ERIC Number: ED419654
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998
Pages: 366
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-0-7872-3548-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Interlocken Difference: Four Decades of Experiential Learning and Community Building Worldwide.
Hill, Amie; Herman, Richard
Based on structured interviews with Interlocken students, staff, parents, and alumni, this book presents a historical account of the international coeducational camp, Interlocken, founded in 1961, and its practice and philosophy of experiential education. Section 1 explains the innovative summer-camp/youth-travel mission of Interlocken and its creative and international vision of community. Section 2 describes characteristics of the international summer camp: freedom of choice; adult and student leadership; sense of community; cross-cultural experiences; outdoor education activities; music, theater, and special events; imagination, creativity, and structure in an educational setting; risk, responsibility, and respect; and risk-taking as an educational mode. Section 3 outlines the evolution and aspects of the travel programs; the role of leaders, improvisation, and serendipity; the Magical Mystery Tours as learning structures and community service; documentation as an element of adventure travel; what makes trips good or bad; problem solving and discipline on the road; and cross-cultural experiences. Maintaining continuity in the organization and the camp's long-term influence are examined in Section 4. Section 5 looks at the dynamics of people as the key to a learning community. Section 6 uses specific examples to look at experiments, failures, and creative solutions: defining the problem; staff, administrative and student problems; and networking. Experiential education and its application at Interlocken are described in Section 7. Appendixes give the history of Interlocken, a brief explanation and overview of experiential education, and a discussion of Interlocken's values. Throughout the book, text is intertwined with extensive interviewee quotes. Contains a person index and photographs. (SAS)
Descriptors: Adventure Education, Camping, Cultural Exchange, Experiential Learning, Group Dynamics, Institutional Mission, International Programs, Leadership, Organizations (Groups), Program Design, Program Development, Resident Camp Programs, Student Empowerment, Student Experience, Summer Programs, Travel, Values, Youth Programs
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA 52004-1840; phone: 800-228-0810 ($24.95).
Publication Type: Books; Historical Materials
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A