The essay begins by highlighting some characteristics of the recurring discussions about the environmental educational possibilities of nature encounters. We situate this within the social climate of the 1970s with its discussion of alternatives to the prevailing model of development and where, among other things, deep ecological perspectives were important. Against this background, we then delve into a case study of the outdoor association Argaladei during the 1970s, with the motto "friluftsliv [outdoor life] is a lifestyle". Based on the association’s combination of social criticism, outdoor life and pedagogy, we highlight some central themes that we suggest offer possible inspiration for our current need for civic support for a green transition to more sustainable model of development.