ABSTRACT
The principal focus at first contact is to engage participants in the adventure learning session, to draw them out of themselves because leading participants is a process of influence and encouragement. Adventurous activities can engage and stimulate the most recalcitrant young person by providing adrenalin 'rushes' akin to those of less socially acceptable activities; the aim of adventure is to capture the imagination and harness energy. The instructor has to encourage participation, gentle persuasion can be powerful and realising having a go does not mean immediate expected aptitude is often enough. First impressions are really important, so the initial introduction to the activity is fundamental in building anticipation and preparing participants for what is to come. Gender, cognitive ability, physical ability, medical conditions, past adventure experience, culture and ethnicity can all affect the interaction of the participants with each other, as well as the leader.
