Resilience Outdoor Education

1. Resilience & OutdoorEducation  Resilience & Outdoor Education: Overview of Theory, Research & Practice James Neill, Centre for Applied Psychology, University of Canberra Keynote at Inaugural Singapore Outdoor Education Conference, Nov 5-6, 2004 www.wilderdom.com Email:james@wilderdom.comResilience & Outdoor Education: Overview of Theory, Research & Practice James Neill, Centre for Applied Psychology, University of Canberra Keynote at Inaugural Singapore Outdoor Education Conference, Nov 5-6, 2004 www.wilderdom.com Email:james@wilderdom.com

2. What is Resilience? For example: ecological resilience, cultural resilience psychological resilience What are the characteristics of resilient people? Can we teach resilience?For example: ecological resilience, cultural resilience psychological resilience What are the characteristics of resilient people? Can we teach resilience?

3. What is Resilience? The poets have captured resilience better than psychologists, whether through tragedy, comedy, war stories, love stories, biography and autobiography. Who can you think of as examples of resilient people? I�m thinking here of people such as Aung Sung Su Chi (Democracy advocate under house arrest in Myanmar), Helen Keller (Jewish girl who kept diary whilst hiding from Nazis, eventually died in concentration camp), Nelson Mandela (jailed for decades in South Africa during apartheid, then later leader of the country), etc. Most resilient people, however, are not famous. Resilience is also exemplified in wars, sporting stories, battles and other triumphs of the human spirit. Resilience it not a fluke, it generally emerges in people who�ve trained hard, have particular attitudes, cognitive and emotional skills and a deep determination to overcome serious challenges. After all, it is the triumph of the human spirit we�re talking about here, a triumph which is less often married to external outcomes or achievements than it is an internal journey. Ultimately it seems to me resilience is some kind dynamic quality that is very private. If rooted firmly in the inner sanctum, resilience can hibernate but remain alive during times of difficulty and oppression, then flower when circumstances become more favorable. It is the inner voice that is most prevalent in the human psyche; the inner voice is constantly chattering away. Human psychological experience is fundamentally shaped by what happens in the inner sanctum or core beliefs. When events become overwhelming, when adrenalin surges, when things go wrong, resilience emerges as the capacity to still find the wherewithal, determination and reason to cope with situation, regardless, despite all odds and more often than not, to find ways through. Each of us comes from a long lineage of resilient human beings. If our forbearers were not collectively resilient, they wouldn�t have succeeded in passing on their genes. By fact of our evolution and survival, it must be said, we are remarkable creatures with regard to our capacity to adapt and evolve. Yet we also face the real prospect of distinction within the not too distant future cosmologically speaking. Nevertheless, everybody would secretly love to discover themselves as a heroic adventurer and the human capacity for innovative survival has proven itself quite extraordinarily. Living by will alone though is not enough, it takes a lifelong and daily commitment to concentrate and exercise one�s deepest capacities of resilience in order to genuinely consider oneself resilient to a wide variety of human challenges. And it should be noted that resilience does not guarantee one�s survival � we all die sooner or later and many of the most resilient people in the world are being cut down in their midst. In the process of living and dying, we ride the waves.The poets have captured resilience better than psychologists, whether through tragedy, comedy, war stories, love stories, biography and autobiography. Who can you think of as examples of resilient people? I�m thinking here of people such as Aung Sung Su Chi (Democracy advocate under house arrest in Myanmar), Helen Keller (Jewish girl who kept diary whilst hiding from Nazis, eventually died in concentration camp), Nelson Mandela (jailed for decades in South Africa during apartheid, then later leader of the country), etc. Most resilient people, however, are not famous. Resilience is also exemplified in wars, sporting stories, battles and other triumphs of the human spirit. Resilience it not a fluke, it generally emerges in people who�ve trained hard, have particular attitudes, cognitive and emotional skills and a deep determination to overcome serious challenges. After all, it is the triumph of the human spirit we�re talking about here, a triumph which is less often married to external outcomes or achievements than it is an internal journey. Ultimately it seems to me resilience is some kind dynamic quality that is very private. If rooted firmly in the inner sanctum, resilience can hibernate but remain alive during times of difficulty and oppression, then flower when circumstances become more favorable. It is the inner voice that is most prevalent in the human psyche; the inner voice is constantly chattering away. Human psychological experience is fundamentally shaped by what happens in the inner sanctum or core beliefs. When events become overwhelming, when adrenalin surges, when things go wrong, resilience emerges as the capacity to still find the wherewithal, determination and reason to cope with situation, regardless, despite all odds and more often than not, to find ways through. Each of us comes from a long lineage of resilient human beings. If our forbearers were not collectively resilient, they wouldn�t have succeeded in passing on their genes. By fact of our evolution and survival, it must be said, we are remarkable creatures with regard to our capacity to adapt and evolve. Yet we also face the real prospect of distinction within the not too distant future cosmologically speaking. Nevertheless, everybody would secretly love to discover themselves as a heroic adventurer and the human capacity for innovative survival has proven itself quite extraordinarily. Living by will alone though is not enough, it takes a lifelong and daily commitment to concentrate and exercise one�s deepest capacities of resilience in order to genuinely consider oneself resilient to a wide variety of human challenges. And it should be noted that resilience does not guarantee one�s survival � we all die sooner or later and many of the most resilient people in the world are being cut down in their midst. In the process of living and dying, we ride the waves.

