Background: Participation in adventure as a recreational therapy intervention is well-recognized for its benefits for people with disabilities. Advances in technology and adaptive equipment have increased accessibility to adventure-based activities for those with physical disabilities. Climbing has long been established to facilitate the…

Background: A variety of residential and experiential therapeutic programs exist for youth who experience emotional, behavioral, or substance abuse problems that are not adequately responsive to traditional treatment options. While evaluations of programs are available in the literature, investigation of the experiences of professionals who…

This paper defines the field of adventure therapy and relates it to other types of adventure activities. Outdoor adventure may have recreational, educational, or enrichment goals that focus on having fun, increasing participant knowledge, or building skills such as communication in a target group. Adventure therapy, on the other hand, has the…

The use of adventure programming with families has increased tremendously during the past 10 years. Like traditional adventure activities, adventure interventions with families have been well received for their capacity to fully engage participants in dynamic interactions that create therapeutic movement. These activities are especially powerful…

Examines the impact of camping on pediatric cancer patients in the United States and Britain. Finds some evidence of increases in physical and social activities and knowledge about cancer and its treatment, and decreases in self-engaged activities. Notes that some studies point to potential deleterious effects from an extensive focus on disease.…

As a valuable addition to substance abuse treatment, adventure programming can have positive impacts on clients' self-efficacy, social behavior, and problem solving. A study explored the extent to which traditional substance abuse treatment programs use adventure programming, the level of adventure training and experience among substance abuse…

Describes some of the goals and methodologies of ropes and wilderness adventure interventions as they satisfy the definition of therapeutic recreation, specifically with reference to emotional and/or social dysfunctions among adolescents and adults. The two interventions have some characteristics in common, including supporting theory and group…

This annual collection promotes scholarly writing, applied research findings, and innovative programs and activities in experiential education. 1987 papers include: (1) "The Effects of a Structured Camp Experience on Perceived Freedom in Leisure" (Mark James) on the effects of a structured camp experience on handicapped participants' perceived…

This annual collection promotes scholarly writing, applied research findings, and innovative programs and activities in experiential education. Topics of the 1988 papers include (1) "Gender Issues in Outdoor Adventure Programming" (Natalie L. Bartley and Daniel R. Williams) about the effects of outdoor leaders' gender, personality, soft skills…

Shares therapeutic and economic practices surrounding equipment used in New York's Higher Horizons adventure program of therapy for troubled youth. Encourages educators, therapists, and administrators to explore relationship between equipment selection, program goals, and clients. (NEC)

Reviews recent research on outdoor adventure (risk) recreation which exposes participants to real or perceived danger. The research examines several professional issues (leadership certification, leadership style, program outcomes, and retention and turnover of program staff), and discusses social, individual, and therapeutic benefits. (SM)

Investigated the attitudes of staff members working in a therapeutic adventure program toward people with disabilities. Staff surveys indicated that overall, staff members' attitudes were positive, and they perceived people with and without disabilities similarly. However, there was a stronger negative preference to work with people with physical…

This paper describes the services and activities of the Orion Center, a drop-in day-use facility for homeless and runaway youth in Seattle (Washington). Orion Center uses experiential therapy and adventure-based activities to develop trust, promote fun and relationship building, and facilitate growth and healing among this homeless population. A…

A 3-year study of 115 youth offenders ages 14-17 who were involved in a program that integrated wilderness or adventure therapy with a community-based component revealed significant positive changes in 10 out of 33 psychometric scales considered essential precursors to behavioral changes. However, no significant behavioral changes were observed.…

The field of adventure family therapy has emerged as a means to construct lasting functional change for troubled youth. Seven reasons why adventure therapy can be successful with troubled youth are: (1) therapeutic processes are centered in action-oriented experiences; (2) therapy is conducted in an unfamiliar environment; (3) adventure therapy…