This brief article summarizes five trends and issues discussed during a moderated panel and round table discussion at the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER) in November 2023. The aim of this session was to expand on prior documented trends and disseminate current experiential and…

Uses the scenario of a women's adventure therapy trip to illustrate theoretical and practical information about "basic" therapeutic communication skills with participants in outdoor adventure settings. Discusses gender-based language style (women's "tentative" language), issues of physical and emotional safety, a philosophical…

This paper outlines management guidelines for outdoor adventure pursuits based on analysis of accident case studies in the literature. Managing risk, to a large degree, involves managing human errors related to natural environmental hazards. The knowledge needed to manage risk may be gained through personal experience (the most dangerous way),…

Group processing after an outdoor experience provides feedback and the opportunity for critical reflection, which can enhance the benefits of the experience. This paper outlines some common problems in processing and suggestions to help outdoor leaders improve their facilitation skills. Common pitfalls that hinder effective processing include…

Tips for successful hikes include explaining to young hikers what their trip will be like; learning the trip route including weather patterns, indigenous wildlife, unique topography, and water resources; establishing a leader to help keep the group together; and other basic elements of good hiking. Includes backpack essentials for hikers and…

Describes a 10-step process for analyzing danger as a way of reducing the chance that an accident will happen, or minimizing its consequences to acceptable and recoverable levels. Factors that can inhibit the process include inappropriate attribution, relaxed concentration, rushing to maintain a schedule, group or peer pressure, and poor judgment.…

Describes characteristics and nature of games, which are a type of experiential learning useful for personal and group development. Discusses the four phases of game sessions (planning, introducing, action, and debriefing or processing); roles that leaders must enact to be effective; and some common problems that leaders encounter. (TD)

A two-step procedure for making moral and ethical decisions in professional situations involves identifying obligations, ideals, and potential effects, and assessing the relative weights of all considerations. Two cases illustrate the application of the procedure by outdoor leaders. (SV)

Intuition is knowledge of something without the conscious use of reasoning. The question of where intuitive knowledge comes from may be addressed from neurophysiological, spiritual, or philosophical perspectives. In some cases, hunches may be traced to the unconscious processing of immediate sensory input with previous knowledge. In other cases,…

Describes a training program in human relations for camp directors. Intended for groups of 8 to 12 people over 15 to 20 hours of group time. Lists topics for discussions about group process. Addresses participant concerns about feelings generated by workshop activities. Provides 22 references for experiential learning. (CS)

On a canoeing trip with a group of 8 14-year olds, the leader was faced with a paddler who floated away from the group, a capsizer, and a reluctant participant. Subsequent analysis of the situation suggests that a briefing on signals prior to the experience and an experienced assistant in two locations were needed. (KS)

Adventure educators must elevate participants' experience beyond a parade in the environment. Innovative right-brain strategies that can be used before, during, and after the encounter to capture the wonder of the "natural moment" include visualization, sensitizing, treating flora and fauna as celebrities, thematic photography, the mind…

Outdoor leaders and those involved in personal outdoor adventure pursuits must be knowledgeable in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in the backcountry. In the wilderness medicine setting, extended time periods of patient care, rugged terrain, severe environmental conditions, and limited resources create…

Analyzes a situation in which a group of adolescents on an outdoor adventure trip experienced emotional distress after a participant became ill, was evacuated by the group, and was taken to the hospital. Recommends strategies for the instructor that would have prevented emotional distress, including maintaining a proper perspective of the…

The value of light-hearted play in teaching technical recreational sport skills is immense. Children as well as adults can learn more quickly and completely with a games-oriented approach. Often without realizing the hidden goal of excellent skiing or paddling, participants respond to intriguing tasks in a game, immerse themselves in good…