Traces the development of peace-oriented experiential philosophy in both its Western and Soviet contexts, suggesting that adventure-based citizen diplomacy is a valuable means to build bridges between them. Adventure Based Citizen Diplomacy projects are working to decrease the cultural, sociopolitical, and psychological barriers that remain in the…

Presents case studies of four troubled young people in the correctional system after participation in adventure courses. Case studies show that, although troubled youth may leave an adventure course with positive behaviors and good intentions, poor family interactions and negative community environments made youth unable to sustain the positive…

A group solving the task of climbing a steep wall illustrates how adventure education can enable participants to trace how they get stuck in their view of things, and what it takes to adopt a new and generative image. The ability to change metaphors can be applied to core metaphors of relationships, communication, and visions of oneself. (TD)

Increasing violence and suicide among adolescent boys is attributed to a lack of security in our fast-changing society and a lack of direction and value for young men. Rites of passage constructively channel the undirected energies of youth to initiate a purposeful and responsive adulthood. Nine British programs are described, and recommendations…

Designing environmentally friendly challenge courses involves considering factors such as clearing, trees versus poles, soil erosion and compaction, toilet design, waste disposal, and carrying capacity. Strategies used in "green development" such as systems thinking, solution multipliers, and brainstorming with stakeholders could promote…

Anecdotes are used to illustrate how White, male, European values are embedded in adventure education. Traditional European assumptions about risk, challenge, and individual accomplishment may not be relevant to other cultures, women, or disadvantaged people. Those in adventure education need to throw out the cookie cutters and explore other ways…

There is a political push in New Zealand to merge outdoor education into an outdoor industry driven by recreational interests. Higher education funding and training emphasize recreation and tourism, and educational objectives are being overlooked. However, outdoor education associations are working toward clearer standards for leadership training,…

Adventure consultation for businesses has the power and the tools to foster creative genius and grow corporate soul, to counteract the gravitational pull of corporate normalcy, referred to as the "corporate hairball." As the adventure consultant industry grows, it must beware of choking on its own hairballs. Five warning signs of…

Societal expectations often teach women to separate their identities from their bodies, which distorts their self-image, resulting in shame and alienation. Adventure programs can create an environment of unconditional acceptance and trust where people can speak their inner fears. Two women who had negative body images relate how adventure…

Suggests ways in which adventure educators can use heritage interpretation in the wilderness setting to promote understanding of the history and significance of events, people, and objects linked to particular places. Factors to consider include creating interpretive lessons, training trip leaders to conduct them, and evaluating their effect on…

Identifies competencies required for outdoor leaders in England to gain a National Vocational Qualification in training and development. Describes how an outdoor leader encouraged collaborative learning among participants on a canoeing trip and how the skills and knowledge required of the outdoor leader related to training and development…

The rising popularity of risky or exciting recreational activities that provide intensive sensory and emotional experiences is linked to a desire for an inner experience of being in the present moment. However, such bliss seeking is complicated by modern time pressures and fears of disappointment and wasted time. Challenges for experiential…

Undergraduates enrolled in a field video production class at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington completed a low ropes challenge course as a team-building activity. Found that the ropes course contributed to group processes and getting students to trust one another, although its contribution to building intragroup cohesiveness was…

Anecdotal accounts of work with two families illustrate how adventure family therapy focuses both on individual client needs and on the power and influence of the family and other interacting systems on behaviors. Sidebar explains why adventure experiences are useful in therapy. Contains 19 references. (TD)

Recent research has demonstrated that employers can benefit from the participation of their staff in expeditions. The outcomes of expedition experiences are similar to those of outdoor development courses and include the personal development of expedition participants with regard to work performance, interpersonal skills, and learning. (Author/TD)