4. What is Resilience?

5. What is Resilience? Another resilience quote: A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Two mice, one white and one black, little by little began to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. He plucked the berry with one hand. How sweet it tasted!- BuddhaAnother resilience quote: A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Two mice, one white and one black, little by little began to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. He plucked the berry with one hand. How sweet it tasted!- Buddha

6. What is Resilience? What is resilience � now for some more psychological definitions�. You might consider the extent to which you personally have these kinds of qualities.What is resilience � now for some more psychological definitions�. You might consider the extent to which you personally have these kinds of qualities.

7. What is Resilience?

8. What is Resilience? Highly resilient people actually thrive on problems/difficulties because they view these as challenging opportunities to be creative, try new things, galvanize people, etc.Highly resilient people actually thrive on problems/difficulties because they view these as challenging opportunities to be creative, try new things, galvanize people, etc.

9. What is Resilience? Also consider� Having the wherewithal to handle almost anything Hardiness & Resourcefulness Adaptive CopingAlso consider� Having the wherewithal to handle almost anything Hardiness & Resourcefulness Adaptive Coping

10. What is Resilience?

11. The Human Story(or What Has Happened in the 1 to 2 million Years?)

12. �March of Progress�� We come from 100,000+ years of indigenous culture/skills in outdoors Industrialized people no longer have direct, daily, challenging contact with survivaltasks in nature We invented the door! Education became �indoors�. Other education become �outdoors�. �March of Progress�� We come from 100,000+ years of indigenous culture/skills in outdoors Industrialized people no longer have direct, daily, challenging contact with survivaltasks in nature We invented the door! Education became �indoors�. Other education become �outdoors�.

13. Quoted in Stanley Kubrick: A Film Odyssey (1975) by Gene D. PhillipsQuoted in Stanley Kubrick: A Film Odyssey (1975) by Gene D. Phillips

14. We have not been alone during evolution � in fact we have evolved as a particularly resilient homo species. From Left to Right: Orang-otang, Neanderthal, Homo FlorensisWe have not been alone during evolution � in fact we have evolved as a particularly resilient homo species. From Left to Right: Orang-otang, Neanderthal, Homo Florensis

15. 7th Generation Decision Making �- an Iroquois chief quoted by Jeremy Rifkin in Time Wars�- an Iroquois chief quoted by Jeremy Rifkin in Time Wars

16. What Has Happened in the last 150 Years?ZEITGEIST-> PSYGEIST For example: ecological resilience, cultural resilience psychological resilience What are the characteristics of resilient people? Can we teach resilience?For example: ecological resilience, cultural resilience psychological resilience What are the characteristics of resilient people? Can we teach resilience?

17. Industrialized Culture Urbanized, post-industrial society provides shelter, food, etc. These lifestyles seem to have induced modern �diseasesUrbanized, post-industrial society provides shelter, food, etc. These lifestyles seem to have induced modern �diseases

18. What has really changed? Millions of Years: Hunting Hundreds of Years: Mountainclimbing Tens of Years: The WallMillions of Years: Hunting Hundreds of Years: Mountainclimbing Tens of Years: The Wall

19. What has really changed? Same theme as previous slide: Australian aboriginals: Hundreds of Thousands of Years ago? At least 40,000 years. Thor Heyerdahl: 50 years ago � replicated possible ancient voyages Seakayaking: Today, our calling for ocean-intimate voyaging continues with the popularity of seakayking and small boating.Same theme as previous slide: Australian aboriginals: Hundreds of Thousands of Years ago? At least 40,000 years. Thor Heyerdahl: 50 years ago � replicated possible ancient voyages Seakayaking: Today, our calling for ocean-intimate voyaging continues with the popularity of seakayking and small boating.

20. Same theme as previous 2 slides: i.e., our diet has radically shifted in last few hundred years from basic food direct from the environment to pre-processed food; combined with sedentry lifestyle, the foodxlifestyle changes have lead to health problems including overweight, diabetes, heart disease, etc. � overfed, underexcised society; if we reverse that at least temporarily it can potentially unlock a healthier shift towards less food, better quality, natural food consumed and more beneficial physical exercise Photo source (left): http://teacher.scholastic.com/thanksgiving/plimoth/daily.htmSame theme as previous 2 slides: i.e., our diet has radically shifted in last few hundred years from basic food direct from the environment to pre-processed food; combined with sedentry lifestyle, the foodxlifestyle changes have lead to health problems including overweight, diabetes, heart disease, etc. � overfed, underexcised society; if we reverse that at least temporarily it can potentially unlock a healthier shift towards less food, better quality, natural food consumed and more beneficial physical exercise Photo source (left): http://teacher.scholastic.com/thanksgiving/plimoth/daily.htm

