Because outdoor education programs occur in every geographic location, are sponsored by all levels of educational institutions, state and local government agencies, and private entrepreneurs, and have no nationally standardized curriculum or measures of competency or knowledge, outdoor education may best be defines as "education in, about, and for…

A sequence of action-oriented games and initiatives is provided in this guide for group therapy leaders who wish to employ activities to promote trust, problem solving, and cohesion among group members. Introductory material discusses the objectives of action-oriented therapy, the adaptation of traditionally outdoor activities to indoor settings,…

Providing an overview of two North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) "High Ropes Courses," this article includes descriptions of course design, equipment, site selection, events, student preparation, instructional techniques, and emergency procedures. Journal availability: see RC 503 504. (SB)

This document consists of materials presented at a conference organized by representatives of university outdoor programs to discuss issues and exchange ideas about outdoor topics. Twenty-six papers were presented: (1) "Conference on Outdoor Recreation for the Disabled: Breaking the Stereotype" (Tom Whittaker and Sheila Brashear); (2)…

A growing number of schools and institutions in North America have begun offering training in high risk activities such as high element rope courses, rock climbing, white water kayaking and canoeing, and scuba diving in conjunction with their regular physical education activity programs. High risk activities are those activities which occur in or…

Adventure-based therapy has grown in both scope and popularity. These groups are frequently utilized in the treatment of adolescents with behavioral or substance abuse issues. Less evident is the use of this modality with other populations. Described here is a personal account of the author's participation in a wilderness-based group for women.…

Discusses the forces driving increasing environmental problems, why these problems defy easy solution, and the role of experiential education in natural resource management issues. Discusses adaptations of experiential programming to lessen impacts on natural environments and to promote proenvironmental behaviors through awareness building,…

Discusses the Red Cross Basic Canoeing course to exemplify the relationship of safety to skills taught. Emphasizes that instructors in all outdoor activities should concern themselves with safety, as well as teaching outdoor skills. (MH)

Guidebook descriptions of the 3000 worldwide adventure trips open to public participation include highlights, itinerary, level of experience necessary, requirements, location, duration, dates, cost, and addresses and telephone numbers of the operating organizations. The guidebook is organized in four major sections and, within each section, into…

Suggests techniques for camp directors to help older adults enjoy adventure camping. Discusses sociological and psychological changes accompanying aging. Emphasizes outdoor group activities as ways of helping older adults adjust to aging. Offers tips for adventure program development, staff development, and program evaluation. (TES)

The handbook is intended for three leadership groups: leaders of land-based trips in the Pacific Northwest with youth or adults for an agency such as a city recreation department, experienced leaders, and leaders conducting high-adventure programs for juvenile delinquents. The handbook contains current information regarding: (1) trip planning and…

Highlights the importance of outdoor play as a space for active learning, discovery, and development of motor skills. Provides suggestions for creating an outdoor curriculum, including how to get started, important materials, and activity ideas. Encourages teachers and caregivers to devote plenty of time and energy to outdoor learning. (SD)

Intended for use by those who teach or work with youth in classroom or organizational settings, this self-contained module is designed to teach novices how to prepare for and conduct a safe backpack trip. Initial chapters present background information under nine headings: introduction (objectives, backpack history, information about Missouri…

Compiled to provide information on the outdoor education programs offered by 44 Canadian universities, this directory highlights the special characteristics of each program. The directory also provides the following information for each university: (1) contact person; (2) personnel involved in outdoor education and their degree qualifications and…

Methods must be looked at to implement the objectives of summer camp all year long if we are truly convinced of the impact camp can have in exposing children to their outdoor heritage, challenging their imaginations, and developing their minds and bodies. Every camp or outdoor program differs in content, method, and approach, though all are…