Each person belongs to a racial group that determines the way they see themselves and others, how they view the world, and how they are viewed by the world. A safe adventure environment enables participants to explore and reflect on what racial identity means to them personally, which leads to broader understanding. (SAS)

Across cultures, a common motif is the rite of passage that facilitates transition to adulthood. The structure of an Outward Bound course parallels a classic adolescent initiation rite, involving separation from home and family, influence of a guide or instructor, group adventure in which participants increasingly take responsibility, a solo…

Describes framing adventure activities to focus on positive scenarios that reinforce Jewish Chassidim spiritual values of individual participation and purpose, responsible decision making, learning from the mistakes of others, working together, sharing group responsibility, group trust, responsibility for others, and accepting challenges as…

Rarely do outdoor educators get the opportunity to safely incorporate an avalanche while the topic of the day is actually avalanche awareness and forecasting. Many similar possibilities exist in the expeditionary context, but even brief excursions may result in incredible learning experiences. These "teachable moments" occur regularly in the…

This research highlights the learning of female offenders on a 20-day tailor-made experiential adventure education course (Women in Action) delivered by Outward Bound New Zealand. The aims of the course were to increase self-awareness, to develop an understanding of the concept of choice and self responsibility, to improve communication skills and…

Suggests that experiential education can be best understood as action accompanied by an attitude that embraces the adventure of learning, regardless of the format or environment in which learning occurs. Views current growth market as an adversity that may distract experiential educators from mission of conceptualizing meaningful educational…

Explains how qualitative and quantitative research differ regarding nature of reality, inquirer-subject relationship, truth statements, explanation of action, and role of values in inquiry. Discusses how qualitative research offers outdoor adventure educators important ways to substantiate or legitimize traditional claims. Suggests how those…

Presents a new definition of outdoor education. Describes the different approaches to outdoor education advocated in adventure education and environmental education. Proposes that an integration of approaches can result in a functional outdoor education experience. (ML)

Explains how experiential programs and organizations can improve relationships with their insurance companies by understanding the insurance industry's perspective and techniques of risk management. Suggests 22 specific items of information that experiential education organizations should share with insurers to demonstrate understanding and…

At California State University, Fresno, all incoming students take a full-semester, three-unit course that includes topics on academic preparation but also focuses on issues and topics commonly associated with experiential and adventure education. These areas include communication, listening, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Recognizing the…

Through an introduction to some of the literature and personalities of the adventuring tradition, the article explains several common elements of various forms of adventure: degree of difficulty, element of danger, commitment, and understandable stress. It also questions and explains the purpose of adventure experiences. (SB)

Uses the Outward Bound School in Colorado as a metaphor for a school that emphasizes putting practice into theory, which suggests a willingness to improvise on the part of teachers and students who are fully capable of figuring out for themselves the individual and social imperatives of education. (Author/IRT)

As part of two outdoor workshops (n=37 and 38) for Master of Business Administration students focused on team building, teams completed case studies. A control group completed case studies without the outdoor component. Results clearly indicated that outdoor education can accelerate team development and the evaluation method proved useful. (SK)

Describes incident where group engaged in training exercise was almost "rescued" by Coast Guard, although Coast Guard had been alerted that training exercise would be taking place. On another occasion Coast Guard did not react to actual report, thinking it was training group. Group was studying grey seal breeding colonies in…

Reviews the literature related to experience-based training and development (EBTD) programs and physical safety. Discusses injury rates, cardiac arrest, and apparent and real risk for clients of different ages. Suggests that EBTD programs need a comprehensive documentation efforts to clarify and evaluate safety records. Contains 27 references. (SV)