Means-end theory provides a useful approach for characterizing the relationship among the attributes or components of an experiential education course (the "means"), the benefits, or the outcomes associated with these attributes/course components, and the personal values (the "ends") these outcomes help to reinforce for course participants. The…

The purpose of this study was to examine the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) profiles of two treatment populations and present a theoretical rationale for using adventure therapy. Data for the first group were obtained from the psychological testing records of 150 randomly selected inpatients (81 males, 69 females)…

Critical outdoor education seeks to promote improved human to nature relationships. As academics and teachers strive to develop theory and practice appropriate for such outcomes, the traditional role of adventure activities is being scrutinized. This paper draws on a two year qualitative study which traced changes in human/nature relationships…

The findings of industrial safety engineers in the areas of accident causation and prevention are wholly applicable to adventure programs. Adventure education instructors can use safety engineering concepts to assess the risk in a particular activity, understand factors that cause accidents, and intervene to minimize injuries and damages if…

A nonprofit outdoor adventure organization and a nonprofit advocacy organization for persons with disabilities and their families collaborated to develop a comprehensive, inclusive, outdoor recreation program for families. Ten Minnesota families having one or more children with a disability participated in Project FIT (Families Integrating…

Historically, outdoor recreation/education (ORE) has been associated with environmental recreation/education, but in the past few decades has become increasingly associated with adventure education/recreation. Many outdoor programs have attempted to combine the two elements; others question the combination of the two elements in a single program.…

A study of a coeducational outdoor/adventure program for 13- to 15-year olds at Shotmoor, England, where all participated in the same activities. The boys' beliefs about the abilities of girls were altered in a way that would not have occurred in a classroom. (DM)

Examined effect of Summer Fireside Experience Program (SFEP), 5-day adventure-based orientation program, on student retention 3.5 years later. Findings from incoming freshmen assigned to SFEP (N=32), Freshmen Camp (N=64), or Control Group (N=64) revealed that after 3.5 years, SFEP group experienced 12 percent higher retention rate than Camp group…

Ten hearing-impaired college students participated in a 10-day winter outdoor adventure education course. Compared to a control group, participants exhibited improved self-concept after completion of the course. Gains in self-concept were maintained for a 2-month period following the course. (Author/JDD)

This study identified the highest heart rates attained on a ropes course for a corporate population; examined relationships between highest heart rate and other physical measures (basal heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, body girths, cholesterol, maximum number of pushups, and heart rate after brisk walk); and developed an equation for…

Explored are the societal influences that have led to contemporary views surrounding the adventure experience. Adventure recreation and outdoor recreation are contrasted. The growth of the adventure recreation phenomenon is discussed. (CW)

Examines client characteristics, referral and screening procedures, program characteristics, treatment goals, financial arrangements, and staff characteristics in 50 programs using adventure experiences with substance abuse populations. Notes needs for specific program evaluation research and for the development of prescriptive treatment…

Investigated the attitudes of staff members working in a therapeutic adventure program toward people with disabilities. Staff surveys indicated that overall, staff members' attitudes were positive, and they perceived people with and without disabilities similarly. However, there was a stronger negative preference to work with people with physical…

A survey of 179 organizations offering outdoor adventure experiences for adults over 50 found strong growth in such programs. Offerings were typically low-level challenge activities, short-term summer-based, with educational goals; most participants were 60-69; course fees provided most funding; administrative practices varied; and research in…

Explored the feelings, attitudes, and perceptions of at- risk adolescent girls from a psychiatric rehabilitation facility following their participation in adventure therapy that involved outdoor experiential activities. Interview data indicated that participants found positive meaning within various activities. The resulting themes were…