Abstract
This paper describes a successful wilderness-enhanced model used by a numberof programs in NSW. An initial wilderness experience, coupled with an intensive and lengthy follow-up period, can have a lasting impact on anti-social and delinquent behaviour. To have successful outcomes a wilderness experience should be highly structured with some key elements. These include: an unfamiliar environment engendering stress; a series of unique challenges with real consequences and a high perceived risk; and of a time lengthy enough to provide an essential break in routine. A skilled leader is the lynchpin of a successful programme. He or she will can challenge the thought processes of the young person and force them to rethink the situation. The follow-up is also vital. By linking the wilderness experience to everyday life with isomorphic metaphors, the leader can use the power of the wilderness trip to help in long-term Dehaviour change.
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Additional information
Dell Brand, BEd, MA, PhD. is currently teaching PDHPE at Lake Illawarra High School. Prior to teaching in school, she was a teacher with the South Coast Wilderness Enhanced Program. She based her doctoral studies on the long-term impact of a wilderness-enhanced program on attitude and behaviour change. She can be contacted by: Ph: 02 42377884; email: jdbrand@ezy.net.au
Mark Smith was formerly the co-ordinator of the Wilderness Program for the Department of Education and Training in South-West Metropolitan area of Sydney until it was terminated at the end of 1998...for no apparent reason! He is currently behaviour support teacher and consultant fir the Department.
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Brand, D., Smith, M. Key Elements Of A Successful Wilderness Program For Delinquents: A summary. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education 4, 40–47 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03400708
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03400708