Programming in schools and colleges integrates hands-on learning experiences often in natural settings to enhance student engagement and personal development.
These programs focus on fostering skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience through experiential and adventure based challenges. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, they promote holistic education that nurtures students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Publications
Deringer, S., Mitten, D., Rabinowitz, E., Leonard, A., & Clegg, J. (2024). Use of nearby nature in college outdoor programming. Journal of Experiential Education. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241265970.
Conway, P. F., & Rohn, K. C. (2024). Self-authorship development in the outdoors: But for whom? Journal of College Student Development, 65(1), 95-100. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/csd.2024.a919353.
Brown, C. L., Christian, D. D. & Crowson, H. M. (2023). Effects of an adventure therapy mountain bike program on middle school students’ resiliency. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 9(2), 222-241. https://doi.org/10.1080/23727810.2023.2229084
Denny, S., Norton, C. L., & Tucker, A. R. (2023). Promoting resilience in college students through group-based adventure therapy. Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 15(1), 1-29.
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
Rohn, K. C., & Conway, P. (2023). Thru-hiking and thriving: Exploring college student experiences on the Appalachian Trail. Journal of Experiential Education, 46(2), 161-179. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259221115825.
Brown, C. L., Smarinsky, E. C., McCarty, D. L., & Christian, D. D. (2022). Student experiences of an adventure therapy mountain bike program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 22(4), 313-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2022.2100430
Christian, D. D., McCarty, D. L., & Brown, C. L. (2021). Experiential education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A reflective process. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 34(3), 264-277. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720537.2020.1813666
Christian, D. D., McMillon, P., Brown, C. L., Schoonover, T. J., & Miller, B. (2021). Using adventure therapy to improve self-efficacy of middle school students. Journal of School Counseling, 19(26), 1-44. http://www.jsc.montana.edu/articles/v19n26.pdf
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
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
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
