Higher education often supports new student transition through various orientation programs. Recently a greater focus on student spiritual growth has emerged as an important aspect. The wilderness orientation program in this study is unique because of its length (12-14 days) and its focus on students' spiritual development. The purpose of this…

Research of wilderness programs indicates a clear need for additional investigation of specific program components and their influence on participant outcomes. This study examines one component of the Outward Bound wilderness program--the Final Expedition. The Final Expedition is a student-led wilderness expedition and is also referred to as an…

Colleges and universities across the United States are struggling with student retention and attrition (Derby & Smith, 2004; Jacobs & Archie, 2008; Tinto, 1993). As a result, theoretically supported interventions designed to encourage retention and persistence are needed. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to intentionally create an…

Researchers surveyed colleges and universities in the United States to assess the number providing outdoor orientation programs (OOPs). OOPs are defined as college orientation programs that work with small groups (15 or fewer) of first-year students, use adventure experiences, and include at least one overnight in a wilderness setting. This census…

A triangulation mixed-methods design was used to measure differences in service-learning outcomes for 32 students enrolled in criminal justice courses during the academic years 2003 (n = 16) and 2005 (n = 16). Results show that service-learners increase their political awareness and course value but experience a decrease in problem-solving skills…

This study is a qualitative analysis of student learning outcomes from an experiential multicultural education class at a public university. The class brought together students from diverse backgrounds and used adventure education methods to achieve multicultural education goals. The class combined adventure-based experiences from ropes courses or…

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an experiential, adventure-based "Anti-Bullying Initiative" on levels of resilience. The goal of this initiative was to create a more positive, caring, and safe learning environment for all students at a local elementary school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Activities were designed to promote…

Over the years researchers have attempted to gather information on outdoor orientation programs. Past researchers used different sampling techniques to locate programs, but all concluded more outdoor orientation programs probably existed than they were able to find. In the fall of 2005, a research group for the present study set out to create a…

A recreation professor and a writing teacher created a college program combining outdoor experiences with personal narrative writing. Students learn technical outdoor skills and a process of self-discovery, experience the complete writing process, and build cohesive discourse communities. Developing such a program involves making goals, designing…

Pre-health freshmen from a New York university worked at a traditional Mohawk community in return for lessons in Iroquois spirituality, healing, and ecology. Reciprocity between community members and students alleviated problems related to appropriation of Native American traditions and "great white hope" philanthropy, and deepened students'…

Describing some of the current Foxfire activities, this article presents the rationale behind Foxfire's expansion--"Before you start to do anything related to your work with this organization, ask yourself first why a student is not doing it instead. If you don't have a good reason, then go find a student, preferably one who has never done it…

Recounts evolution of School Concern Project, begun in Oxfordshire, England, in 1978 and staffed by professional teachers and therapists, into minimally budgeted organization staffed by physically disabled volunteers in 1984. Describes how students, including those with learning and behavioral needs, were involved in design and production of items…

Discusses the educational needs and rights of handicapped students in light of opportunities presented by new technologies. Describes a model high-tech summer camp program developed in California for talented handicapped students, now being replicated under the supervision of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. (JHZ)

Describes development of a successful experiential education program to involve Baltimore County (Maryland) students (grades K-12) in studying the Gunpowder River, which empties into Chesapeake Bay. Identifies success factors including creative teachers, availability and cooperation of local resources, and parental involvement. (NEC)

Four students at St. Louis University High School developed a project to clean up the environment while saving energy and natural resources. Aluminum and steel cans were recycled and the money was used to buy and plant trees. Students learned about recycling, organization, money management, and improving the environment. (JMM)