Uses three examples to illustrate how adventure education encourages the development of community: it is voluntary; it taps a human need to demonstrate competence and skill; and it provides opportunities for people to rally around a common need or goal, often in the service of others. Discusses similarities and differences of community- and…

A 4-day adventure ropes course with 20 Colombian adolescents who belonged to gangs that worked for drug traffickers produced noticeable changes in their attitudes and behavior. As a result, two of them left their barrio in search of a better life, and two began work as gardeners in a public park. (TD)

New adventure educators frequently rely on lists of review questions to guide group processing of activities and experiences. An alternative tool is offered; a review table based on themes of hard (technical) and soft (interactional) skills encourages observation and critical thinking as educators modify the review process to fit a particular…

Describes 10 educational practices to reduce fears of participants in adventure activities. Practices include formal informed consent, safety briefing, reassurance of nonjudgmental experiential-learning principles, statement of group and individual goals, sequential development of activities, "challenge by choice," instructor behavior and…

A degree in adventure education is not a prerequisite for employment in the profession. Furthermore, since degree requirements cannot provide experience, a degree is insufficient. Nevertheless, a degree offers a theoretical foundation not readily learned as a practitioner, and it offers the opportunity for developing more effective professionals.…

This paper describes the competencies in the domain of human interaction that are required of leaders in various outdoor adventure programs. These programs may be grouped on a continuum from recreational outdoor adventure to primary (adventure) therapy. In the middle of the continuum, educational, enrichment, and adjunctive (adventure) therapy…

This study explores how high school students learn from their experiences in an extracurricular adventure program and illustrates how students' narrative inquiries relate to experiential learning. Twelve canoe trips were studied by participant observation methods. Data were collected from recorded interviews with students and staff, field notes,…

This paper outlines a model for assessing and managing psychological depth in outdoor and experiential group work, and presents two case studies of the complexity of such management in real life. The model contains eight levels of emotional risk and presents four criteria for assessing the level to which a particular event or discussion may lead…

Orthopedagogisch Centrum Michiel is a multifunctional institution in the eastern Netherlands for youth with emotional problems. The staff of the institution's residential treatment center has gradually become involved with outdoor experiential education through training programs, conferences, special projects, and supervised programs. Activities…

The mission of this conference was to explore and promote the integration of experiential learning with diverse communities and settings. The 60 presentations, workshops, and preconference events included in this proceedings manual are organized under the following topics: (1) foundations; (2) urban, school, and corporate environments; (3) social…

This adventure alternatives directory identifies organizations and agencies providing programs which link traditional therapeutic strategies with alternative practices to address a range of problems in corrections, mental health, and special populations. Its alphabetical format and user profile key, coupled with a state by state index, make this…

A 1975 Dartmouth Outward Bound Mental Health Project, begun with a pilot project for disturbed adolescents, has evolved into an ongoing treatment option in three separate clinical settings for psychiatric patients and recovering alcoholics. Outward Bound consists of a series of prescribed physical and social tasks where the presence of stress,…

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is an internationally recognized outdoor school with five branch schools located in Wyoming, Alaska, Kenya, Mexico, and Washington. The philosophy of NOLS is to develop judgment and leadership skills in its students. Three priorities guide this school: (1) safety and care of the individual; (2) safety…

With 7 adult sponsors, 40 students from 4 Massachusetts high schools participated in a successful 3-week-long summer trip in Maine. Intended to provide students with realistic challenges to help them gain a sense of pride and accomplishment, the program took one group of students down a Maine river and the other group on an 800-mile bicycle trip…

Describes the outdoor/experiential learning curriculum of the International School Moshi in Tanzania which is inspired by the geographical and environmental features of the region (Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti Plains). Includes the objectives, organizational and attitudinal problems, and benefits of the program. (NEC)