Lectures and sightseeing

1 Reykjavík Municipal Work School. Lecture and sightseeing.
2 School gardens. Lecture and sightseeing.
3 Recreational options in the summer. Lecture and sightseeing.

Traditionally, children in Iceland have always had very long summer holidays, or almost three months. As a result, there is a considerable need for diverse and vocational activities for children and young people.

The Reykjavík Municipal Work School provides all young people in the final 3 levels of primary school in Reykjavík with the opportunity of a varied summer job in different work areas, both in and outside Reykjavík. Approximately 70% of these students enrol in the Work School. The youngsters receive training in practical work, the use of common tools and instruments and instruction in numerous areas affecting their daily environment and future. The Work School also operates important prevention programmes.

School gardens are operated from the beginning of June until the middle of August. There are 8 school gardens in Reykjavík. 600 children use the school gardens every year. Each child is allotted an 18m² garden provided with seeds, seedlings, vegetable plants and flowers. The work involves at least 2 hours a day. The age group is 8- to 12-year-old children. Elderly citizens may also be allotted a garden. Primary schools have shown increased interest in school gardens, and even whole classes have tended gardens and brought what they have learned back into the school work in the spring and autumn.

There are a large number of recreational options during the summer, when summer courses for 6- to 12-year-old children are offered. Each course lasts a week, with varied course programmes. The programmes are constructed so that participants are engaged in creative, enjoyable and developing work, both indoors and out. Then there are sailing courses for 9- to 15-yearolds in an adventure centre by the sea, where cheerful and daring children can find an outlet for their energy and adventurousness. Reykjavík has a long tradition of operating so-called carpentry workshops for children aged 8–12 years, where they can build their own timber huts and smaller items. Finally, mention may be made of the fact that Reykjavík operates an entertainment bus which does the rounds in Reykjavík during the summer. The bus is equipped with recreational equipment, a type of mini-funfair, which children can play in free of charge.