SUMMER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS – TWO "MODELS" OF PRACTICAL COURSE ORGANIZATION REGARDING CAMP LOCATION

The study aimed to assess specific segments of the anthropological status (AS) of PE Students (PES) concerning Age and Basic anthropometry, Body composition, and Functional/Health status parameters considered as potential cardiovascular risk factors. These segments are vital in addressing the students' preparation problems for the PE study's success. During their studies in higher education, one of the main tasks of PES is to strengthen and improve their health and continue developing their abilities and competencies for future professions as elementary and secondary PE teachers. PE Students need to be good role models for behavior to promote a healthy lifestyle among children and youth. Young adults who enter the university fall under the influence of specific factors associated with the need to creatively assimilate large amounts of information due to the necessity of forming professional skills and abilities in unique conditions of students' lives. Students have to meet and understand that the functional, practical training system has two mutually related aspects – pedagogical/educational and social/recreational. This aspect suggests that modern physical culture is a holistic (socio-educational) system that PES did not experience during their former education. This study was realized within a total sample of fifty-six (56) Males, PES of the first (n=28) and third-study-year (n=28), during Summer Outdoor Activities in different education settings ("Models"), regarding the camp locations: Gazivode Lake (Kosovo*) G-1, and the coast of Aegean Sea (Korinos) K-2 in Greece. The authors evaluated the study data (three segments of AS, including 13 variables) with descriptive statistics (Mean, SD, Min-Max, C.var.%, confidence interval/range, MANOVA, and DISCRA analysis) and a test of the normality of results distribution. Descriptive statistics and data analysis presentation are in tables for the three segments of AS and 13 variables. Results analysis indicates only statistically significant AGE differences. There were some numerical differences among variables, but they were not statistically significant. Considering the Omron classification scale and recommendations, the two intervention groups have different variations and distributions. This cross-sectional experimental study points out some hypothetical differences regarding the organization of two "Models" of summer outdoor activities, according to the practical course location on Gazivode Lake or Korinos Coast at the Aegean Sea.