Too often inadequate preparation in facilitating an outdoor experience is the rule and the subsequent group experience suffers. In an organization like Outward Bound where areas are used repeatedly, an evolutionary form of reconnaissance is often adequate. However, for school groups, this form of reconnaissance is not practical since too few of them use a site on a regular basis. A high level physical reconnaissance is not necessary for a school experience due to limitations in leader experience, actual time in the field, and equipment. Yet, the information needed and the lead time required for a well planned school sponsored excursion is considerable. Therefore, a school planner might consider a team approach, using several teachers and/or students as a reconnaissance team to accomplish a number of tasks. This group reconnaissance idea offers the farsighted innovator much more of a chance to bring about institutional change. Outward Bound tried a group reconnaissance in April 1975 with four youth leaders from Denver. These individuals were involved in an advanced reconnaissance, a total group preplanning meeting, a 4-day reconnaissance at Pawnee National Grasslands, a debriefing and future planning session, a resource guide development meeting, and a resource guide draft meeting. Included are copies of the preparation responsibilities list, tentative resources guide outline, and the project center program planning sheet. (Author/NQ)