Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Outdoor Leadership: A Question Of Vision And Ethics, Karen M. Fox, Leo H. Mcavoy

Research in Outdoor Education

Outdoor education increasingly includes programs for youth-at-risk, multi-cultural groups, battered women, and other special populations. The diversity of such groups and their needs and expectations place additional demands upon the outdoor leader. "Good judgement" on a trip with seniors may not be identical to "good judgement" on a trip with youth-at-risk; group exercises appropriate for young males of color may be inappropriate for women who have been abused. The diverse populations and situations will require outdoor leaders to become more self-aware, reflective, and sensitive to culture, race, and gender differences (Greenleaf, 1970; Shapiro, 1988; Terry, 1988). Resolving conflicts and ethical …