The reading has influenced my personal philosophy in the following way

Philosophies of outdoor education are often a combination of personal belief and factual evidence and are generic in the fact we want people to engage, search, develop, learn and face the challenge. They are often influenced by the organisation or marketing to produce a reason for undertaking a course. They often list the benefits of outdoor courses as raising self esteem, building confidence and understanding yet it is only with the use of good facilitation that these can even begin to be met. Many studies show that self esteem can be raised by the correct facilitation of a group or individual providing the aims are achievable, yet the increase is never sustained over a period of time without revisiting the same or similar activities. Each person is an individual and even in a group setting will need the correct level of input and challenge.

For me I think everyone remembers that first trip away and how they engaged in activities and had fun with their friends, as a facilitator I am hoping through the use of the outdoor medium many people may learn more of their own capabilities, relate things back into their everyday life and if everyone is more aware of themselves then maybe there would be much more awareness of their environment.

The reading highlighted to me the concept of nature and internal drives Nansons’ (1927) description of a need and yearning to get away from the mundane searching for freedom in relating to everyday lives and through to ultimate challenges.  This highlighted my belief that there are many levels of perception in relation to adventure and for some a gentle walk or countryside picnic is outdoor adventure. 

Being facilitators we need to be aware that for some people they may be looking for the once in a lifetime adventure that is realistically a low level of risk compared to our own perceptions.  What is a big chance if half the Norwegian population is willing to take it?  What is the British view today now that we have sailed the seas colonised the modern world and given it back how much of a challenge will the general population want? 

Working with groups my perception is that teachers organising trips have lots of pressures on them related to Frank Furedi (1997)where risk is seen exponential higher than reality.  Students attending have little experience of independence and experimentation play, that also links into sensation seeking and risk avoidance but maybe more prevalent basic skills such as play and physical ability.  Brievik(1999) looked at the opportunities to access outdoors being given to children and Adams (1995) that we are not predisposed to risk avoidance then why do many of the population choose to stay away from the outdoor arena is it then economic or socially affected?