ABSTRACT
For adventure to be more than a fun and recreational activity it must become adventure learning and, like all learning, must have a clear philosophical and theoretical basis. Philosophy relates to underlying principles forming knowledge and influencing beliefs, whereas theory categorises those principles and can be used to explain experiences; between them, philosophy and theory guide our thinking and our attitudes. Intrapersonal relationships are to do with the way in which we value ourselves and with how much confidence we enter the world. Ecosystemic relationships relate to the interdependence of objects, such as the food chain and the satisfaction of our needs. Ekistic relationships relate to our interactions with the natural environment and the effect each has on the other, such as deforestation, water supplies and disease. Theories of learning relevant to adventure learning are essentially of three types: behavioural; cognitive; experiential learning. Adventure learning uses experiences to bring about learning in a demo-mimic-do process.
