In February of 1974, 135 representatives of 40 colleges and universities from the U.S. and Canada met for the first time to share experiences and programs relative to experimental outdoor education, and these conference proceedings contain the 7 major addresses and a condensed sampling of other presentations from individual college programs. Conference aims were described as developing ways and means for beginning experimental education programs; elevating the reputation of experimental education in academic circles; paving the way for Outward Bound credit courses; and developing a national outdoor experimental education organization. Papers focused on means, ends, measurement, and finance of outdoor experimental education programs. Means emphasized were: (1) environment contrast; (2) physical activity; (3) the intentional use of stress; (4) a small group context; and (5) the employment of newly acquired knowledge and skills. Major goals were identified as (1) enhancing self-concepts; (2) understanding the self, with special emphasis on identification of strengths; (3) reorientation toward aesthetic appreciation and environmental awareness; (4) an understanding of leadership, the use of authority and followership; and (5) internalization. (JC)