21. Same theme as previous 4 slides: - Humans have been characterised by their association with tools and technology through the ages Tool-making and the use of technology arguably dates from when man first mastered fire, roughly about 500,000 years ago? Humans became able to extract metals from the ground, e.g., Iron Age in Britain ~ 750 BC to early AD 150 years ago, human work in the Western world became characterized by its focus on finer tools, e.g., machines 20 years ago, this tool-making lead to the creation of computers; 10 years ago the internet went into the public domain�. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/prehistory/ironage_intro_01.shtmlSame theme as previous 4 slides: - Humans have been characterised by their association with tools and technology through the ages Tool-making and the use of technology arguably dates from when man first mastered fire, roughly about 500,000 years ago? Humans became able to extract metals from the ground, e.g., Iron Age in Britain ~ 750 BC to early AD 150 years ago, human work in the Western world became characterized by its focus on finer tools, e.g., machines 20 years ago, this tool-making lead to the creation of computers; 10 years ago the internet went into the public domain�. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/prehistory/ironage_intro_01.shtml

22. What has really changed? Can i all be summed up in one slide: Technology? The human, in essence, still pursues direct enagement with the processes of nature, but this is heavily interceded by the industrial products of modern society � e.g., the house, the non-direct work with nature, modern transportation and the remoteness of natural environments. Technology in its myriad forms intercedes between direct experience and daily intimacy with nature Human�s inbuilt sensitivities and capacities for acquiring knowledge about nature are under-utilised We are yet to understand the impacts of humans living en masse in radically artificial environsWhat has really changed? Can i all be summed up in one slide: Technology? The human, in essence, still pursues direct enagement with the processes of nature, but this is heavily interceded by the industrial products of modern society � e.g., the house, the non-direct work with nature, modern transportation and the remoteness of natural environments. Technology in its myriad forms intercedes between direct experience and daily intimacy with nature Human�s inbuilt sensitivities and capacities for acquiring knowledge about nature are under-utilised We are yet to understand the impacts of humans living en masse in radically artificial environs

23. Transportation In 1900 there were 8,000 cars and 144 miles of paved road in the USA.

24. Eating & Exercising We are eating 750 calories per day less than in the 1970s � but we are burning 800 fewer calories per day.

