This paper calls attention to parallels in the literature of adventure education and that of Gestalt therapy, demonstrating that both are rooted in an experiential tradition. The philosophies of adventure or experiential education and Gestalt therapy have the following areas in common: (1) emphasis on personal growth and the development of present…

This article provides an overview of courses for hearing-impaired individuals that have been conducted at the Voyaguer Outward Bound School in Minnesota since 1977. Through participation in outdoor challenge activities, skills training, and adventure experiences, hearing-impaired students have shown gains in self-esteem, self-reliance, and…

As a valuable addition to substance abuse treatment, adventure programming can have positive impacts on clients' self-efficacy, social behavior, and problem solving. A study explored the extent to which traditional substance abuse treatment programs use adventure programming, the level of adventure training and experience among substance abuse…

Examines the organization and objectives of an adventure-based course for industrial managers and management trainees. The program's goal is the development of personal qualities and social skills, as well as the application of leadership theories in a mentally and physically challenging environment. (SK)

Finds that 39 teenagers participating in Project USE, an adventure education program, showed significant increases in 7 of 12 self-actualization factors and in self-perception of personal change. Discusses the goals and basic format of Outward Bound training conducted by Project USE. Contains 26 references. (SV)

Survey of 366 wilderness experience programs (WEPs) examined number of trips offered per year, types of activities and goals, number and type of clients, areas used, relationships with wilderness managers, and whether wilderness was viewed as teacher or classroom. A typology of WEPs is presented based on five program characteristics, each…

This paper advocates the potentials of "sweat lodge" rituals for adventure education programs. Historically, rituals and ceremonies have been instrumental in passing major philosophical and sociological paradigms from one generation to the next. However, there is little theory and research about how ritual and ceremony results in the…

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…

Briefly outlines the historical backgrounds of Confucianism, the Chinese educational system, and adventure education. Points out a common ideal of Confucianism and adventure education: "jen," or humanity and benevolence leading to teamwork. Summarizes contributions that adventure education can make to Chinese education, as well as…

Survey of 274 women who completed an all-women outdoor adventure program examined motivations to participate in such a program; expectations, feelings, and perceptions about the program; and the outcomes and effects of the program on their lives. The average respondent was 42 and had at least a four-year college degree. Contains 20 references. (SV)

Two case studies illustrate the differences between two perspectives on adventure activities and therapy: in "adventure therapy," adventure activities were a tool within a psychotherapeutic intervention with a disturbed delinquent, while in "therapeutic adventure," adventure activities offered opportunities for a group of…

This article examines the influence of three groups who have shaped our present concept of adventure programs: educators, philosophers, and mountaineers. Associated cultural antecedents of adventure recreation are briefly presented. (IAH)

Provides information for planning an expedition in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. Considers weather and gear, food and drink, first aid, travel to the area, washing, planning the day, languages of the area, base camp areas, specifics on the town of Bagneres de Luchon, and personal growth opportunities. (KS)

The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), a measure of self-actualizing tendencies, was administered to 10 instructors at Plas y Brenin, to 23 tutors at Outward Bound Wales, and to 35 students before and after a course at Outward Bound Aberdovey. Instructors scored higher on the POI than students. Student scores significantly increased after the…

Debriefing is a process of guiding reflection on experience. Ideally, facilitators conduct debriefing sessions frequently and in proximity to the experience location. Includes a model "debriefing funnel" into which the facilitators pour experiences, pass those experiences through five reflective filters, and distill a learning change in…