What's new

This narrative literature review describes the physical and social-emotional preparation activities that outdoor education providers use to prepare participants for their programmes. The authors used a specific narrative review approach to increase rigour, including studies that met criteria related to pre-programme preparation. Findings were grouped into two areas, physical preparation and social-emotional preparation. The paper offers recommendations for practitioners and suggestions for future research.

Why it matters in Aotearoa

Preparing students well before camps and outdoor programmes is a shared task for schools and providers in Aotearoa. This review gathers evidence that can guide that work.

Putting it into practice

Plan specific physical and social-emotional preparation activities in the weeks before a camp or expedition, using the review's recommendations as a starting point.

How strong is the evidence

This is a narrative literature review. The abstract does not report the number or quality of included studies.

What to read

The recommendations for practitioners.

Who it's for