25. Sedentary Lifestyle Television occupies about 40% of the free time of American adults.

26. Obesity In the last 20 years there has been 2.5 fold increase in the rates of obesity in industrialized countries.

27. Recent British research has found that children are increasingly playing indoors. Adult intolerance forcing children to be mini-adults Increased fear of child molestation Decline of extended family, increase in single parents Perceived inaccessibility of outdoor places in urban society http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,11381,1011492,00.html Roger Dobson: Children growing up as inside people The New Zealand Herald - September 2, 2003 COMMENT LONDON - Remember those childhood adventures? That den in the woods, the secret tunnel by the old factory, the bike rides? Chances are that if you were born 30 or more years ago, you will have some memories of the delights, and horrors, of playing in the great outdoors from dawn to dusk. But no such memories await today's British children, it seems. According to the latest research, the pleasures of outdoor play are being denied to youngsters, whose childhoods are increasingly being spent inside watching TV and playing computer games. A report from the Children's Society (formed in 1881) suggests that children are being prevented from playing outside by grumpy and intolerant adults, whose view is that children should be neither seen nor heard. Eight out of 10 children told researchers that they had been told off for playing outdoors, and half said they had been shouted at, with 11-year-olds attracting the most adult hostility. But is it as simple as that? After all, adults have always been pretty intolerant of kids, especially other people's, and have tended to be more comfortable in the company of quiet, unquestioning, ever-grateful pets. Yet there is little doubt that other factors are at play. There is pressure against outdoor play from parents, who are increasingly mindful of stranger-danger and child molesters and who rest easier when their children are inside on the computer rather than playing with friends outside. Playgrounds, once a Mecca for children, are in decline, often because councils no longer want to risk claims for injuries incurred on slides and swings. The decline of the extended family had an effect too, with far-away grandparents no longer able to provide an alternative playing haven. And then, of course, there is the traffic, the sheer volume of which has restricted the movements of children and prevented them wandering far from home. A result of all these societal changes is that children don't get out any more. A survey of new American graduates aged 21 to 24 found that many had parents who would not allow them to play outside because of fears they would be kidnapped or molested. Similar fears have been reported in Japan and South America. The consequences of losing out on outdoor play can last: "When we play games with other children we learn how to compete, organise groups, be creative, and develop socially. It also helps to relate to others and to form relationships," says psychologist James Ryde. Today's children are facing pressure from two directions. If they stay inside watching TV or playing on the PC, they risk being labelled as an obese couch potato, and if they do venture outside they risk incurring the disapproval of parents and the intolerance of neighbours. According to the latest research, most are now opting to stay indoors, denied the opportunities to let off steam and forced into a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that is likely to fuel the growing obesity epidemic. A survey of British parents found that seven out of 10 children spent more time playing on computers and watching TV during the summer holidays than anything else, and one in four youngsters spent seven or more hours a day on such indoor activities. Children's Society research, based on the responses of 2800 children, suggests adult intolerance is a significant problem: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public. We are in danger of letting grumpy adults tidy our children away," says society executive Tim Linehan. "Children can only roam about half as far as they used to, and that is how parents respond to the towns and cities where we live. When I was a boy, if I was told off - and there has always been some tension between adults and children - we would always go off and play somewhere else. Now, children don't have as many choices as they used to." One-off projects for encouraging children to play outdoors abound, but fail to tackle the underlying problem, that adults now appear more intolerant of children than they have ever been. The fear is that unless something is done, more and more children will end up as unhealthy, overweight adults whose childhood memories will be of time spent alone in a bedroom with a computer rather than out with friends. - INDEPENDENT A 132-year old, prestigious and multi-award winning daily newspaper - by far New Zealand's largest and most successful. The New Zealand Herald (URL link to: http://www.nzherald.co.nz) Roger Dobson: Children growing up as inside people The New Zealand Herald - September 2, 2003 COMMENT LONDON - Remember those childhood adventures? That den in the woods, the secret tunnel by the old factory, the bike rides? Chances are that if you were born 30 or more years ago, you will have some memories of the delights, and horrors, of playing in the great outdoors from dawn to dusk. But no such memories await today's British children, it seems. According to the latest research, the pleasures of outdoor play are being denied to youngsters, whose childhoods are increasingly being spent inside watching TV and playing computer games. A report from the Children's Society (formed in 1881) suggests that children are being prevented from playing outside by grumpy and intolerant adults, whose view is that children should be neither seen nor heard. Eight out of 10 children told researchers that they had been told off for playing outdoors, and half said they had been shouted at, with 11-year-olds attracting the most adult hostility. But is it as simple as that? After all, adults have always been pretty intolerant of kids, especially other people's, and have tended to be more comfortable in the company of quiet, unquestioning, ever-grateful pets. Yet there is little doubt that other factors are at play. There is pressure against outdoor play from parents, who are increasingly mindful of stranger-danger and child molesters and who rest easier when their children are inside on the computer rather than playing with friends outside. Playgrounds, once a Mecca for children, are in decline, often because councils no longer want to risk claims for injuries incurred on slides and swings. The decline of the extended family had an effect too, with far-away grandparents no longer able to provide an alternative playing haven. And then, of course, there is the traffic, the sheer volume of which has restricted the movements of children and prevented them wandering far from home. A result of all these societal changes is that children don't get out any more. A survey of new American graduates aged 21 to 24 found that many had parents who would not allow them to play outside because of fears they would be kidnapped or molested. Similar fears have been reported in Japan and South America. The consequences of losing out on outdoor play can last: "When we play games with other children we learn how to compete, organise groups, be creative, and develop socially. It also helps to relate to others and to form relationships," says psychologist James Ryde. Today's children are facing pressure from two directions. If they stay inside watching TV or playing on the PC, they risk being labelled as an obese couch potato, and if they do venture outside they risk incurring the disapproval of parents and the intolerance of neighbours. According to the latest research, most are now opting to stay indoors, denied the opportunities to let off steam and forced into a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that is likely to fuel the growing obesity epidemic. A survey of British parents found that seven out of 10 children spent more time playing on computers and watching TV during the summer holidays than anything else, and one in four youngsters spent seven or more hours a day on such indoor activities. Children's Society research, based on the responses of 2800 children, suggests adult intolerance is a significant problem: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public. We are in danger of letting grumpy adults tidy our children away," says society executive Tim Linehan. "Children can only roam about half as far as they used to, and that is how parents respond to the towns and cities where we live. When I was a boy, if I was told off - and there has always been some tension between adults and children - we would always go off and play somewhere else. Now, children don't have as many choices as they used to." One-off projects for encouraging children to play outdoors abound, but fail to tackle the underlying problem, that adults now appear more intolerant of children than they have ever been. The fear is that unless something is done, more and more children will end up as unhealthy, overweight adults whose childhood memories will be of time spent alone in a bedroom with a computer rather than out with friends. - INDEPENDENT A 132-year old, prestigious and