The values that guide our program

The Adventure Education Department prepares passionate and emotionally-intelligent educators and leaders who facilitate meaningful outdoor and adventure experiences to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and just world.

Adventure Ed Foundational Knowledge

Professionalism

We remain current and competent in our discipline, specialties, and practices; adhere to high ethical standards; perform our jobs responsibly; act with integrity and accountability; and commit to continuous improvement and lifelong-learning.

Experiential Learning

We are committed to providing authentic educational experiences - in both formal and non-formal settings - where students are involved intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically; learn through successes, failures, and interaction with uncertain outcomes; and intentionally engage in reflection to draw meaning and understanding from our experiences.

Environmental Ethics and Stewardship

We are part of a much larger community of living things with whom we share our environment; we travel respectfully on the lands we use, cultivate an appreciation for the wonder and sustenance the natural world provides, and promote a commitment to environmental literacy and sustainability.

Equity and Diversity

We value diversity and believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person; actively promote fairness, justice, and respect for differences; and work earnestly to address bias, prejudice, and other forms of discrimination and oppression.

Empathy and Compassion

We believe social and emotional learning is integral to all forms of education, which motivates us to continually understand the perspectives and emotions of others and to recognize the needs of our fellow humans and non-humans.

Critical Thinking

We promote the development of sound judgment through the essential process of raising crucial questions, analyzing and assessing relevant information, and coming to well-reasoned conclusions in our pursuit of knowledge, learning, and continuous improvement.

Civic Engagement

We believe it is our civic duty to uphold the principles of a democracy, consider a wide array of issues (moral, social, political), remain informed, and take actions which better our diverse communities and the world at large.