THE ACQUISITION OF LIFE SKILLS THROUGH ADVENTURE-BASED ACTIVITIES ANDPROGRAMS - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

This paper discusses the definition of at-risk elementary and secondar y school students and identifies incidence and prevalence of various r elated stressors and behaviors. Assessment issues for at-risk students are highlighted. Theoretical issues that pertain to early adolescence and educational adventure-based program approaches that have been use d to intervene or assist in risk remediation for the identified studen t are addressed. A comparison between the adventure-based programs and the more traditional life skills approach is presented. Empirical eva luations and limitations of adventure programming and adventure-based counseling as well as practice implications and suggestions for furthe r research are reviewed.