Broad vs Narrow Adventure: Which is best for your students?

So what’s this all about. It’s the most important question, yet we rarely consider it.

Question:

Are you seeking to entertain your students?

Then, narrow adventure is for you. These are short, adrenaline filled activities provided by PGL and many outdoor centres (climbing walls, high ropes courses, kayaking).

Or are you seeking to foster in students a sense of responsibility?

Then, broad adventure is for you. These are longer, varied challenges, with more responsibility devolved to students (sailing, mountaineering, journeys).

Which is best?

There’s a place for both in school trips, but my interest lies in broad adventure. Why? Because that’s where the magic happens, when students discover their immense capacity for success.

Broad adventure requires placing responsibility in students and accepting uncertainty. “Pull in the mainsail.” “Tread carefully here.” Students recognise this trust and thrive on the approval. Impact studies report that the experience of lighting a fire and cooking food on it is far more challenging and educationally worthwhile than a high ropes course (Tay, 2006).

So what next?

You must consider what you want students to achieve. If they’ve never slept away from home, then a weekend residential with PGL might be an option. But many students will benefit from greater (more epic) objectives. A mountain summit. Tending a fire to stay warm in a forest.

Rubens (1997) makes a strong case that broad adventure encourages a mastery approach to education, which encourages students to take responsibility for their actions later in life. In just a few days you’ll witness remarkable changes in young people; from awkward participant, to group leader making impactful decisions.

There are many options out there. I’ll let you decide. We specialise in broad adventure. Feel free to contact us if you want to exchange ideas.