Adventure Education as a Christian Formation Tool for Increased Self-Awareness of Young Adults in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

This article is based on a masters-level capstone project that developed, tested, and evaluated a 5-6 hour adventure education learning event with three groups of participants in the Dominican Republic, as a formation tool for increased self-awareness, toward holistic Christian formation. Though hypotheses were not all supported, the project confirmed what the literature indicates, that through facilitated adventure education, participants can learn a lot about themselves in a relatively short time.   This understanding can affect intra-personal, interpersonal and group interaction, aiding in formation and discipleship.  Adventure education experiences can allow individuals and groups to face reality, taking physical, emotional and relational risks, while experiencing a safe environment that encourages core values and strengths to emerge.