Getting children off the ground poses psychological and physical challenges that vary individually. It is important to assess the emotional and skill readiness of each class before attempting to utilize high elements in the curriculum. High elements add an increased perception of risk, which enhances student learning in the adventure education…

How can spiritual development be fostered in a manner that respects students from backgrounds of various faith traditions? The author describes a program that nurtures holistic growth in a school serving troubled students. Youth participate in a "ministry arts" program combining creative visual arts, music, adventure education, service projects,…

In this article, the author talks about three special needs camps--Camp Kirk, Camp Talisman and Camp Caglewood. Camp Kirk's philosophy is to encourage their children to take risks in a structured setting, like high ropes courses, rock climbing wall, martial arts, and traditional activities like swimming, arts and craft, drama, and others. Once…

A description is given of a physical education course in outdoor education for junior and senior high school students. Sports featured are hunting, fishing, and backpacking. For each sport the objectives and activities are described and needed materials listed. Included in this booklet is an outline of an eighteen week semester of lifetime sport…

Explores value areas in which wilderness experiences can provide youth with a counterbalance to technology's narrow categorization of what we should strive to be: our concept of intelligence, an "I need vs. I want" lifestyle, spectator vs. participant, and insulation from perceived risks. (NEC)

Describes northern Michigan's Pine River Camp Vision Quest four-day solo wilderness experience for 13- , 14- , and 15-year-olds based on Indian ceremonies to personalize and demarcate in a spiritual manner the questor's entrance into society as a fully responsible and mature adult. Reports experiences of 17 campers. (NEC)

Outlines 10 principles of leadership and program design derived from the philosophy of Woodswomen, Incorporated, an adventure program for women of all ages. Elaborates on the principles of developing an atmosphere of security and safety, encouraging individuals to set their own goals and agendas, and avoiding a success/failure approach to…

The Wilderness Risk Managers Committee (WRMC), a consortium of outdoor schools and organizations, works toward better understanding and management of risks in the wilderness. Among other activities, the WRMC gathers data on incidents and accidents from member organizations and other wilderness-based programs. This book compiles incident data for…

Experiential educators can prepare students and clients for living in the global society of the new millennium through international experiences, both short- and long-term. The elements of experiential education--risk/challenge, direct experience, processing and reflection--can be important aspects of the international experience. Historically,…

Wilderness experience, applied academics, community service, internships, and a course in human relations skills convince high school seniors in the Walkabout program of New York's Yorktown Heights to say "I Can." A presentation of accomplishments to family and friends serves to complete the "rite of passage" into adulthood.…

A resource room containing information about outdoor programs generates individual and cooperative learning activities and outdoor experiences. Although adventure participants are responsible for decisions and risks undertaken, the program should attempt to enhance experiences by reducing difficulties brought on by outsiders, institutions, and red…

Qualities of human character developed through outdoor education programs include self-image, self-esteem, and personal enhancement. The primary goal of adventure education programs is to develop communication and human relations skills through the experiences of stress, group living, a new environment, and independence. (JN)

The Head of Inspection Services for the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (Great Britain) comments on the licensing scheme's first year and implications for five sectors of adventure providers. Summarizes responses to a proposed "nonstatutory approval scheme" that would be available on a voluntary basis to providers of outdoor and…

Criticizes the New Zealand approach to outdoor leadership, which relies on teaching risk assessment and management from manuals and checklists and which asserts that risk-management skills are transferable between risky sports. Suggests that sound outdoor practice involves more than "legal duty of care," and recommends reliance on…

Explores ways in which communities and school counselors can foster self-esteem in children and adolescents through adventure-based counseling (ABC). Discusses the importance of self-esteem, the philosophy and tenets of ABC, the effectiveness of ABC, and ways to integrate ABC concepts into groups. Focuses on prevention and intervention. (RJM)