Learning is a metaphoric function in which the individual confirms or reorders his sense of reality by relating previous experiences with present ones. Outward Bound, an experiential learning approach, incorporates this insight in its theoretical foundations. The effectiveness of the metaphor is dependent on the extent to which the experience is…

Bicycling is a valuable medium for outdoor experiential learning. Bicycling shares with other outdoor learning activities some common elements such as environmental contrast, physical activity, a small group context, and a self-reliant form of transportation. However, bicycling has several unique characteristics that set it apart from other common…

Activities commonly associated with outdoor adventure education can be used effectively in therapy for couples. The adventure education concepts of risk, trust, fear, anxiety, dependence/independence, problem solving, and intimacy are all dealt with in therapy and enrichment experiences for couples. While the outdoor environment has a tremendous…

Fifty years of innovative programming in what has come to be called resident outdoor education are traced in this volume which examines the evolution of resident outdoor education from its early beginnings to the present. The several authors of this book are leaders in outdoor education who have been intimately involved in the development of…

Maintaining that adventure based programs serving delinquent populations are proliferating, the author identifies five adventure education properties which impel a delinquent to rearrange his destructive ways: gamelike atmosphere; organization of participants into a primary peer group; use of the outdoors; nature of the problems posed; and…

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.…

Examines attitudes of 184 outdoor leaders toward certification and course content of their preparation programs. Indicates small majority supports development of certification curriculum and credential and desires course content emphasizing leadership training. (NEC)

Discusses how a pre/post adventure evaluation form, developed together by participants and instructors, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. (NEC)

Women bring distinct needs to adventure experiences and a unique perspective that would be beneficial if incorporated in all facets of outdoor experiential education. By labeling myths that impede our realization of gender differences, we begin to ensure that outdoor adventure will be a positive, holistic experience for women. (JHZ)

Proposes--for consideration and debate--four recommendations for experiential educators: (1) develop more androgynous leaders; (2) equalize the number of qualified male and female leaders serving as role models for participants of both sexes; (3) raise gender consciousness in participants; and (4) encourage participants to develop the positive…

Three entries address various outdoor education issues. The first outlines eight steps for promoting professional work. The second suggests ways to adapt 16 games, group initiatives, and ropes course elements to teach environmental concepts. The third explains the use of belay anchors, or cork-screw anchors designed to tether large dogs. (JHZ)

Most take canoeing, leadership, first aid, CPR and other courses to help cope when something happens, but there is more to dealing with crisis than learning proper procedures and techniques. Three areas of concern interlock to form the Crisis Management Triangle: knowledge and skill, preventive awareness, and crisis management planning. (ERB)

Kurt Hahn valued the adventure ethic for the qualities of character it developed, but his particular concern was the development of personal and social responsibility and compassion. Samaritan service is the key element in institutions, such as the Round Square Conference Schools, founded or inspired by the mature Hahn. (JHZ)

This essay proposes that stress has been misused in traditional adventure education and presents a new model of risk taking based on the literature on stress and feminist perspectives in adventure education. Proponents of the traditional adventure perspective state that the intentional use of stress is central to the change process in wilderness…

This paper describes the services and activities of the Orion Center, a drop-in day-use facility for homeless and runaway youth in Seattle (Washington). Orion Center uses experiential therapy and adventure-based activities to develop trust, promote fun and relationship building, and facilitate growth and healing among this homeless population. A…