Community-Based Programming focuses on the use of kinesthetic experiences that foster personal growth, skills, and engagement through outdoor and experiential activities.
These programs often emphasize the role of nature, the holistic engagement of clients, and the development of practical skills, aiming to empower participants in the communities in which they live.
Publications
Tucker, A. R., Beale, B., Norton, C. L., Walsh, H., Keefe K., Holmes, L., & Wermer-Colan, R. (2024). The Ohio Adventure Therapy Coalition: A statewide trauma-informed group work initiative to meet the needs of CPS youth. The Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2386163
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., Riley, M. J., & Rupe, B. (2023). Positive youth development and adventure therapy with underserved youth: An evaluation of the Chicago Voyagers program. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11703
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., Pelletier, A., VanKanegan, C., & Boggs, K. (2020). Utilizing adventure therapy to increase hope and well-being among shelter residents. the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (Special Issue: A Critical Exploration of Girls’ and Women’s Experiences in Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership), 12(1), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2020-V12-I1-9928
VanKanegan, C., Tucker, A. R., McMillion, P., & Gass, M. (2019). Adventure therapy and its impact on the functioning of youth in a community setting. Social Work with Groups, 42(2), 127-141. https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2018.1478761
Christian, D. D., Brown, C. L., & Portrie-Bethke, T. L. (2019). Group climate and development in adventure therapy: An exploratory study. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 44(1), 25–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933922.2018.1561776
Christian, D. D., Perryman, K. L., & Portrie-Bethke, T. L. (2017). Improving the parent/adolescent relationship with adventure based counseling: An Adlerian perspective. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 3(1), 44-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/23727810.2017.1281693
Karoff, M., Tucker, A. R., Alvarez, M. A., & Kovacs, P. (2017). Infusing a peer-to-peer support program with adventure therapy for adolescent students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal for Experiential Education, 40(4), 394-408. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1053825917727551
Aytur, S. A., Jones, S. A., Stransky, M., & Evenson, K. R. (2015). Measuring physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments: Implications for research, policy, and practice. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports, 9, 1-13. 10.1007/s12170-014-0423-4
Koperski, H., Tucker, A. R., Lung, D. M., & Gass, M. (2015). The impact of community-based adventure therapy programming on stress and coping skills in adults. Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology, 4(1), 1-16. https://scholars.unh.edu/socwork_facpub/53/
Norton, C. L., Wisner, B., Krugh, M., Penn, A. (2014). Helping youth transition into an alternative residential school setting: Exploring the effects of a wilderness orientation program on youth purpose and identity complexity. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 31(5), 475-493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-014-0331-y
Norton, C. L., Watt, T., & Penn, A. (2014). Exploring the impact of a wilderness-based positive youth development program for urban youth. Journal of Experiential Education, 37(4), 335-350. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825913503113
Scheinfeld, D. E., & Buser S. J. (2013). Adventure therapy for men’s groups. In A. Rochlen & F. Rabinowitz (Eds.), Breaking barriers in counseling men: Insights and innovations. Routledge Press.
Tucker, A. R., Javorski, S., Tracy, J., & Beale, B. (2013). The use of adventure therapy in community-based mental health: Decreases in problem severity among youth clients. Child and Youth Care Forum, 42(2), 155-179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-012-9190-x
Bowen, D., & Neill, J. (2013). A meta-analysis of adventure therapy outcomes and moderators. The Open Psychology Journal, 6, 28- 53. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874350120130802001
Gillis, H. L. & Speelman. E. (2008). Are challenge (ropes) courses an effective tool? A meta-analysis. The Journal of Experiential Education, 31(2), 111-135. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F105382590803100202
Lyn, R., Aytur, S. A., Davis, T., Eyler, A., Evenson, K., Chriqui, J., Cradock, A., Goins, K., Litt, J., & Brownson, R. (2013). Policy, systems, and environmental approaches for obesity prevention: A framework to inform local and state action. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 19, (Supplement 1), S23-S33. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182841709
