The purpose of this study is threefold: (a) to explore what 18 adolescents learned while participating in a three week long adventure program, (b) to examine how they learned while on the program, and (c) to determine what program outcomes they considered most applicable to their home environments, or which learning is "transferable". To address…

This paper examines the development of outdoor education in Hong Kong from its colonial roots to the challenges of its uncertain future. The scene is set by a synopsis of Hong Kong's geography, history, economy, and culture. Next, we trace the history of organised outdoor education from the early 1900s to the present day. This is followed by a…

This study identified characteristics of adventure programs valued by adolescents in treatment. Subjects included 11 experts in the field of adventure programming and 207 participants in adventure programs at 12 adolescent treatment programs. The experts, through a modified Delphi process, identified valued program characteristics. Program…

Beyond the Limits, a program of the Wicomico County school system (Maryland), conducts 1-day adventure experiences that use a challenge ropes course and classroom experiential activities to develop students' intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Before the experience, all participants agree to the "full value commitment," which is a…

The ubiquitous use of the term "transformation" in experiential education has blurred its specific meaning in any given case. Designing an effective curriculum requires instructors to determine what kind of transformation they would like to generate. A review of two research projects provides insights about different types of personal…

A study evaluated changes in an outdoor leader's anxiety during an 8-day residential adventure program for physical education majors in England. Analysis of variations in the leader's self-confidence found higher cognitive and somatic anxiety before group activities in the morning and last thing at night. Anxiety increased and self-confidence…

A study examined the effects of participation in a low-element challenge course on younger adolescents' perceptions of group cohesion. Pre- and post-tests of group cohesion were administered to 167 North Carolina adolescents aged 11-14. Participants perceived an increase in group cohesion after the daylong program, regardless of their age, race,…

A study comparing the influence of the belayor on the development of trust between rock-climbing partners in a corporate adventure training program found that permitting clients to belay each other greatly enhanced the development of trust, as opposed to employing specialized technicians or facilitators for belaying. (LP)

Outdoor and environmental education teachers and consultants identified nine common barriers to implementing outdoor education programs. Two frequently cited problems were lack of administrative support and teacher's limited training, experience, or confidence. Presents techniques and tactics for resolving these barriers. (LP)

Studies examining physiological responses to stress during outdoor adventure activities found that regardless of participants' age or gender, some activities elicited a rapid heart rate and a strong neuroendocrine response, particularly for individuals with a low fitness level. Suggests that all participants in adventure activities be informed of…

Discusses factors contributing to the nonparticipation of African-American women in outdoor recreation activities including (1) historical oppression and racism; (2) stereotyping by race and gender; (3) lack of role models; (4) insufficient exposure to activity options; (5) limited accessibility to outdoor recreation areas; and (6) oppressive…

To determine the role that physical aspects of corporate adventure training played in the acquisition of trust, 75 employees from a New Zealand computer company were assigned to one of two groups with varying levels of physical activity or to a control group. Trust was enhanced in the two experimental groups but more so in the more active group.…

This paper examines how levels of cognitive development affect participants'"adequateness" or ability to function in adventure groups. Twenty-three women who were newly elected or appointed officers of a university campus sorority participated in the study. Prior to the group experience, participants completed a paragraph-completion exercise to…

In 1981, 12 under-achieving boys (average age 15 years) from a Sydney (Australia) inner-city Catholic school with a predominantly low socio-economic and high ethnic population were exposed to a 6-week long residential Outward Bound Bridging Course Remedial Programme. The aim of the programme was to produce significant gains in the cognitive…

A study examined the relationship between older adults' motivations to participate in outdoor adventure experiences and their retirement status. Surveys of 782 adults over 55 years old participating in 72 outdoor adventure programs found that although there were several significant differences in motivation based on retirement status, the overall…