multi-award winning daily newspaper - by far New Zealand's largest and most successful. The New Zealand Herald (URL link to: http://www.nzherald.co.nz) Adult intolerance forcing children to be mini-adults Increased fear of child molestation Decline of extended family, increase in single parents Perceived inaccessibility of outdoor places in urban society http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,11381,1011492,00.html Roger Dobson: Children growing up as inside people The New Zealand Herald - September 2, 2003 COMMENT LONDON - Remember those childhood adventures? That den in the woods, the secret tunnel by the old factory, the bike rides? Chances are that if you were born 30 or more years ago, you will have some memories of the delights, and horrors, of playing in the great outdoors from dawn to dusk. But no such memories await today's British children, it seems. According to the latest research, the pleasures of outdoor play are being denied to youngsters, whose childhoods are increasingly being spent inside watching TV and playing computer games. A report from the Children's Society (formed in 1881) suggests that children are being prevented from playing outside by grumpy and intolerant adults, whose view is that children should be neither seen nor heard. Eight out of 10 children told researchers that they had been told off for playing outdoors, and half said they had been shouted at, with 11-year-olds attracting the most adult hostility. But is it as simple as that? After all, adults have always been pretty intolerant of kids, especially other people's, and have tended to be more comfortable in the company of quiet, unquestioning, ever-grateful pets. Yet there is little doubt that other factors are at play. There is pressure against outdoor play from parents, who are increasingly mindful of stranger-danger and child molesters and who rest easier when their children are inside on the computer rather than playing with friends outside. Playgrounds, once a Mecca for children, are in decline, often because councils no longer want to risk claims for injuries incurred on slides and swings. The decline of the extended family had an effect too, with far-away grandparents no longer able to provide an alternative playing haven. And then, of course, there is the traffic, the sheer volume of which has restricted the movements of children and prevented them wandering far from home. A result of all these societal changes is that children don't get out any more. A survey of new American graduates aged 21 to 24 found that many had parents who would not allow them to play outside because of fears they would be kidnapped or molested. Similar fears have been reported in Japan and South America. The consequences of losing out on outdoor play can last: "When we play games with other children we learn how to compete, organise groups, be creative, and develop socially. It also helps to relate to others and to form relationships," says psychologist James Ryde. Today's children are facing pressure from two directions. If they stay inside watching TV or playing on the PC, they risk being labelled as an obese couch potato, and if they do venture outside they risk incurring the disapproval of parents and the intolerance of neighbours. According to the latest research, most are now opting to stay indoors, denied the opportunities to let off steam and forced into a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that is likely to fuel the growing obesity epidemic. A survey of British parents found that seven out of 10 children spent more time playing on computers and watching TV during the summer holidays than anything else, and one in four youngsters spent seven or more hours a day on such indoor activities. Children's Society research, based on the responses of 2800 children, suggests adult intolerance is a significant problem: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public. We are in danger of letting grumpy adults tidy our children away," says society executive Tim Linehan. "Children can only roam about half as far as they used to, and that is how parents respond to the towns and cities where we live. When I was a boy, if I was told off - and there has always been some tension between adults and children - we would always go off and play somewhere else. Now, children don't have as many choices as they used to." One-off projects for encouraging children to play outdoors abound, but fail to tackle the underlying problem, that adults now appear more intolerant of children than they have ever been. The fear is that unless something is done, more and more children will end up as unhealthy, overweight adults whose childhood memories will be of time spent alone in a bedroom with a computer rather than out with friends. - INDEPENDENT A 132-year old, prestigious and multi-award winning daily newspaper - by far New Zealand's largest and most successful. The New Zealand Herald (URL link to: http://www.nzherald.co.nz) Roger Dobson: Children growing up as inside people The New Zealand Herald - September 2, 2003 COMMENT LONDON - Remember those childhood adventures? That den in the woods, the secret tunnel by the old factory, the bike rides? Chances are that if you were born 30 or more years ago, you will have some memories of the delights, and horrors, of playing in the great outdoors from dawn to dusk. But no such memories await today's British children, it seems. According to the latest research, the pleasures of outdoor play are being denied to youngsters, whose childhoods are increasingly being spent inside watching TV and playing computer games. A report from the Children's Society (formed in 1881) suggests that children are being prevented from playing outside by grumpy and intolerant adults, whose view is that children should be neither seen nor heard. Eight out of 10 children told researchers that they had been told off for playing outdoors, and half said they had been shouted at, with 11-year-olds attracting the most adult hostility. But is it as simple as that? After all, adults have always been pretty intolerant of kids, especially other people's, and have tended to be more comfortable in the company of quiet, unquestioning, ever-grateful pets. Yet there is little doubt that other factors are at play. There is pressure against outdoor play from parents, who are increasingly mindful of stranger-danger and child molesters and who rest easier when their children are inside on the computer rather than playing with friends outside. Playgrounds, once a Mecca for children, are in decline, often because councils no longer want to risk claims for injuries incurred on slides and swings. The decline of the extended family had an effect too, with far-away grandparents no longer able to provide an alternative playing haven. And then, of course, there is the traffic, the sheer volume of which has restricted the movements of children and prevented them wandering far from home. A result of all these societal changes is that children don't get out any more. A survey of new American graduates aged 21 to 24 found that many had parents who would not allow them to play outside because of fears they would be kidnapped or molested. Similar fears have been reported in Japan and South America. The consequences of losing out on outdoor play can last: "When we play games with other children we learn how to compete, organise groups, be creative, and develop socially. It also helps to relate to others and to form relationships," says psychologist James Ryde. Today's children are facing pressure from two directions. If they stay inside watching TV or playing on the PC, they risk being labelled as an obese couch potato, and if they do venture outside they risk incurring the disapproval of parents and the intolerance of neighbours. According to the latest research, most are now opting to stay indoors, denied the opportunities to let off steam and forced into a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that is likely to fuel the growing obesity epidemic. A survey of British parents found that seven out of 10 children spent more time playing on computers and watching TV during the summer holidays than anything else, and one in four youngsters spent seven or more hours a day on such indoor activities. Children's Society research, based on the responses of 2800 children, suggests adult intolerance is a significant problem: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public. We are in danger of letting grumpy adults tidy our children away," says society executive Tim Linehan. "Children can only roam about half as far as they used to, and that is how parents respond to the towns and cities where we live. When I was a boy, if I was told off - and there has always been some tension between adults and children - we would always go off and play somewhere else. Now, children don't have as many choices as they used to." One-off projects for encouraging children to play outdoors abound, but fail to tackle the underlying problem, that adults now appear more intolerant of children than they have ever been. The fear is that unless something is done, more and more children will end up as unhealthy, overweight adults whose childhood memories will be of time spent alone in a bedroom with a computer rather than out with friends. - INDEPENDENT A 132-year old, prestigious and multi-award winning daily newspaper - by far New Zealand's largest and most successful. The New Zealand Herald (URL link to: http://www.nzherald.co.nz)

