ERIC Number: ED296537
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1988-Mar
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Bringing People Together in the Wilderness: Conjoint Adventure Trips for Special Populations.
Lais, Greg; Smith, Tom
The article describes a 5-day winter camping expedition experienced conjointly by two groups: one a blend of able-bodied and physically disabled adults, and the second consisting of sexually exploited adolescents who were placed in a group home setting. The first group were members of Wilderness Inquiry II, a community based adventure program that integrates disabled with nondisabled persons, while the second, Fresh Start, is a special living and learning placement for youth who have been sexually abused. Goals of the conjoint adventure included increasing socialization and communication skills, enhancing self-esteem, developing independent living skills among the disabled participants, and reducing negative stereotypes among the able-bodied. Psychological as well as physical preparations for the camping trip are described, as well as specific successes and problems associated with the 5-day expedition. Activities such as crosscountry skiing, snowshoe treks, and night hikes were supplemented by small group sharing, journal writing, and community interaction activities. (JW)
Descriptors: Adolescents, Adults, Adventure Education, Camping, Daily Living Skills, Disabilities, Intergenerational Programs, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Competence, Labeling (of Persons), Normalization (Handicapped), Outdoor Activities, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Socialization, Stereotypes
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children (66th, Washington, DC, March 28-April 1, 1988).