An investigation of outdoor adventure leadership and programming preparation in physical education baccalaureate degree programs

The nature and scope of outdoor adventure leadership and programming preparation for physical education majors was investigated. A nationwide survey (Phase I) found that 184 (44.2%) institutions offered outdoor adventure leadership and programming courses to physical education majors. A mean of 6.7 semester hours, almost equally divided between theory/methods and activity, were offered. Phase II examined the development of 148 outdoor adventure leadership and programming competencies in 12 institutions with significant outdoor adventure components. Characteristics of the institutions, physical education programs, and outdoor adventure components were described. These institutions offered a mean of 23.6 semester hours in 13.2 predominantly elective activity-oriented courses. An average of 38 (21.2%) physical education majors were enrolled annually in outdoor adventure courses. A mean of 2.8 faculty members, specializing in two or more adventure areas, taught the courses. At least half the institutions offered backpacking, canoeing, climbing/rappelling, crosscountry skiing, cycling, SCUBA, orienteering, outdoor education, leadership, outdoor adventure education, and supervised leadership experiences