Presents leadership models for outdoor education which emphasize flexibility and a balance between achieving the task and exercising affective skills. Leadership styles run on a continuum from high leader control to high group control. Stresses safe practice in outdoor activities. Offers recommendations to improve outdoor leadership. (KS)

An international group of experts generated a list of 14 skills and attributes of outdoor leadership. The top-rated components were (1) safety skills; (2) judgment based on experience; (3) awareness and empathy for others; (4) group management skills; (5) problem-solving skills; (6) instructional skills; (7) technical activity skills; and (8)…

Tips for successful hikes include explaining to young hikers what their trip will be like; learning the trip route including weather patterns, indigenous wildlife, unique topography, and water resources; establishing a leader to help keep the group together; and other basic elements of good hiking. Includes backpack essentials for hikers and…

This article describes instructor criteria in three outdoor organizations: Outward Bound (OB), the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), and the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). Common requirements for outdoor leadership programs are outdoor experience and skills, advanced first aid, CPR, and a minimum age requirement. Traditionally…

The study identified land-based outdoor leadership competencies deemed necessary by outdoor leaders in the western United States. Using resources such as outdoor leadership literature, competency-based teacher education manuals, consultation with outdoor leadership specialists in educational, private, and governmental agencies, and personal…

Discusses ways in which outdoor leadership preparation differs in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada based on questionnaire responses of 169 selected experts. Examines skills (technical activity, organizational, environmental, instructional, group management, problem solving) and attributes (motivational,…

This list of resources on adventure-based learning techniques is presented for two reasons. In today's educational systems, programs must produce measurable results to meet mandated standards and goals. It is hoped that these resources will help programs obtain academic credibility for utilizing adventure-based activities. Secondly, they are…

This paper focuses on group dynamics and introduces the use of initiative activities as a means of facilitating a more cohesive group experience in outdoor programs. Specific topics addressed and defined include: (1) curative factors of groups (universality, didactic learning, altruism, socialization, peer learning, group cohesiveness); (2) stages…

This annotated bibliography contains 247 citations of research-based literature on the use of wilderness for personal growth, therapy, education, and leadership development. The annotations are divided into 2 periods: 1995-2001 (60 citations) and prior to 1995 (187 citations). Within each period, the entries are categorized according to the…

This proceedings contains papers, abstracts of papers, and descriptions of professional development workshops at the 1999 International Conference of the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE). Following conference schedules and session information, substantive entries include: "The 1999 National Outdoor Book Awards";…

Describes a 10-step process for analyzing danger as a way of reducing the chance that an accident will happen, or minimizing its consequences to acceptable and recoverable levels. Factors that can inhibit the process include inappropriate attribution, relaxed concentration, rushing to maintain a schedule, group or peer pressure, and poor judgment.…

Describes characteristics and nature of games, which are a type of experiential learning useful for personal and group development. Discusses the four phases of game sessions (planning, introducing, action, and debriefing or processing); roles that leaders must enact to be effective; and some common problems that leaders encounter. (TD)

A group of outdoor teachers camping in the snow on high ground was caught in a blizzard at night. Their tents were ripped and they were forced to descend in the dark. Analysis determined that they had been caught unaware, they had improper equipment, and a lower-risk option for the descent would have been more prudent. (TD)

A two-step procedure for making moral and ethical decisions in professional situations involves identifying obligations, ideals, and potential effects, and assessing the relative weights of all considerations. Two cases illustrate the application of the procedure by outdoor leaders. (SV)

The South Yorkshire Outdoor Pursuits Trust manages an unstaffed residential facility that is used as a base for outdoor activities by various youth groups and by social services and mental health providers. The Trust sponsors an annual three-day outdoor leadership training event for staff of statutory and voluntary agencies. (SV)