Many instructors and managers of adventure programs come to a time in their careers when they consider starting a program. In all cases, such a consideration begins with an idea. Evaluation of an idea's feasibility involves: (1) development of a program description that includes goals and objectives; (2) review of the proposal by others; (3) research on the need and desire for the proposed program; and (4) consideration of possible partners. After the decision to proceed has been made, an organizational structure must be chosen. There are good and bad points to each of the common options: incorporating as a profit-making corporation, incorporating as a nonprofit corporation, operating under the "umbrella" of a larger organization, or operating within an arrangement with several schools. Before beginning operations, the program developer must meet state legal requirements, establish an advisory board, develop diverse funding possibilities, focus on primary and secondary clients, make personal contact with potential clients, research possible locations for the program, run a series of 1-day invitational programs, and seek advice from others in the field. Many new outdoor programs fail due to limited capital investment and poor management. (SV)