The purpose of this qualitative narrative multiple case study was to address gaps in the research by exploring student engagement in a nature-based school in Georgia and a Missouri school moving to nature-based education. By considering three key dimensions of student engagement, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional, this in-depth investigation…

Day camps are a powerful context for youth development. The American Camp Association and Leave No Trace have been integral in supporting youth development by identifying outcomes associated with participation in outdoor recreation. Recreation majors in the programming class used the camp as a service-learning component of the class that offered…

Fidelity is an important factor in the assessment and delivery of programs. However, few researchers have examined predictors of fidelity. In this study, we examined the relationship of fidelity to facilitator characteristics in a leadership program oriented toward the development of new university students. The study consisted of 25 program…

The purpose of this study was to analyze how mobile technologies were incorporated and implemented in an outdoor learning activity. Two classes of primary school students participated in the experiment. Using activity theory as an analytical framework, it is found that underlying tensions provided rich insights into system dynamics and that…

This guide provides information about an 8-day outdoor education experience required for third-year teacher education majors at Northern Illinois University (NIU). The residential program is held at the Lorado Taft Field Campus of NIU. The guide addresses the values of outdoor education and the benefits for both teachers and students. General…

During the past 50 years, outdoor education as a curriculum development has progressed from a few pilot projects to some fairly comprehensive programs in the United States and Canada. In the process, outdoor education programs have lost the relaxed pace of earlier programs, flexibility in planning and scheduling, and total involvement of the…

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,…

Outdoor and environmental education teachers and consultants identified nine common barriers to implementing outdoor education programs. Two frequently cited problems were lack of administrative support and teacher's limited training, experience, or confidence. Presents techniques and tactics for resolving these barriers. (LP)

This paper describes successful indoor adventure activities that are used in the Georgia correctional system for treating substance abuse with adolescents and adults. An experiential style of learning is appropriate for adolescent and adult offenders who have typically not done well in traditional settings and are usually slow- or poorly-achieving…

This book describes acclimatization, an approach to nature education that actively involves participants in the environment during a 1-week summer camping experience. The goal is to stimulate awareness of nature, increase appreciation of nature, and motivate further involvement with nature. An outcome of this process is that participants…

This manual was developed to assist youth ages 9-11 in developing lifetime leadership skills. The manual describes learning activities in the following areas: (1) understanding self and self-esteem promotion; (2) communicating; (3) getting along with others; (4) learning to learn; (5) making decisions; (6) managing, planning, and organizing; and…

This manual was developed to assist youth in grade 7 (age 13 and beyond) in developing leadership skills. The aim of the project is the development of lifetime skills related to leadership. The manual describes 75 learning activities in the following areas: (1) understanding self; (2) communicating; (3) getting along with others; (4) learning to…

This manual was developed by the Illinois State 4-H Office as part of a project to assist youth in developing leadership skills. This manual emphasizes skills needed to lead groups. The manual describes learning activities in the following areas of leadership life skills: (1) understanding self; (2) communicating; (3) getting along with others;…

This guide describes the outdoor education practicum required of student teachers at Northern Illinois University (NIU). This 5-day residential experience is held at the Lorado Taft Field Campus (branch of NIU), established in 1951 to train teachers in outdoor education. Course objectives include: (1) to help student teachers gain knowledge about…

This guide was developed to assist 4-H club leaders in implementing a youth leadership skills project. Leadership skills are categorized into three levels: personal skills, skills working within groups, and skills leading groups. The first chapter discusses leadership and the value of teaching leadership skills to youth. The leadership life skill…