Adventure-Based Learning capstone students present at regional conference

Students in the Adventure-Based Learning senior capstone class developed and submitted conference presentation proposals focused on topics such as mental health and the outdoors, technology use, and group dynamics on expedition programs at the Association for Experiential Education southeast regional conference Feb. 23-25.

Ten Elon students attended and presented at the Association for Experiential Education’s southeast regional conference Feb. 23-25 in Cleveland, South Carolina. The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) is the international association and governing body for experiential education. AEE incorporates fields like service-learning, study abroad, outdoor/adventure-based education, internships, and others. AEE hosts regional and international conferences designed to promote best practices in experiential education.

Students in the Adventure-Based Learning senior capstone class developed and submitted conference presentation proposals focused on topics such as mental health and the outdoors, technology use, and group dynamics on expedition programs. Students presented research and facilitated conversations with conference participants on ways to engage college students in adventure-based learning opportunities.

Student presentations included: 

  • Sarah Canipe '18: “What Went Wrong? Maintaining Positive Group Dynamic After A Serious Injury in the Field”

  • Josie Reed '18, Lyn Nelson '21 and Sophie Faxon '19: “Outdoor-Based Recreation as a Positive Mental Health Goldmine”

  • Jill Salvucci '20 and Darby Pfeifer '20: “Increasing Involvement in Adventure Education Among College Students”

  • Alex Pfeiff '21: “Reaching Back Before the Age of Smart Phones” 

AEE’s southeast region encompasses eight states and more than 700 members involved in college/university programs, wilderness therapy organizations, nonprofit educational groups and many others. The regional conference happens annually and draws around 120 participants.

At this year’s conference, Elon students were the only student presenters. They were able to attend sessions while networking and learning from active leaders in the field of experiential education.

Josie Reed ’18 said that “developing and presenting my first conference session was really exciting and helped me to integrate my experiences from my Adventure-Based Learning classes, especially as I prepare for graduation and to enter the experiential education field.”