Outdoor adventure education programs may offer opportunities for improving overall wellness beyond the realm of physical fitness. A hypothetical framework is presented as follows: (1) outdoor adventure experiences provide individuals with opportunities to be truly challenged; (2) success in challenging situations builds self-efficacy and…

In the 1970s a new form of outdoor trip programming appeared. Known as "common adventure," its best known trait is the absence of a designated leader. In 1970, Gary Grimm, the University of Oregon's first outdoor program coordinator, laid out the key principles: self-directed learning, formation of groups of people with similar interests…

Three main concepts relating to risk recreation are: (1) understanding how an individual evaluates a recreational activity; (2) understanding that the reasons individuals initially participate in risk recreation may be different from those which perpetuate participation; and (3) understanding that factors other than the individuals and the…

Highlights theories and concepts concerning gender and gender relations in modern society, applying some of these perspectives to outdoor education and adventure recreation. Argues that the more recent interactionist theories and cultural studies offer less deterministic and more insightful approaches to exploring people's outdoor and adventure…

A survey of trainers of challenge course facilitators resulted in a list of general competencies to be included in facilitator training. Includes technical skills involving challenge or ropes courses, group initiatives and low ropes, safety and environmental issues, and program administration. Facilitation skills involve recreational, educational,…

Reviews socio-psychological theories regarding human motivation in adventure education. A synthesis of these theories produces a model of participant behavior based on combinations of varying degrees of perceived risk and competence, and resulting outcomes. Includes suggestions for modifying experiences so that all participants can achieve…

Briefly outlines the historical backgrounds of Confucianism, the Chinese educational system, and adventure education. Points out a common ideal of Confucianism and adventure education: "jen," or humanity and benevolence leading to teamwork. Summarizes contributions that adventure education can make to Chinese education, as well as…

Discusses the definition of at-risk elementary and secondary school students and identifies the incidence and prevalence of various related stressors and behaviors. Examines assessment issues for at-risk students and the theoretical issues that pertain to early adolescence and educational adventure-based program approaches. Other issues are also…

Making errors can be a salutary learning experience. The problem in outdoor adventure education is to protect the error makers from real harm, which requires careful structuring of the learning situation. Discusses error limits, how much error correction is appropriate, involving participants in decision making, video playback and debriefing…

Challenges misconceptions suggesting that outdoor and adventure experiences lead participants to advocate protection of natural areas, to value aesthetic experiences, to appreciate and understand the environment more deeply, to develop a spiritual relationship with the natural world, and to fight for environmental causes. (LP)

Reviews recent research on outdoor adventure (risk) recreation which exposes participants to real or perceived danger. The research examines several professional issues (leadership certification, leadership style, program outcomes, and retention and turnover of program staff), and discusses social, individual, and therapeutic benefits. (SM)

In 1994, an outdoor adventure company was the first British company to be found guilty of corporate manslaughter. General principles of criminal law, including the difference between recklessness and gross negligence, are reviewed to provide those in the outdoor industry a rough guide as to their possible criminal liability. Discusses U.K.…

This paper addresses environmental impact issues associated with rock climbing and stresses the importance of reestablishing a clean climbing ethic through climber education and ethical considerations. The adventure sport of rock climbing has grown considerably over the last decade: it is estimated that there are currently over 200,000 rock…

This paper introduces the notion of a spiritual component of adventure, with reference to the potential role of adventure within the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland. Influenced by tradition and culture, past constructions of adventure have often associated it with educational benefits and personal development of specific…

In the U.S. there has been an increase in the number of outdoor recreationists requiring rescue. While it might seem logical that this trend results from the increasing numbers of outdoor enthusiasts, other factors contribute. Mass media give wide exposure to outdoor activities and use outdoor recreation to market many products and services. Such…