28. 6 Declines of Modern Youth(Dr. Kurt Hahn, 1930s) Fitness Initiative & enterprise Memory & imagination Skill & care Self discipline Compassion Decline of fitness due to modern methods of locomotion Decline of initiative and enterprise due to the widespread disease of �spectatoritis� Decline of memory and imagination due to the confused restlessness of modern life Decline of skill and care due to the weakened tradition of craftsmanship Decline of self discipline due to the ever-present availability of stimulants and tranquilizers Decline of compassion due to the unseemly haste with which modern life is conducted or as William Temple called �spiritual death�Decline of fitness due to modern methods of locomotion Decline of initiative and enterprise due to the widespread disease of �spectatoritis� Decline of memory and imagination due to the confused restlessness of modern life Decline of skill and care due to the weakened tradition of craftsmanship Decline of self discipline due to the ever-present availability of stimulants and tranquilizers Decline of compassion due to the unseemly haste with which modern life is conducted or as William Temple called �spiritual death�

29. Industrialized Youth ~75% students; ~25% unemployed Issues of concern: Mental Health Physical Fitness Purpose and Hope Job Skills Society undergoing massive change Extended adolescence with limited �real life� experience opportunity Working into the 2050�s Living into the 2100�s Behaviour Problems Drug/Alcohol Problems Family Problems Depression & Anxiety Learning Problems Uncertain future Lack of healthy guidanceSociety undergoing massive change Extended adolescence with limited �real life� experience opportunity Working into the 2050�s Living into the 2100�s Behaviour Problems Drug/Alcohol Problems Family Problems Depression & Anxiety Learning Problems Uncertain future Lack of healthy guidance

30. Can Resilience be Trained?

31. Quote by - Theodora Kroeber Ishi was the last of the Mohicans, the last hunter-gather Native American. More information at: http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo08019.html Quote by - Theodora Kroeber Ishi was the last of the Mohicans, the last hunter-gather Native American. More information at: http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo08019.html

32. e.g., indigenousRites of Passage Note: Much delinquency can be seen as a healthy, innate need to take risks, experiment, and find out about one�s abilities and capabilitiesNote: Much delinquency can be seen as a healthy, innate need to take risks, experiment, and find out about one�s abilities and capabilities

33. Moral Equivalent of War William James - �The Moral Equivalent of War� (1896) War trains people in skills, discipline, hardship, comradeship, community, teamwork, etc. We need a moral equivalent, e.g., peace corps, green corps, outdoor educationWar trains people in skills, discipline, hardship, comradeship, community, teamwork, etc. We need a moral equivalent, e.g., peace corps, green corps, outdoor education

34. 4 Antidotes of Modern Ills(Dr. Kurt Hahn, 1930s) Fitness Training Expeditions Projects Rescue Service -> Duke of Edinburgh, Outward Bound, etc. Kurt Hahn proposed four pillars as antidotes for dealing with the six declines of modern youth. These principles underly many of Kurt Hahn�s educational projects, including Salem Schule in Germany, Goronstoun in Scotland, Outward Bound, Duke of Edinburgh�s Award Scheme and the International Baccalaureate. Kurt Hahn proposed four pillars as antidotes for dealing with the six declines of modern youth. These principles underly many of Kurt Hahn�s educational projects, including Salem Schule in Germany, Goronstoun in Scotland, Outward Bound, Duke of Edinburgh�s Award Scheme and the International Baccalaureate.

35. What I find so encouraging about this is that all of us�all of us teachers and students of enlightenment�are at this time in history involved in a truly grand experiment. Never have all of the world's "growth technologies" been fully available to a single culture: we have access not only to all of the forms of Western psychotherapy and human potential techniques, we have access to virtually all of the world's great wisdom traditions as well. And we are all now engaged in this "simple yet complex" experiment in how best to balance all of these approaches� (Wilber, 2000) (Wilber, 2000)

36. Commitment in the face of challenge produces character. - John C. Maxwell

37. John Dewey: Father of Experiential Education Teacher as Midwife �Teacher as midwife� was Dewey�s central metaphor which sums up his view of teaching process. The student is the one who gives birth to ideas, learning and knowledge, not the teacher. The teacher is there to support, encourage, be quiet, provide hot towels, etc. This is the nurturant, facilitating aspect of teaching and it is essential in outdoor education if we are to make use of outdoor activities for the purposes of resilience building.�Teacher as midwife� was Dewey�s central metaphor which sums up his view of teaching process. The student is the one who gives birth to ideas, learning and knowledge, not the teacher. The teacher is there to support, encourage, be quiet, provide hot towels, etc. This is the nurturant, facilitating aspect of teaching and it is essential in outdoor education if we are to make use of outdoor activities for the purposes of resilience building.

38. Resilience building is not easy and generally does not come without some sweat or tears figuratively and literally. Kurt Hahn viewed Outward Bound as a double-edged sword, which cut and healed. Think about it � how many of the indigenous tribes people have you seen with scars, literally, from their initiation rituals. In a sense, we all need to engage in experiences which cut us mentally and physically, but experiences which leave us stronger for the experience.Resilience building is not easy and generally does not come without some sweat or tears figuratively and literally. Kurt Hahn viewed Outward Bound as a double-edged sword, which cut and healed. Think about it � how many of the indigenous tribes people have you seen with scars, literally, from their initiation rituals. In a sense, we all need to engage in experiences which cut us mentally and physically, but experiences which leave us stronger for the experience.

