ABSTRACT
The lure of adventure. Exciting, novel, risky, fun and, ultimately, enticing. Adventure education (AE) is about harnessing the inherent motivation for these experiences in ways that reinforce positives and limit negatives. AE provides an acceptable outlet for sensation seeking, at times replacing illicit options. However, it can also afford experiences that are both catalysts and crucibles for individual and group growth. This chapter addresses three major topics: (i) defining AE; (ii) discussing the status and challenges of contemporary AE practice; and (iii) explicating the limits and challenges to AE research.
