Fear in Outdoor Education

Outdoor experiences are an important part of the school curriculum. For most students these experiences are exciting and challenging. Some children, however, will experience fear. This fear can disable the child, preventing participation. Without understanding what the fear means to the child, the educator is unable to tackle the situation with empathy. Phenomenological research can offer insight into the meaning of such fear, bringing to light the lived experience of fear in an outdoor situation. Thus, the question is asked, "What is it like for children in our care who are experiencing fear in outdoor education?" This book answers this question through the sharing of outdoor experiences and the identification of common themes. It imparts important knowledge for those who work with students in the out-of-doors, write outdoor and experiential curriculum, plan and implement field trips, supervise a variety of differentiated learning opportunities, believe in viewing the student through a holistic lens, and those who love to share beauty and appreciate the challenges of our Earth with others.