This article examines the approach to "character training" in the early years of the Outward Bound movement in Britain between c.1940 and c.1965. It examines the key components of the concept of "character-training" promoted in the Outward Bound schools by Kurt Hahn and his early followers, and some of the criticisms to which…

Describes an outdoor adventure program that uses high-risk activities to promote personal potential among well-adjusted participants. (Author)

Outdoor pursuits can facilitate major psychological and philosophical change in participants, and can act as a catalyst for self-actualization. Participants are temporarily relieved from all but the basic needs in life, allowing efforts to be concentrated on intense, meaningful, personal experience. (KS)

This article provides an overview of courses for hearing-impaired individuals that have been conducted at the Voyaguer Outward Bound School in Minnesota since 1977. Through participation in outdoor challenge activities, skills training, and adventure experiences, hearing-impaired students have shown gains in self-esteem, self-reliance, and…

Finds that 39 teenagers participating in Project USE, an adventure education program, showed significant increases in 7 of 12 self-actualization factors and in self-perception of personal change. Discusses the goals and basic format of Outward Bound training conducted by Project USE. Contains 26 references. (SV)

The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), a measure of self-actualizing tendencies, was administered to 10 instructors at Plas y Brenin, to 23 tutors at Outward Bound Wales, and to 35 students before and after a course at Outward Bound Aberdovey. Instructors scored higher on the POI than students. Student scores significantly increased after the…

Outlines 10 principles of leadership and program design derived from the philosophy of Woodswomen, Incorporated, an adventure program for women of all ages. Elaborates on the principles of developing an atmosphere of security and safety, encouraging individuals to set their own goals and agendas, and avoiding a success/failure approach to…

Suggests that outdoor pursuits and adventure activities promote Maslow's goal of self-actualization. Identifies the middle-order needs (belonging and self-esteem) trap as an inhibitive barrier to growth and maturation of the personality. Proposes six mechanisms to transcend the trap in the outdoor experience. (KS)

Women bring distinct needs to adventure experiences and a unique perspective that would be beneficial if incorporated in all facets of outdoor experiential education. By labeling myths that impede our realization of gender differences, we begin to ensure that outdoor adventure will be a positive, holistic experience for women. (JHZ)

Argues that outdoor education is, in its own right, a creative form of learning. Draws parallels between stages of personal development in real life and in caving (as an example of outdoor education). Includes citations from Maslow's work that are applicable to outdoor and adventure education activities. Notes the importance of preparing outdoor…

Outlines a conceptual framework for understanding individual development related to intercultural competence and prejudice reduction. Presents a model of identity formation encompassing physical, academic, social, and cultural/spiritual self. Suggests that dialog and reflection, two essential components of intrapersonal and interpersonal…

Joshua Miner recounts his 30 years' experience with people and places significant to the history of Adventure-Based Education and Outward Bound in the United States. Fourteen Outward Bound schools visited or assisted by Miner are described in chapters recording events such as the school's inception, daily activities, individuals enrolled, and…

Adventure is the most dynamic form of education currently available and as such should move from its peripheral position in British education to become a part of the core curriculum. This move will require that school administrators better understand the philosophy and content of Adventure Education and that staff receive more rigorous training…