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)…

Offers principles of program evaluation and development to help camps appeal to today's campers while satisfying past participants. Discusses changing camper preferences, specialty camps, the importance of connecting campers with tradition, discovering untapped resources, changing demographics, complementing adventure trips with camp-based…

Describes development of an outdoor club at a special elementary school for deaf children. Addresses starting the hiking club, obtaining financial support, and recruiting adult volunteers. Student participants develop an appreciation of the environment while experiencing teamwork, competence, responsibility, companionship, and freedom. (DB)

Camp White Eagle (Illinois) developed an evaluation process to assess the positive effects of its wilderness adventure program on adjudicated adolescents. Discusses aspects of the evaluation process applicable to other camps: reviewing program elements, formulating questions, choosing the design, developing measurements, collecting data,…

This paper describes the development of an outdoor education camp that assists young people in recognizing new responsibilities and celebrating transition into young adulthood. Using the concept of initiation, the camp marked the beginning of a process which involved adolescents in developing an identity as young adults, increasing personal…

The 12 brief articles in this "feature" or theme issue describe successful approaches to development of outdoor education programs which successfully integrate individuals with and without disabilities. Titles and authors are: "Outdoor Education and Adventure: Challenges and Rewards for All" (Stuart J. Schleien); "Benefits of Integrated Outdoor…

Describes two-step exercise for applying imagination to summer-camp programing. Step 1 involves casting programs in imaginary environment, altering them for new setting. Step 2 involves role playing, encouraging participants to "wear" new cultural roles such as American Indians, cowboys, or sailors. Emphasizes value of imagination for improving…

Suggests techniques for camp directors to help older adults enjoy adventure camping. Discusses sociological and psychological changes accompanying aging. Emphasizes outdoor group activities as ways of helping older adults adjust to aging. Offers tips for adventure program development, staff development, and program evaluation. (TES)

This book provides an overview of the history, theoretical basis, research, development, evaluation, and current status of wilderness therapy programs for troubled adolescents. An introduction explores theories of adolescence and adolescent development, problems facing adolescents in contemporary society, limitations of traditional mental health…

Beginning with the "often overlooked areas", this guide to camping trips for secondary students presents initial planning procedures such as: site selection; number of leaders per number of students (2 leaders for each group of 10-12); parental permission forms; transportation arrangements; public school announcements; medical aid expertise and…

Methods must be looked at to implement the objectives of summer camp all year long if we are truly convinced of the impact camp can have in exposing children to their outdoor heritage, challenging their imaginations, and developing their minds and bodies. Every camp or outdoor program differs in content, method, and approach, though all are…

This issue of "Perceptions" contains an introductory article by guest editor Herbert Foster--"A Variety of Programs"--and seven articles describing programs for educating emotionally disturbed children in New York. "A Very Special Place" (Susan Kosberg and Bernie Kosberg) describes a therapeutic camping milieu located…

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…

Presenting four basic adventure education concepts as defined by Project Adventure (a Demonstrator/Developer Project within the National Diffusion Network and operating out of Massachusetts), this book describes a number of successful high school and middle high adventure programs. Major adventure education concepts are identified as: adventure…

Selected through a refereed process from presentations given by speakers at the "1987 Outdoor Education across America: Weaving the Web" Conference, the content represents philosophy, ideas, program activities, and research of outdoor practitioners and leaders across America. The 25 presentations/workshops are summarized under the broad…