The Development History of Outdoor Education

Modern outdoor education originated from a series of independent initiatives. 1The organized camping in Britain and Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand at the end of the 9th century and the beginning of the 20th century is an obvious evidence. Scout Movement was founded in Robert Baden from 65438 to 0907, which adopted informal education and emphasized practical outdoor activities. The first outdoor development center was established in Aberdeen, Wales during World War II. The jungle school in Denmark, with similar goals as Boy Scouts, is a typical representative of European projects.

The main pioneer of outdoor education is German educator Kurt Hahn, who founded Schule SchlossSalem School in Germany, Gordonstoun School in Scotland and Atlantic College in Wales. At the same time, he participated in the establishment of the' World United College' movement, the Duke of Edinburgh system (emphasizing community service, craft skills, physical skills, outdoor adventure, etc. ) and the World Scout Movement.

In the second half of the 20th century, outdoor education has been developed and applied very rapidly (government, volunteers, commercialization). During this period (around 65438+60s), outreach expanded to 40 countries around the world, including the United States. During this period, other American outdoor education programs such as ProjectAdventure and NOLS National Outdoor Leadership School were born. At the same time, experiential education association and Wea- Wilderness Education Association have also developed in the United States.