Discusses the characteristics of "good" and "bad" games used in adventure- or experiential-education settings. Good games are simultaneously familiar and exotic; have minimal rules and no clothing requirements; have an achievable "flow state"; and are cooperative, challenging, and accepting of failure that advances the group's problem-solving…

Describes five games (two for preschool children, three for all ages) used in adventure-, challenge-, and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and variations. The games act as icebreakers; build group trust and cooperation; or nurture positive,…

Adventure therapy infuses experiential, physical activity into traditional talk therapy, drawing support from Piaget's theory that children construct knowledge from their actions on the environment. Several vignettes illustrate the point, noting the importance of laughter and physical touch to therapy. Using ropes for a "touch without…

Discusses selection and planning of group activities based on stages of group development. Describes typical group processes and behaviors encountered at the beginning, middle, and end of an extended group experience. Outlines two beginning, two middle, and one ending activity, including basic parameters and brief instructions. (SV)

Describes nine group activities used to build cooperation and teamwork in adventure-, challenge-, and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection, and facilitator tips. Target groups include…

A company designs and delivers treasure and scavenger hunts for corporate and institutional clients. Groups are divided into teams that must solve puzzles for directions or clues. The hunts build creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and an appreciation of others' strengths. An insert includes a four-puzzle mini-treasure hunt. (TD)

Describes the facilitation of group ice-breakers and orientation activities that emphasize the individual's influence on group rhythms and the group's freedom to create its own "climate controls." Comments on the creation of the "Being"--a metaphor for the group as a living organism. (SAS)

Adventure education addresses moral development in powerful ways. Facilitators modeling moral behavior and framing questions to address moral issues can affect the moral development of participants. Empathy, which is associated with moral development, grows quickly when group members support each other taking risks on challenge courses. Cognitive…

Describes nine group problem-solving and communication initiatives used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing. Activities emphasize teamwork, communication skills, and a…

Creativity is the ultimate therapeutic experience because it validates the creator's abilities and allows the risk taking that enables growth. An adventure therapy session involving a group of recovering adult substance abusers illustrates how creativity is used to organize the group, determine the group's needs, generate meaning, and translate…

Discusses a Christian adventure program that uses quotations and stories from the New Testament to tie group experiences to Christian teachings about loving one's neighbor, taking risks, working together, respect, actions in a crisis, unselfishness, contemplation, reflection and prayer, and forgiveness. Emphasizes the experiential teachings of…

Friends Forever brings together teenagers from hostile factions in divided countries such as Northern Ireland or Israel. Among other activities, the program sponsors three-week adventure experiences for the teenagers at the University of New Hampshire's Brown Center. The experiences of one group of Israeli and Arab youth are described. (SV)

Describes three games for all ages, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing where appropriate. The games demonstrate the tenets of adventure programming, involve group…

Describes universal challenge programs, in which all participants, regardless of ability or disability, work as an integrated group. Discusses planning for participant needs and creating a physically and emotionally safe environment. Presents brief instructions for 12 universal activities, including games, problem-solving activities, and high and…

Makes suggestions to help leaders of adventure and experiential learning activities deal with participants' emotions and issues of emotional safety and risk: acknowledge the situation, be clear about what is being done, monitor individuals' actions in the group, make sure the activity is physically safe, and be aware of participants' conscious and…