the expedition follows a structured rhythm and core schedule, while remaining flexible to weather, group energy, and unexpected discoveries along the way.

To stay on pace, make sound decisions, and handle the unexpected, participants develop discipline, time management, and accountability. At the same time, fully processing and enjoying the experience requires space for rest, play, and unstructured exploration.

By balancing structure with adaptability, effort with recovery, participants gain confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Morning

• 7:00 AM – Wake Up + Morning Rituals: Breathing, Movement, and Mindfulness
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast
• 9:00 AM – Break Down Camp: Packing, Organizing,  Preparing
• 10:00 AM – Group Circle: Check-in, Morale, Route Review, Key Challenges, Group Energizer
• 10:30 AM – Hit the Trail

On the Trail

• 6-12km hike with rotating leadership.
• Group activities: navigation, problem-solving, teamwork.
• Lessons: nature education, survival skills.
• Lunch break, reflection stops, trail lessons, and more.

Evening

• 5:00 PM – Arrive to Camp: Self-Care, Camp Set-Up, Free time
• 6:00 PM – Dinner time + socialize and relax
• 8:00 PM – Group circle: Reflections, Discussion, Takeaways, Storytelling, Preparation
• Nighttime – Wind Down: Optional group night activities or games + free time
• 10:00 PM – Lights out & Quiet Time

Group Expectations

🏋️ Physical Readiness: The hiking can be accomplished by any healthy young person regardless of physical experience or skill level. However, this is a physically challenging experience by its nature, and by design. We emphasize pacing, mutual support, and building confidence step-by-step so that every participant can rise to the challenge.

🗣️ Teamwork & Behavior: Participants should be ready to listen, follow instructions, and contribute to a positive team dynamic. The outdoors presents challenges that require patience, cooperation, and perseverance. Respect for fellow participants, instructors, and the environment is essential.

⛺ Living & Working Together: Participants will be placed in tent groups of 3-4 and will cook, camp, and make decisions together. These “tent teams” will learn to share responsibilities, problem solve, and support one another. Cooperation, respect, and selflessness are key to creating a successful group experience.

🧠 Mindset & Growth: The program is physically, mentally, and socially engaging. We encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and navigate unexpected obstacles with resilience. Success comes from an attitude of curiosity over complaint.

Safety and Risk Management

This is not an extreme or risky activity, but mountain hiking does come with inherent risks: Managing them is our top priority. We take a comprehensive approach to safety by ensuring thorough preparation, active risk management, and a strong safety culture.

Preparation & Emergency Readiness

• Certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR) and First Aid.
• Extensive experience in managing groups in remote environments.
• Detailed emergency and evacuation protocols tailored to each trip’s unique terrain.
• Equipped with walkie-talkies and a satellite messenger with SOS Mountain Rescue capabilities.

Building a Culture of Safety

• Participants receive hands-on training in wilderness safety, self-care, and situational awareness.
• We foster a calm, focused group culture that prioritizes collective responsibility and decision making.
• Participants learn to navigate challenges thoughtfully, follow guidance, and care for one another.

Mountain Rescue: In the mountains (Days 3-6), professional medical care will be 1 – 4+ hours walk away. The Spanish Civil Guard operates comprehensive Mountain Rescue services in the event of an emergency.

Insurance: Personal health insurance covering mountain rescue is required and must be arranged individually. We will suggest providers. Price is approximately €50. 

Parental Contact: Instructors will provide daily check-ins via WhatsApp or satellite messenger. Direct contact with instructors or participants is only possible for urgent matters.

Participant Well-being

We are committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.

Group Dynamics

• Group dynamics are carefully managed to ensure a respectful culture. From the start, we establish clear expectations for behavior, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Sleeping Arrangements: Tent teams are assigned with care. We prioritize compatibility, individual comfort levels, and creating balanced, self-sufficient teams, with flexibility to adjust as needed.
• Inclusivity: We create a supportive, team-oriented culture where every participant feels valued and included. Through structured check-ins, small group activities, individualized support, and intentional team-building, we ensure that everyone can fully engage and contribute in a way that works best for them.

Health and Hygiene

• Privacy: Participants receive guidance on changing, personal care, backcountry toileting, and maintaining hygiene in a group setting. 
• Personal Care: We support all participants in managing personal health needs with discretion and professionalism.
• Female Health: While there will not be a female adult on the trip, Maarten, as a father of three—including a 14-year-old daughter—has firsthand experience navigating female health topics with care and respect.

Specific Concerns: Parents with specific concerns are encouraged to discuss with us in advance to ensure a comfortable and positive experience.

Food and Nutrition

Meals are prepared by participants, with guidance and supervision from instructors. Mealtimes will be some of the most enjoyable moments of the journey!

All meals are nutritious, energy-rich, and built to fuel long days. In the backcountry, food must be lightweight and easy to prepare, which means it may be different from everyday eating habits. Being flexible with food is part of the experience. 

At the same time, the food is delicious and deeply satisfying—after a full day of hiking, nothing is better than a warm meal shared with friends. Mealtimes are a chance to gather, relax, reflect, and share stories. 

Food is vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, but also contains some optional meat and gluten items.

🥣 Breakfasts – Mix of stove-cooked and uncooked options, offering flexibility and variety. Ex. Overnight oats with nut butter and dried fruits.

🍞 Lunches & Snacks – Typically simple trail foods, eaten on the move. Ex. Cheese and crackers; trail mix; dried fruit; chocolate.

🔥 Dinners – Freshly-cooked meals prepared on camp stoves, providing a hearty and satisfying meal after a long day. Ex. “Ramen bomb” – ramen noodles with potatoes, vegetables, and cheese

Limited spots available – Sign up today!

Join the Adventure!

📞 Contact us: hiddenvalleyportugal@gmail.com  |  AlgarveAdventureEdu@gmail.com   |   📱 WhatsApp/Telegram: +31-649289139 |   +351-918-903-899
🌍 More info: Maarten: T.J. www.WestCoastLagos.com

Spring 2024: Trip Photos

FAQ:

Are phones allowed?
No. We believe that a deep, immersive learning experience is only possible without the distractions of screens and digital devices. That’s why phones are not allowed.

Do I need special insurance?
Yes. It is essential to have insurance that covers hiking in the mountains, including mountain rescue. You will need to arrange this yourself for the week your child is with us. We will provide links to recommended insurance options, and you can expect the cost to be around €50.

Can I contact my child or the guides during the trip?
Yes, but only in case of emergencies or essential situations. Our guides will have their phones on at all times. Additionally, we carry a satellite messenger that works even without cell coverage. Each evening, we use this device to check in with families, providing a GPS location and a brief update from camp.

hiddenvalleyportugal@gmail.com