Suggests assumptions upon which qualitative research is based are appropriate for studying organized camping because of reality, causality, generalizability, and objectivity. Summarizes five studies using qualitative methods to demonstrate findings that may result from this approach. (NEC)

Explaining what outdoor experiential education is can be problematic, as a variety of terms are being used to identify a wide range of outdoor experiential learning methods. This paper proposes the metaphoric model of an umbrella to explain the relationships existing among these terms and their respective outdoor experiential learning methods. The…

A day-by-day account describes Camp Greentop's first 5-day adventure camping trip, which was attended by five individuals with disabilities and their counselors. The first day was spent in games and initiatives designed to develop communication, teamwork, and dependability. Other days were devoted to hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.…

Adolescent development can be influenced by two critical factors in camp programming: content of the values that shape and inform the camper and degree of challenge. Camp adventure activities successfully merge recreation and education in an outdoor setting that provides space for the explorations of youth. Camp can play a unique role in guiding…

This annual collection promotes scholarly writing, applied research findings, and innovative programs and activities in experiential education. 1987 papers include: (1) "The Effects of a Structured Camp Experience on Perceived Freedom in Leisure" (Mark James) on the effects of a structured camp experience on handicapped participants' perceived…

Shares therapeutic and economic practices surrounding equipment used in New York's Higher Horizons adventure program of therapy for troubled youth. Encourages educators, therapists, and administrators to explore relationship between equipment selection, program goals, and clients. (NEC)

Means-end analysis was used to examine the linkages between elements of an Outward Bound course and the personal benefits and outcomes obtained or reinforced by course completion. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 216 persons, who completed a course at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Respondents were aged 14-66 (83…

This handbook contains information designed to help develop campcraft skills. This basic guide to outdoor living contains the following chapters: (1) Come On Out; (2) On the Trail; (3) Your Own Outdoor Equipment; (4) Campcraft Skills; (5) Fire Building and Fireplaces; (6) Outdoor Food; (7) Knotcraft; (8) Lashing; (9) Toolcraft; (10) Finding Your…

This document contains 10 presentation papers from the 1999 International Conference of the Association for Experiential Education. Papers address the outcomes and benefits of experiential approaches and outdoor education for various age groups, as well as the therapeutic use of adventure and experiential strategies. The papers are:…

The effects of an eight-day traditional camp and an eight-day adventure, wilderness camp on self-esteem scores of 28 physically disabled adolescent campers (randomly assigned to one of the groups) were investigated. Results reinforced the theory that one single exposure to wilderness camping will not significantly effect the camper's self-esteem.…

Students of recreation education at the State University College (Cortland, New York) attend a two-week outdoor education practicum held in the Adirondacks. Students study canoeing, crafts, and ecology; practice leadership and teamwork; and take part in a five-day canoeing/hiking trip. (PP)

An account of an early outdoor leadership experience illustrates that a trip leader's role is to build a team capable of accomplishing goals without dependence on the leader. Only when campers are taken beyond their comfort zones does true learning and emotional growth begin. Sidebar presents eight dos and three don'ts of good trip leadership. (TD)

Personal narrative links elements of a dog sledding trip with the transformational curriculum model as applied to outdoor education. Describes the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of a seven-day winter camping and dog sledding trip, during which students learned responsibility through experience and natural consequences and realized the…

This book is designed to help instructors and students master and teach the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) curriculum while in the field. It is formatted in self-contained lesson plans which describe the overall goal, the specific objectives, the body of knowledge, and the materials necessary for teaching about a specific topic within the…

Focusing on the therapeutic aspects of camping experiences for delinquent and psychologically disturbed youth, this 382-item bibliography lists books, journal articles, theses, dissertations, and unpublished reports written from 1928 to 1983 on adventure education, wilderness experience, Outward Bound, therapeutic camping, experiential learning,…