The SES Adventure Challenge: An Interdisciplinary, Outdoor Event that Focuses on Team Dynamics, Decision Making and Environmental Education

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop an interdisciplinary, outdoor event at the School of Environmental Studies (SES) that focused on team dynamics, decision making and environmental education. This event, the SES adventure challenge, included twenty teams, with approximately ten students on each team, who completed a five-mile hike through Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The hike included a series of eleven checkpoints that were to be completed in order. Each checkpoint had at least one set of questions and/or activities, most of which had an environmental focus. A committee composed of SES staff members was organized to oversee development of the adventure challenge. An adventure challenge course was created at Lebanon Hills. Question packets and activities, reflecting a mosaic of staff talents and interests, were developed by most SES staff members and incorporated into the adventure challenge course. Heterogeneous student teams were selected and given pre-event instructions. The first SES adventure challenge occurred on June 6, 2000. Slightly modified events took place on June 6, 2001 and June 5, 2002. It is believed that the structure of the adventure challenge is adaptable to a wide variety of locations and situations.