What is an Adventure Therapy Program? Definition Adventure programs consist of experiential activities in outdoor settings that offer natural and technical challenges and result in learning through a combined use of training, action methods, processing and debriefing. Adventure programs and adventure therapy are commonly used to mean the same thing. Adventure programs can be either recreational or therapeutic. Purpose The overall purpose of an adventure program is to provide experiential learning activities focused on promoting skills associated with leadership, communication, awareness, cooperation, self-confidence and strategic planning ability. Activities are designed with consideration of the needs, expectations and the demands that will be placed on participants with respect to their physical, emotional and mental ability. Description An adventure program takes place in a moving outdoor setting or it may operate from a base camp. Base camps include temporary and permanent shelters. The type and location of a base camp will vary depending on the activities. The activities in a program may include one or more of the following: - outdoor education - outdoor leadership training - mountaineering - rock climbing - whitewater rafting - kayaking - backpacking - expeditions Many adventure programs that are designed to be recreational claim their activities are therapeutic because they are “healing” and “good for you”. A recreational adventure program will normally possess these qualities but that does not mean those activities constitute therapy. Therapeutic activities are designed, structured, facilitated and monitored by a qualified health care professional who has defined treatment goals based on screening and evaluation of participants. The activities in an adventure therapy program consist primarily of challenges, ordeals and other “action methods” that provide a basis for experiential therapy. An action method is an activity that is designed to create an opportunity to learn directly through experience and to examine beliefs systems, assumptions, response tendencies, emotional reactions and the dynamic of relationships that require trust, cooperation and feedback necessary for group and individual success. Action methods designed to face ordeals or demanding challenges require outdoor education and technical training. An adventure therapy program is not the same thing as a wilderness therapy program. There is debate about whether or not a wilderness therapy program is merely one type of adventure program. Programs that work with youth are commonly referred to as wilderness therapy programs, wilderness therapy or outdoor behavioral health programs for youth. Adventure programs can be recreational or therapeutic. Copyright 2002 to 2006, Michael G. Conner |
