SO ... WHAT DOES ROCK CLIMBING HAVE TO DO WITH CAREER PLANNING

This paper reports on the design and operation of a four-day wildernes s camp for single mothers on welfare. As participants in a job readine ss program, these women are encouraged to challenge themselves physica lly and psychologically. They are given the opportunity to address the ir feelings of powerlessness and low self-esteem through participation in such activities as rock climbing, rappelling, problem solving, and a low-ropes course. Themes such as risk-taking, stepping out of one's ''comfort zone,'' trust building, and developing support systems are developed and explored. Client self-reports and facilitator observatio ns suggest that feelings of power and achievement emerge in the camp s etting. These are often translated into a higher sense of personal wor th and efficacy as they develop and begin to implement career goals. T he paper concludes with recommendations for research.