Adventure programs have recently emerged that are specifically designed for individuals living with cancer, yet few research studies document the outcomes of such programs. The purpose of the current qualitative study was to examine the effects of an adventure program on individual adult cancer survivors. Three central themes emerged from the…

A survey of 49 colleges collected information about freshman wilderness orientation programs. Questions covered: (1) program goals; (2) activities to reach these goals; (3) follow-up goals and activities; (4) evaluation methods used; and (5) role and training of leaders. Institutional goals included program goals, personal growth goals, and social…

A survey examining social group participation of 584 whitewater kayakers found that friends and fellow paddlers of similar skill were the most popular choices as kayaking companions. Social group choice was predicted by psychological outcomes, personal involvement in kayaking, and group size. Discusses implications for development and marketing of…

Twenty-seven corporate managers completed the Priest Attarian Risk Taking Inventory before and after a day of rappelling. Subjects also completed a business version of the inventory a few weeks before and a few weeks after the experience. Subjects appeared to transfer some of their new risk-taking behaviors to their jobs. (KS)

Examined stages that college students (n=64) experience in adventure-based educational program. Analyzed affective statements from student journals to discern any apparent pattern. Six stages of adjustment to adventure-based program were identified: adventure, apprehension, affiliation, animation, accomplishment, and appreciation. (Author/NB)

Naturalistic inquiry methods were used to explore the spiritual dimension of wilderness experiences among 26 participants in wilderness adventure programs. Participants identified their spiritual experiences and factors contributing to or inhibiting such experiences. Program recommendations are offered for planning wilderness trips conducive to…

Case studies of the contemporary UK sail training movement are used to illustrate the competing expressions of purpose in this field. Two sail training organisations are described and a case study voyage under the aegis of each is presented. The differences between the approaches are analysed as "traditions" or ideologies, articulated…

This study evaluated the effects of a one-day ropes course on students' classroom involvement and affiliation. Middle and junior high school students who participated in the ropes course were from classes designed for students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. Using the Classroom Environment Scale (CES) Short Form, students evaluated…

As a valuable addition to substance abuse treatment, adventure programming can have positive impacts on clients' self-efficacy, social behavior, and problem solving. A study explored the extent to which traditional substance abuse treatment programs use adventure programming, the level of adventure training and experience among substance abuse…

Finds that 39 teenagers participating in Project USE, an adventure education program, showed significant increases in 7 of 12 self-actualization factors and in self-perception of personal change. Discusses the goals and basic format of Outward Bound training conducted by Project USE. Contains 26 references. (SV)

Fifteen college students having no prior experience with abseiling completed a simple 80-foot abseil after indoor instruction. Students' sensation-seeking scores were weakly and negatively related to somatic anxiety immediately prior to the abseil. Enjoyment of the abseil had a weak positive relationship to sensation seeking and a weak negative…

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,…

Survey of 366 wilderness experience programs (WEPs) examined number of trips offered per year, types of activities and goals, number and type of clients, areas used, relationships with wilderness managers, and whether wilderness was viewed as teacher or classroom. A typology of WEPs is presented based on five program characteristics, each…

Forty children in grades 5-8 from two residential children's homes were assigned to one of four treatments with varying combinations of social skills training and low-elements challenge. After treatment, challenge course training groups had more internal locus of control than groups who did not get challenge training, regardless of social skills…

A survey of 64 adventure programs in North America examined selection practices in hiring outdoor leaders. Respondents preferred candidates from an institutional background who also had personal outdoor experience. Compared to a similar survey 14 years ago, those hiring staff were more sophisticated in their preferences and were more likely to be…