Maximizing Outdoor Experiential Training and Development Programs (Part II) ( part I)

Although OTD is based around these unitary concepts, the vehicles and approaches implemented can be quite diverse. Whereas most OTD programs are carried on outdoors (there has been a recent trend to create artificial outdoor environments indoors), the level of instruction, type of activity, level of risk, and achievable outcomes will vary according to the type of program undertaken. Richard Wagner and Christopher Roland, authors of “How Effective is Outdoor Training?” suggest that OTD programs can be broken into two categories:

 

1. Low-impact programs generally use initiatives with limited physical risk. Activities tend to involve an entire work group.
2. High impact programs use initiatives that have a relatively high level of perceived risk. They can involve individuals as the focus of the activity.

This model seems incomplete given the heterogeneous nature of OTD vehicles and their impacted focus on work groups or individuals. Although Agran, Garvey, Miner and Priest suggest a more detailed model of activities and purposes, their model too seems incomplete. A more comprehensive model serving to combine the two is provided below.

Activities and Purposes of OTD

Socialization Games

 

• Examples: Name Game, Group Juggle, Human Knot, Lap Sits, Circle The Circle, Yurt Circle
• Description: Games or activities designed with the aim of familiarizing work groups and individuals with other members of the group, inciting excitement, establishing group tones, and reducing individuals’ inhibitions.
• Outcomes: Fun, Familiarization, Socialization, Excitement

Group Initiatives

 

• Examples: Prouty’s Landing, Croc Pit, Spider Web, Group Wall
• Descriptions: Problems involving real and imaginary ground-based obstacles (either natural or constructed) that challenge a group to pool their resources and work together to find solutions. Successful solutions require the participation of all group members working in concert (Brassfield, Sandweiss, and Smith, 2004).
• Outcomes: Team Work Strategies, Strategic Planning, Effective Communication, Decision Making, Leadership, Personality Types, Conflict Resolution, Allocation Of Resources, Creative Problem Solving, Trust And Support.

Low Ropes Courses

 

• Examples: Mohawk Walk, Wild Woozy, Dangle Dou
• Descriptions: Often consist of individual elements or a series of elements based a few feet off the ground. Similar to high rope elements, these activities are not dependent on mechanical or physical belay systems, but rather, aggressive participant spotting. Generally require a degree of athleticism, supported by other group members, and a willingness to take risks. Involve a higher degree of actual risk.
• Outcomes: Individual And Group Achievement, Team Work Strategies, Personal Growth, Risk –Taking, Trust, Communication

High Ropes Courses

 

• Examples: Pamper Pole, Mulit-Vine Traverse, Burma Bridge, Postman’s Walk
• Description: Refer to any number of elements based high off the ground where a belay system of some sort is utilized to manage risk. Courses present tests of physical strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility, and they invite participants to confront such emotional issues as the fear of heights, the fear of failure, and the fear of losing control. They require participants to draw upon reserves of courage and strength and to re-examine assumptions about their physical and emotional limitations. Conducted within a context of group encouragement and support, these programs often lead participants to a heightened awareness of self and to an increase of confidence and self-esteem (Brassfield et al., 2004).
• Outcomes: Risk-Taking, Confronting Fears, Re-Assess Assumptions About Physical And Emotional Limitations, Generate Excitement, Build Confidence, Foster Support and Encouragement.

Activity- Based Outdoor Pursuits

 

• Examples: Climbing, Kayaking, Caving, Rafting, Mountain Biking
• Description: Refer to outdoor adventures where rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, or some other vehicle are used to metaphorically tackle problems. The level of activity, impact and risk depend on the environment, qualifications of the guide, nature of the program, and vehicle utilized.
• Outcomes: Confidence, Coping With Change And Uncertainty, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, And Judgment.

Wilderness-Based Outdoor Pursuits

 

• Examples: Expedition-Style Backpacking, Canoeing, and Rafting
• Description: Refer to extended or multi-day wilderness adventures where food and supplies are carried along with the group.
• Outcomes: Leadership Development, Judgment, Conflict Resolution, Examination Of Group Process, Big Picture, Team Work, Bonding

Other Adventures

 

• Examples: Military Scenarios, Fire Walking, Bungee Jumping, Car Racing
• Description: May refer to a variety of simulated or nontraditional activities aimed at novel, shared experiences. Different vehicles allow for different metaphors.
• Outcomes: Simulations allow for big picture experiences, time management, and decision making, while nontraditional activities focus on motivation, commitment, and leadership of teams.

continued in part III