This paper traces the history of outdoor programming beginning with the influence of western expansionism and the settling of the American frontier. The late 1800s brought about a change in the national attitude from an adversarial view of wilderness to a beneficial view. This was reflected by writers such as Henry David Thoreau and John Muir.…

This paper describes a teaching model designed for improving the group interaction and leadership skills of outdoor leaders during wilderness trips. The teaching can involve lecture, discussion, and experiential work. An understanding of the following elements enables students to increase their knowledge of group dynamics: (1) stages of group…

This proceedings contains 16 papers on recreation and adventure programming, outdoor education, and outdoor leadership training. The papers are: (1) "Beyond Recreation: Our Classroom Is Wild America" (Barry Auskern); (2) "Outward Bound Leadership Model: An Exploratory Study of Leadership Variables" (Natalie L. Bartley); (3)…

This research study used the Delphi technique to determine the ideal content of a college-level outdoor leadership course for land-based outdoor pursuits in the Pacific Northwest. Topics were generated and value-rated by 61 Pacific Northwest outdoor leaders using a Likert-type scale in three separate questionnaires. Thirty-five topics were…

Hypothesizing that positive change in students' attitudes concerning leadership behavior would result from participation in a basic level five-week course at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), 80 student participants (16 years or older) were pre- and post-tested for attitudinal change. Using the Leadership Opinion Questionnaire (LOQ),…

This book is a collection of feminist analyses of various topics in experiential education, particularly as it applies to outdoors and adventure education, as well as practical examples of how women's experiences can contribute to the field as a whole. Following an introduction, "The Quilt of Women's Voices" (Maya Angelou), the 25…

Judgment is the process of making decisions with incomplete information concerning either the outcomes or the decision factors. Sound judgment that leads to good decisions is an essential skill needed by adventure education and outdoor leadership professionals. Cognitive psychology provides several theories and insights concerning the accuracy of…

Outdoor adventure education is an experiential method of learning which takes place primarily through sensory involvement with the outdoors. Characteristics of adventure education include uncertain outcomes, risk, inescapable consequences, energetic action, and willingness to participate. Adventure education occurs in a diversity of venues,…

Examines traditional outdoor education leadership training, emphasizing value of "soft" or "people" skills. Describes how Experiential Leadership Education, a systematic approach to teaching outdoor leadership, uses three teaching and group dynamics models. Examines Experiential Leadership Education applications. Suggests…

Too much excitement leads to anxiety, resulting in the impetus to reduce stimuli. Adventure experience leaders, in their enthusiasm for challenge and self-discovery through adventure, may ignore those clients who exist in a state of anxiety. This warning is particularly salient in regards to captive populations, such as a school group in a…

Describes how an outdoor leadership center changed in response to fiscal restraints by expanding its facilities, diversifying programs to reach both youth and adult clients, and becoming financially accountable. Program changes resulted from three studies that gathered input from program stakeholders and government representatives. (LP)

Addresses the importance of implementing outdoor training courses for women only to provide a supportive environment in which women can gain the confidence and skills needed to become outdoor leaders. Describes the experiences of the author (a black woman) in dealing with her race and gender during outdoor training courses. (LP)

A model of facilitating outdoor adventure groups that include people with and without disabilities is presented. Steps include developing a resource base, addressing personal attitudes and using appropriate language, obtaining information specific to client disabilities, designing individualized adaptations, implementing the program, and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate participants' perceptions of an organized solo within a wilderness experience program and the influence that the instructors have on their perception of the solo. More specifically, this research project focused on the role of the instructor in the solo as perceived by the participants while still on…

This book is the leader handbook of the American Camping Association's (Indiana) Outdoor Living Skills Program. The purpose of this program is the development of outdoor living skills that emphasize environmental values. The program is divided into five levels and participants can enter at any point depending on their maturity and existing camping…