Adventure-based learning is used by behavioral health providers to connect clients to therapeutic activities outside traditional settings. These approaches often aim to build internal and external assets that support positive youth development. Here we evaluate the impact of an experiential learning curriculum on youth development and identify…

Reviews the literature related to experience-based training and development (EBTD) programs and physical safety. Discusses injury rates, cardiac arrest, and apparent and real risk for clients of different ages. Suggests that EBTD programs need a comprehensive documentation efforts to clarify and evaluate safety records. Contains 27 references. (SV)

Addresses the issue of whether there is reasonable justification to warrant public school sponsorship of adventure programs; considers accident rates, advantages and values, legal implications, and program implementation effects including staffing, facilities, equipment, and scheduling. Concludes that adventure education is a healthy, valuable,…

lines insurance needs for adventure education programs. Gives results of a survey (65 percent response rate) of 68 adventure education programs and their insurance coverage or reasons why they had no insurance. Discusses risk management for adventure education programs. (MH)

Calls for further research evaluating corporate adventure training (CAT) programs. Reviews activities and benefits associated with CAT, summarizes studies conducted on the efficacy of CAT programs, describes appropriate research designs for investigating how and why CAT programs work, and addresses barriers to producing meaningful research. (LP)

Data from five outdoor education programs in the United States and Australia indicate relatively low injury and illness rates and suggest a need to focus on hygiene practices and the prevention of athletic injuries. Documenting and analyzing injuries, illnesses, and "near misses" can enhance the safety of outdoor education programs.…

Six tests were given to the entire sophomore class (120 males, 104 females) at a suburban school north of Boston before and after particiaption in the Project Adventure physical education program, some goals of which were the development of students' self confidence, improved self-concepts, ability to take physical, emotional, and social risks,…

For the second year of Project Adventure, an Outward Bound-type physical education program based at Hamilton-Wenham Regional School north of Boston, a battery of 6 tests was administered to the entire sophomore class (123 males and 108 females) before and after the program. Second year results indicated significant, positive changes in…