Institute for Outdoor Learning

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Acknowledgements

2. Participants list

3. Synopsis of Workshops

3.1 A Global Picture: Sister Jayanti

3.2 Living Values and Human Quality: Doug Stephenson & Sister Jayanti

3.3 A Wider Picture of Global Consciousness: Dominic Dibble

3.4 Five Cameo Presentations

3.5 Outcomes and The Way Forward - Regional workshop programme

4. Why Now? - The Historical Context - Roger Orgill, M.B.E.

5. Appendices:

(i) The Background to Consortium Partners

(ii) Spiritual, Moral and Cultural Development’ - Dr Bertie Everard Report on Joint Conference, Association for Outdoor Learning/Outdoor Education Advisor’s Panel 1996

(iii) ‘Inglorious Wordsworths’ a Synopsis of research study by Brian Ware, O.B.E.

(iv) A Perspective from Non Faith Based Youth Work – Steve Witt

(v) Global Spirituality – Dr Ursula King

(vi) The Reflective Practitioner – Doug Stephenson

(vii) Living Values – Maureen Goodman

(viii) Living Values and Human Quality - Sister Jayanti and Doug Stephenson

(ix) A Wider Picture of Global Consciousness - Dominic Dibble

(x) The John Muir Trust, paper by Colin Eastman

The idea of a small scale invitation workshop and retreat, which took place on 4/5 November 1998 at the Brahma Kumaris - Global Retreat Centre, Nuneham Park, Oxford, arose from the original proposal for a millennium youth conference which would draw attention to the importance of outdoor experiences in young people’s personal and social development.

The suggested youth conference in the year 2000 received support in principle from several youth work bodies and particularly from the respective UK umbrella bodies of the outdoor education and training field.

In discussion with the Brahma Kumaris, the Rank Foundation and John Muir Trust it was agreed however, that there was an intermediate need in addressing leadership development in respect of those working with young people in a variety of outdoor approaches and particularly interested in aspects of cultural moral and spiritual growth and appropriate lifestyle values. This would include those working in the field of adventure activity, exploration, creative and performing arts, story telling, practical conservation tasks and learning generally through the outdoor environment.

Leadership needs in the area of young people’s cultural, moral and spiritual education through outdoor experience had been previously addressed in a workshop session of the joint 1996 conference of the National Association for Outdoor Education and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel. The workshop conclusions arising from this conference are published in a report under the title “Agenda for Action” and are included for information in this report.

Whilst spiritual growth has been a key objective in the youth work curriculum for many years, it is believed that ‘spirituality can only be experienced and cannot be taught’. Whilst work with cultural, moral and social issues are perhaps less daunting to address, it is generally agreed that a lack of confidence, language difficulty and the absence of concrete exercises of practical value to teachers and leaders are major constraints preventing effective development in this area of work.

Accepting that the 40 or so invited participants at the November workshop would come from both a faith and non-faith background, substantial agreement was reached with an enthusiasm and commitment towards a collective approach in providing training-the-trainer workshops in 1999.

The rationale for the Living Values - Right Living Initiative is encapsulated in the 1997 Manifesto Statement of the Foundation for Outdoor Adventure: -

“In an attempt to understand themselves, others and the changing context of their lives, all young people are engaged, consciously or unconsciously, in an exploration of what it is to be human. This is in essence a spiritual journey, in which young people come to terms with the mysteries of human existence; establish standards and values by which to live and work; identify worthwhile goals and develop the skills and understanding through which these may be achieved.

Our society is changing rapidly, and this calls for new approaches to learning, working and living together. The importance of assisting young people to prepare effectively and successfully for their adult lives is obvious; the cost of failure in this task will be borne in the future both by the individuals themselves and by society.

The challenge for all concerned with young people is to empower them to cope effectively with the choices, problems and opportunities which face them, and at the same time to help them develop a real sense of community and citizenship.”

Inspirational sayings arising at the planning workshop and retreat.

 Life is too short to wear tight shoes.

 Think of the spirit or soul as not being greater than you but that you are.

 If you want your dreams to come true, make sure that you don’t over sleep

 Keep an eye on the higher goal!