This paper provides guidelines and examples for developing a college outdoor education program. From a literature review, an examination of existing college outdoor programs, and the author's personal experiences with outdoor programming at the California State University (Chico), the following 15 steps in developing a program were derived: (1)…

This paper discusses the most frequently used rental items for university outdoor programs and describes strategies for saving money in purchasing equipment. A 1983 survey of 11 university programs indicated that the most frequently available rental items for summer and winter were sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, cross-country skis, and…

The evolution of the Outward Bound curriculum in the United States with emphasis on how it has changed to ensure greater transfer of course learning from the Outward Bound wilderness experience to experiences in daily life is examined. A typology of curriculum models is developed consisting of (1) a first generation "Mountains Speak for…

In an effort to increase the application of "transfer of learning" (a phenomenon of connecting experiences encountered during an adventure activity to future situations) in the field of adventure education, workshops were presented at the 1984 Association for Experiential Education Conference at Lake Junalaska, North Carolina and the 1984 National…

The primary purpose of this handbook is to provide a practical reference tool for individuals who have participated in the San Francisco 4-H/Urban Outdoor Adventure Center Ropes Course Leader Training. The ropes course is a maze of cables, logs, platforms and ropes that offers physical and mental challenges. It is a combination of an obstacle…

Describes the youth and instructors at Higher Horizons, a New York adventure education program for delinquent youth. Presents a model of the programs unique approach to outdoor reduction program staffing that addresses the problems of staff turnover and burnout and enhances the therapeutic process. (SB)

Basic concepts of experiential learning theory are presented to assist camp directors in choosing knowledgeable staff and developing successful adventure programs. These concepts include assessment of learner (camper) readiness, activity sequencing, learning cycle, comfort zone, activity framing, task goals versus process goals, and five stages of…

A strategy for transferring learning from adventure experiences to daily life situations incorporates the use of isomorphs and metaphors. Explains how to develop isomorphic frames and select metaphoric experiences that can be used in adventure programming, especially with clients in therapy. (LP)

Discusses Alan Hales's model of safety management in the context of caving. When two sets of hazards, human and environmental, are present together, risk occurs. Objective risk is uncontrollable and should be avoided in educational settings; subjective risk is controllable. Presents positive and negative strategies for engaging or avoiding…

Addresses issues related to administration of adventure programs, including liability, hiring well-trained staff, conducting safe activities, supervising safe adventure programs, maintaining appropriate facilities and equipment, keeping accurate records, posting information about potentially unsafe sites and activities, carrying adequate insurance…

Residential, challenging, learning experiences can provide a powerful and essential education in environmental values and interpersonal relationships. Presents a basic-needs planning guide for residential adventure programs that considers the need for water, air, food, clothing, accommodation, waste disposal, health, energy, resources, love of…

Suggests ways to enhance the processing of adventure-based experiences by making participants aware of their responses when they reach the edge of their own comfort zone. Participants can use this information to generalize the learning experience to home, school, and office situations. (LP)

Identifies competencies required for outdoor leaders in England to gain a National Vocational Qualification in training and development. Describes how an outdoor leader encouraged collaborative learning among participants on a canoeing trip and how the skills and knowledge required of the outdoor leader related to training and development…

Five articles highlight benefits and organization of field trips: (1) "Field Trips Promote Child Learning at Its Best"; (2) "Planning for Maximum Benefit, Minimum Risk"; (3) "Coaching Community Hosts"; (4) "The Story of a Field Trip: Trash and Its Place within Children's Learning and Community"; and (5) "Field Trip Stories and Perspectives" (from…

Challenge and adventure programs create situations that challenge the abilities of individuals and groups and that are metaphors for the problems and challenges of daily life. This book describes dozens of group activities that foster individual and group skills such as cooperation, problem solving, and communication. Each activity has a…