Recreational programs involving experience in outdoor activities for groups provide education as well as adventure. (JD)

Describes success counseling, a counseling approach based on the principles of William Glasser's control theory and reality therapy that helps campers examine their wants and needs, evaluate their own behaviors, and see the connections between behavior and the ability to meet basic needs for love, power, fun, and freedom. Provides examples of…

Over a 3-year period, the National Inclusive Camp Practices (NICP) project examined camp practices and youth outcomes at 14 resident camps and outdoor schools that fully integrate youth with disabilities into their programs. These outdoor programs were predominantly 1 week long. Data on camp practices and on 742 participating youth with and…

Means-end analysis was used to examine the linkages between elements of an Outward Bound course and the personal benefits and outcomes obtained or reinforced by course completion. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 216 persons, who completed a course at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Respondents were aged 14-66 (83…

Provides information for planning an expedition in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. Considers weather and gear, food and drink, first aid, travel to the area, washing, planning the day, languages of the area, base camp areas, specifics on the town of Bagneres de Luchon, and personal growth opportunities. (KS)

Responds to a letter from a camp leader who experienced difficulty with an adolescent girl during a 3-day hike and disapproved of a staff member's response. Offers advice on handling such a problem, addressing the staff member's intervention without undermining his credibility, revisiting the situation with the group, and exploiting the…

This speech paints a picture of the future, looks at the skills that will serve the citizen of that future world, and celebrates the fact that the camp model, at its best, promotes the learning of such skills. These skills include a sense of self and personal integrity, a sense of joy and wonder, an ability to gather and evaluate information, an…

This document contains 10 presentation papers from the 1999 International Conference of the Association for Experiential Education. Papers address the outcomes and benefits of experiential approaches and outdoor education for various age groups, as well as the therapeutic use of adventure and experiential strategies. The papers are:…

Campers at the Virginia 4-H Shooting Education Camp receive intensive training from certified range coaches in shotgun, rifle, air rifle, air pistol, and archery. Such programs teach campers responsibility; develop character and self-concept; and promote safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior. Includes resources for developing a shooting…

Addresses the potential of camp to promote self-esteem and nurture a sense of community. Summarizes articles in this journal issue that focus on individual and group behavior including homesickness, how camps can promote positive attitudes toward disabled campers, and a camp program that provides respite care for families of children with AIDS.…

Regardless of participant background, age, or ethnic origin, camp can aid in the following key components of emotional maturity: open, positive and appropriate expression of feelings; self-acceptance; a sense of self; an awareness and acceptance of others and their feelings; the ability to develop relationships; and emotional stability. (LP)

Discusses how camps can focus on the connection between environmental ethics and spirituality. Addresses the importance of defining the meaning of spirituality; providing time alone for campers; developing rituals; celebrating natural holidays; sharing spiritual experiences; being open-minded about spirituality; cultivating respect; encouraging…

Focus-group interviews with 52 camp counselors examined their experiences as camp staff. Positive outcomes included important relationships with campers and other staff; appreciation of diversity; teamwork; group cohesion; leadership and responsibilities; and technical, interpersonal, and administrative skills development. Problems included…

Are camps solely in the business of providing fun, or are they facilitators of crucial life skills? A social worker explores the fun versus character-building debate, concluding that though camp is not group therapy, it contributes to overall personal growth and to the social and emotional development of all children. (JMM)

This proceedings contains 13 papers from the 1998 Research Symposium of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. Following a preface "Building the Research Foundations of Outdoor Education" (Karen M. Fox, Leo H. McAvoy, Anderson B. Young), the entries are: (1) "An Integrative Review of the Literature on Women in the Outdoors" (Karla A.…