Parks Recreation and Tourism: Adventure and Outdoor Programs Erik Rasmussen Thursday, April 9, 2015

Introduction to AOP From a participant point of view Adventure and Outdoor Programs is an emphasis area that involves getting outdoors and stepping outside your comfort zone to participate in activities that teach you about yourself, others, and the outdoors. The programs can be designed for any outcome and for any skill level so that everyone may enjoy themselves

Introduction to AOP  From an instructor point of view Adventure and Outdoor Programs is a job that requires the ability to plan, facilitate and teach people through trips, classes and workshops in an experiential way. Leading people by example and showing them what is beyond their desk so that both parties may improve and learn about themselves.

Theoretical Constructs: Optimal Arousal and Flow Flow: A state of being where a person is having fun to the degree of losing track of one's self; also known as "the zone“ Optimal Arousal: A level of stimulation that a facilitator would like to keep participants at by not boring them and not making them panic

Theoretical Constructs: Human Development Across the Life Span Youth: Biological changes such as the brain which effects decision making and risk management. Need for structure and peer relations, tend to think more linearly not abstractly. Emerging Adult: Identity changes and importance of friendship. Provide opportunities for self exploration and discovery. Adult: Know the importance of life experience, self directed learners, complex logical thinkers. Older Adult: Seek creative outlets, social interaction, physical and mental stimulation, that capacity may be deteriorating

Theoretical Constructs: 8 Learning Styles linguistic: language logical: reasoning and math spatial: images kinesthetic: by doing musical: through song interpersonal: between 2+ people intrapersonal: by yourself natural: in a natural setting

Theoretical Constructs: Self Determination Theory Basic needs theory: competence, relatedness, autonomy. Casualty Orientations theory: Autonomous, Strong (all but autonomy), Impersonal Cognitive Evaluative Theory: How to increase intrinsic motivation, extrinsic rewards increase behavior. Organismic Integration Theory: external reward/punishment - ego involvement/seeking approval - value an activity - synthesis of self - intrinsic enjoyment satisfaction

Theoretical Constructs: Social Cognitive Theory People learn by observing those around them

Underlying Philosophies of AOP  Meaning making through reflection. Looking back to see if you met your goals or looking forward to see how you might apply what you learned  The importance of Risk and Safety and knowing that uncertainty is a great teacher  The importance of learning, students are engaged on all levels and everyone in the program is learning and making decisions based on a real experience  A sense of passion, and doing what you do because you love to do it  A love and respect for the outdoors

Where to Start? If you are interested in starting a career in PRT AOP or any of the other emphasis areas the University of Utah ( has a great department which you can learn about at their website, tourism/. Another way to go is to find local organizations near you that are hiring staff members. The National Outdoor Leadership school is a great place to start and is a great resource. I would highly recommend visiting their website at for more informationhttp:// tourism/

But Remember, an Important Part of Adventure and Outdoor Programs is FUN! (All photos belong to Erik Rasmussen)

Sources  (slide 9)  tourism/ (slide 9) tourism/  (slide 9)  Outdoor Adventure Education: Theory and Research. Alan W. Ewart and Jim Sibthorp, Human Kinetics (slides 3-8)  NOLS Wilderness Educator Notebook: Part 4 Chapter 3 Learning Styles. National Outdoor Leadership School. (slide 5)