Norway School: Ditching Phones for Husky Sledges

Pasvik Folk high school in northern Norway offers a unique educational experience, teaching teenagers to thrive in the Arctic wilderness. Through a challenging curriculum focused on a 'stone age brain' approach, students learn self-reliance by camping in subzero temperatures and living like hunter-gatherers. This documentary captures their journey through months of darkness, where activities include building fires, driving husky sledges, and even swimming in icy waters, all designed to foster resilience.

This program intentionally disconnects students from toxic social media, encouraging them to face their challenges head-on. While digital detox isn't explicitly enforced, the emphasis is on physical and mental fortitude. A notable moment depicts a student struggling to build his own fire, underscoring the program's commitment to hands-on learning and self-sufficiency.

Teenagers arrive at the school with various personal issues, including depression and social anxieties. The profound connection formed with the husky dogs proves particularly healing, as teachers note the unconditional acceptance they offer. This interaction helps students build self-esteem, realizing their inherent worth.