39. In psychological terms, the central process involved in resilience in the training and development of adapative coping skills. The basic flow model (called the transactional model) of stress and coping is: 1. A stressor (i.e. a potential source of stress) occurs and cognitive appraisal takes place (this is deciding whether or not the stressor represents something that can be readily dealt with or that is a source of stress because it threatens one�s well-being. If a stressor is consider to be a source of stress, coping responses are triggered. There is some general agreement that coping strategies can be outwardly focused on the problem (problem-solving), inwardly focused on emotions (emotion-focused) or socially focused on mobilizing support from others.In psychological terms, the central process involved in resilience in the training and development of adapative coping skills. The basic flow model (called the transactional model) of stress and coping is: 1. A stressor (i.e. a potential source of stress) occurs and cognitive appraisal takes place (this is deciding whether or not the stressor represents something that can be readily dealt with or that is a source of stress because it threatens one�s well-being. If a stressor is consider to be a source of stress, coping responses are triggered. There is some general agreement that coping strategies can be outwardly focused on the problem (problem-solving), inwardly focused on emotions (emotion-focused) or socially focused on mobilizing support from others.

40. A simple formula worth remembering for how to foster someone�s growth and development of resilience is: Challenge + Support. Any level of challenge can be provided if the support is corresponding. But even a small amount of challenge may be too much and lead to traumatic experience if the person isn�t well supported.A simple formula worth remembering for how to foster someone�s growth and development of resilience is: Challenge + Support. Any level of challenge can be provided if the support is corresponding. But even a small amount of challenge may be too much and lead to traumatic experience if the person isn�t well supported.

41. Resilience can be fostered by Learning to Handle Risk �The point as you obviously understand, is to make �risk understanding� part of the curriculum. So much like you might facilitate a full value contract out of some kids, facilitate the risk management out of them, If they begin to think in those terms they will in fact become an intergrel part in the risk management plan.� � Preston Cline, 2003, personal communication�The point as you obviously understand, is to make �risk understanding� part of the curriculum. So much like you might facilitate a full value contract out of some kids, facilitate the risk management out of them, If they begin to think in those terms they will in fact become an intergrel part in the risk management plan.� � Preston Cline, 2003, personal communication

42. Resilience Research What are the effects of outdoor education on resilience? How does outdoor education as a method compare with other methods of developing resilience?What are the effects of outdoor education on resilience? How does outdoor education as a method compare with other methods of developing resilience?

43. Comfort Zone The comfort zone model is a useful theoretical conceptualization that can guide outdoor education theory as to how and why outdoor education can have both positive (expanding) and negative (narrowing) of one�s comfort zone. The more participants are enabled to go the edge and have supported experiences, the more their comfort zone can expand. However, if a person goes into panic zone without sufficient support then psychological trauma can occur. The adventure experience, at one time or another, takes participants out of their individual Comfort Zones If an individual remains in his Comfort Zone, there is lower likelihood that he will learn substantially from the experience The comfort zone model is a useful theoretical conceptualization that can guide outdoor education theory as to how and why outdoor education can have both positive (expanding) and negative (narrowing) of one�s comfort zone. The more participants are enabled to go the edge and have supported experiences, the more their comfort zone can expand. However, if a person goes into panic zone without sufficient support then psychological trauma can occur. The adventure experience, at one time or another, takes participants out of their individual Comfort Zones If an individual remains in his Comfort Zone, there is lower likelihood that he will learn substantially from the experience

44. This potential value of experiences �at the edge� are of significant interest in understanding outdoor education theory and research results, e.g., "Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife,Throughout the sensual world proclaim,One crowded hour of glorious lifeIs worth an age without a name." In the front of Neil Davis� (war journalist) diary By Thomas Mordaunt, 18th century, during seven year warThis potential value of experiences �at the edge� are of significant interest in understanding outdoor education theory and research results, e.g., "Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife,Throughout the sensual world proclaim,One crowded hour of glorious lifeIs worth an age without a name." In the front of Neil Davis� (war journalist) diary By Thomas Mordaunt, 18th century, during seven year war

45. Extreme Sport Research Brymer (2004) interviewed extreme sportspeople, focusing on base jumpers and big wave surfers.

46. �when people are in a really happy mood a really nice mood where they're not gonna get upset with anything you know top of the day I feel great today imagine that was like a 2 foot aura around them and you could see everyone's aura a surfer when he gets a barrel I swear the aura would have to be 20 foot around him�

47. �And the situations I've explained to you I'd have to say they're 30 foot around you �. That's how strong that aura is it will stay with you for as long as you care to remember it�

48. �I have transcended that background fear of death of the unknown and once you do that then you can become umm more peaceful more self assured less umm always looking for something outside of yourself for the answer �

49. Outdoor Education Research Summary Research on 10,000 outdoor education students has found 3 to 4 out of 5 improve in personal & social skills.

