While rules are necessary for safe adventure courses, risk management approaches which include the judgment and responsibility of instructors in the field are in keeping with the fundamental values of adventure-based programs. Legalistic approaches that subordinate personal judgement to rules are not congruent with the goals of adventure…

This paper argues that, although the increased use of outdoor components in management courses has led to a resurgence of interest in the approach, it remains, nonetheless, mistrusted and misunderstood by many trainers. (Author/SSH)

Describes methods and goals for several activities to be used in ropes courses. Details calculation of loads for suspended ropes used in the exercises, and selection of rope based on type of activity and number of people on the rope. Contains several diagrams and photographs. (KS)

Examines ways in which outdoor adventure programs can guard against charges of negligence and the possibility of lawsuits without diluting challenge or participant satisfaction. Discusses risk management, insurance, safety guidelines to use in the development of program-specific standards, and accident prevention. Contains 19 references. (SV)

This document defines terms related to outdoor recreation: (1) outdoor recreation includes activities that occur outdoors in an urban and man-made environment as well as those activities traditionally associated with the natural environment; (2) outdoor education is education in, about, and for the outdoors; (3) environmental education is an…

This paper is designed to acquaint the outdoor professional with the risk management decision making process required for the operation and management of outdoor adventure activities. The document examines the programming implications of fear in adventure activities; the risk management process in adventure programming; a definition of an…

Adventure programs attempt to control or limit injuries in high-risk programming. This risk management has concentrated on the physical safety of participants at the expense of emotional and developmental security. In the zeal for accident-free statistics, a highly controlled, directive approach is created that treats individuals according to a…

Reviews the history of risk management and currently popular risk management tools, e.g., item-decision model and frequency/severity matrix. Discusses the safety record of outdoor adventure programs including data on injury rates and frequent accident types. Argues for flexible and realistic safety procedures and serious study of the phenomenon of…

The Red Ridge Center in northern Wales specializes in facilitating adventure-based outdoor activities for people with mental and sensory disabilities. Vignettes about two disabled persons--one with autism and the other with a severe mental disability--illustrate the benefits they derived from participation in outdoor activities. (SV)

Outdoor pursuits can facilitate major psychological and philosophical change in participants, and can act as a catalyst for self-actualization. Participants are temporarily relieved from all but the basic needs in life, allowing efforts to be concentrated on intense, meaningful, personal experience. (KS)

The stages of a model for reviewing or "debriefing" an adventure experience are: experience, or relive what happened; express feelings about the experience; examine, or analyze the experience for learning; and explore something brought out in the previous stages. Describes suggested activities for each stage of the sequence. (KS)

Naturalistic inquiry methods were used to explore the spiritual dimension of wilderness experiences among 26 participants in wilderness adventure programs. Participants identified their spiritual experiences and factors contributing to or inhibiting such experiences. Program recommendations are offered for planning wilderness trips conducive to…

This bibliography of 2,170 theses and dissertations and 865 other studies updates the 1970 "Bibliography of Theses and Dissertations in Recreation, Parks, Camping, and Outdoor Education," published by the National Recreation and Park Association, and integrates the 1963 "Bibliography of Research" issued by the American Camping Association. The…

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…

The history, advantages, and disadvantages of artificial rock climbing walls (used to instruct individuals in the sport of rock climbing) are discussed. Additional topics include designing an artificial wall, types of walls, various uses, and risk management. (IAH)