"Coming of Age" brings together a group of articles arising from the third International Adventure Therapy Conference held in Victoria, British Columbia, in April 2003. Together, they offer an overview of the field of Adventure Therapy in the new millennium, boasting a strong collection from the field's leading international figures:…

This book is a children's adventure novel by Harry Castlemon.

This article inquires into the role of humor in the relational learning process that takes place in adventure education programs. It presents program episodes, which the authors experienced in their practice as facilitator, staff trainer and researcher, and explores the related literature. Four aspects appear to affect whether humor either…

In this article, the authors describe a leadership experience that allows hard of hearing students to learn from the diverse identities of their peers. They describe a Youth Leadership Retreat for mainstream students that includes motivational speeches, adventure learning, ropes courses, team building activities, reflective and small group…

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing evidence about the impact of sport/physical activity programmes on positive youth development in the context of education. The issue of youth disaffection is topical and a number of authors and policy makers have acknowledged that physical activity/sport may be an effective way of helping to…

One of the foundations of New Zealand's representation of itself to the world has been as a premier place of adventure. New Zealanders who have gained world recognition in outdoor leisure pursuits are used to promote this adventurous depiction of New Zealand. They are the focus of and contribute to the discourse which guides the New Zealand…

This article provides an overview of trip programming in Alaska for those seeking a low-cost wilderness adventure. Alaska is a land of glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife. Safety is a major concern when traveling in Alaska. A local guide or outdoor educator can assist with safety and logistical planning. Travelers should plan…

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)…

The article describes an integrated wilderness canoe trip which included seven disabled persons (three of whom were wheelchair users). The trip is discussed in terms of principles of the Wilderness Inquiry II organization: mainstreaming, affordability, minimum impact, maximum safety, optimum fun. (DB)

Adapted from the keynote address presented at the Association of Experiential Education's (AEE) 1986 conference, this paper raises ethical dilemmas confronted by experiential educators and by the AEE as an organization, especially individualism versus community welfare. (NEC)

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of wilderness activities which are enjoyed by people with disabling conditions. With this increase comes the need to identify and deal with risks. Potential problems are discussed, and tips to minimize risk are offered. (MT)

Reports that accident rates among adventure education staff are higher than among participants. Implicates staff attitudes as a key factor and explores the meaning of professionalism in this context. Discusses staff responsibility for safety and for organizational commitment to program quality. (SV)

Provides guidelines for choosing the best indoor or outdoor training to meet learning objectives. Offers advantages and disadvantages of both types and suggests how to choose which is best for the situation. (JOW)

The encouragement of individuality and personal liberty, the sort of romantic freedom that led visionary humans to great achievements and rewards in science, industry, and exploration, is still questioned when applied to mountaineering. Examines rewards that come from mountain climbing, including renewed connection with nature. (LZ)

Proper nutrition and eating habits are critical components when facilitating safe, enjoyable expeditions. The author asserts that outdoor leaders must be diligent in overseeing the health of their participants through proper nutrition. Leaders in training with a history of eating issues face a special challenge. The author discusses how these…