50. Based on 97 studies of the effects of outdoor education programs, representing 12,000 participants (Hattie, et al., 1997) Based on 97 studies of the effects of outdoor education programs, representing 12,000 participants (Hattie, et al., 1997)

51. Effect sizes of non-outdoor education programs: Psycho-therapeutic (1 on 1) treatment, innovative affective classroom-based programs, and self-concept intervention programs. This can be translated to: Psychotherapy = 30% improvement for average client Classroom-based affective programs = 11% improvement for average studentsEffect sizes of non-outdoor education programs: Psycho-therapeutic (1 on 1) treatment, innovative affective classroom-based programs, and self-concept intervention programs. This can be translated to: Psychotherapy = 30% improvement for average client Classroom-based affective programs = 11% improvement for average students

52. Effect sizes for all forms of outdoor education, OE programs fro adolescents, adventure therapy programs, and camps which focus on developing self-concept and self-esteem. This can be translated to: Outdoor education = 13% improvement for average participant Or 65% of OE participants are better off than people who don�t do an OE program(35% are not better off!)Effect sizes for all forms of outdoor education, OE programs fro adolescents, adventure therapy programs, and camps which focus on developing self-concept and self-esteem. This can be translated to: Outdoor education = 13% improvement for average participant Or 65% of OE participants are better off than people who don�t do an OE program(35% are not better off!)

53. Effective Program Characteristics

54. Effective Resilience Program Characteristics 1. Physically oriented 2. Use school context, but outside school location 3. Residential settings for long duration 4. Conducted by therapists or trained leaders 5. Incorporate aims of adolescents, parents & teachers and include them as targets in the program (Compas, 1993; Neill & Richards, 1998) Outdoor Education programs often meet all these characteristics - perhaps lacking on the last point(Compas, 1993; Neill & Richards, 1998) Outdoor Education programs often meet all these characteristics - perhaps lacking on the last point

55. Adventure Education TheoryHattie, et al, 1997 Immediacy of experience Difficult goals Supportive environment Feedback

56. Quality Adventure Education? Staff trained in Education and Psychology Longer Programs Unlock Readiness to Change Immediacy of Experience (action-consequence) Difficult, specific goals Supportive group environment �Dollops of Feedback� Reevaluation of Coping Processes

57. Example Programs

58. Use the Spectrum of Choice

59. Simple Outdoor Education �Simple living in nature� philosophy �Simple living in nature� philosophy

60. Environmental Education Is this the future of outdoor education? If we don�t start studying all parts of nature on this planet in outdoor education then it will become the future.Is this the future of outdoor education? If we don�t start studying all parts of nature on this planet in outdoor education then it will become the future.

61. Holistic Range of Challenges Adventure Wave - Andy Martin (2002)Adventure Wave - Andy Martin (2002)

62. Outward Bound First program, 1950�s Non-profit, independent school using challenge philosophy & expedition model Strong research and evaluation of positive effects Gave rise to other well known programs, including National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS, Project Adventure (PA) and Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB)First program, 1950�s Non-profit, independent school using challenge philosophy & expedition model Strong research and evaluation of positive effects Gave rise to other well known programs, including National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS, Project Adventure (PA) and Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB)

63. Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound 10 principles based on Hahn Whole school philosophy ELOB emerged from a $20 million USA federal government grant to help develop new schooling philosophies. ELOB is a whole school philosophy which is based on 10 central principles based on Kurt Hahn / OB school philosophy, including �the having of wonderful ideas�.ELOB emerged from a $20 million USA federal government grant to help develop new schooling philosophies. ELOB is a whole school philosophy which is based on 10 central principles based on Kurt Hahn / OB school philosophy, including �the having of wonderful ideas�.

64. Play for Peace Play for Peace operates in regions of conflict (e.g., Ireland, Guatemala, India) to bring children from cultures in conflict together to play games and laugh together.Play for Peace operates in regions of conflict (e.g., Ireland, Guatemala, India) to bring children from cultures in conflict together to play games and laugh together.

65. Mittagundi & Wollangara Outdoor schools built from scratch by students as part of their outdoor experience. Outdoor schools built from scratch by students as part of their outdoor experience.

66. Extended Stay Outdoor Education Programs Private schools have built rural campuses Students live in rustic conditions for 2 to 10 months. This often includes no TV, radio, washing own clothes, etc. Limited contact with outside world.Private schools have built rural campuses Students live in rustic conditions for 2 to 10 months. This often includes no TV, radio, washing own clothes, etc. Limited contact with outside world.

67. Duke of Edinburgh�s Award Scheme Non-profit award scheme for high school students 4 activities: expeditions, skill, fitness, & service (based on Kurt Hahn�s antidotes)Non-profit award scheme for high school students 4 activities: expeditions, skill, fitness, & service (based on Kurt Hahn�s antidotes)

68. Aboriginal & Nature Interpretation Programs Experiential programs which teach students Aboriginal knowledge Becoming integrated into school curriculum (e.g., Scotch College in Perth)Experiential programs which teach students Aboriginal knowledge Becoming integrated into school curriculum (e.g., Scotch College in Perth)

69. Conclusion

70. Given an uncertain, challenging future, students need to be equipped with physical & psychological fitness Outdoor education - sound theory, solid evidence, and an adaptable format for enhancing resilience Trial & evaluate a wider range of experience-based programs

71. ��without adventure civilisation is in full decay�- Alfred Whitehead �The civilised society exhibits five crucial traits; art, peace, beauty, truth and adventure; without adventure civilisation is in full decay� Alfred Whitehead, the noted Cambridgshire philosopher�The civilised society exhibits five crucial traits; art, peace, beauty, truth and adventure; without adventure civilisation is in full decay� Alfred Whitehead, the noted Cambridgshire philosopher

72. Adventure educators are needed to guide society in understanding risk, safety & psychological resilience.

73. "The latitude for innovation has never been broader- if only our minds can stretch to it."- Gary Hamel