Facilitation Technique Category: Adventure Therapy

Activity Title: Mountaineering: Hiking, foraging, and gazing

Source: Edible Wild Food, American Mountain Guide Association, and International Federation
of Mountain Guides Association, Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice
Equipment: Backpack, Trekking Pole
Activity Description: Mountaineering is activities which involves climbing in mountainous
environment. Activities include hiking, foraging, and gazing. Mountaineering enhances cardiorespiratory abilities and overall physical fitness. The purpose of this activity is to reap the
benefits from physical activity and participate in social function in an outdoors environment.
Foraging is an intervention that can be used to promote and practice social function. Before
starting it is important to instruct all participants on the specific plants and foods to forage for.
Participants will be collecting food that is edible and safe but there may be some that are not the
edible as they may be poisonous. After instructions, have participants will group together to
begin foraging looking for the specific foods that are listed in their list. Have participants place
every food found in plastic bags. Participant will also engage in hiking activity. Participant
would have already begun at the trailhead sign. Have participants follow all signs and trail
markers to avoid unchartered territory. Lastly gazing, as it doesnt involve much instruction.
Here the participants continue paths that lead up to peaks offering incredible views from certain
vantage points. Here participants are able to identify the scenery, change in temperatures,
locations and much more.
Leadership considerations: It is recommended that CTRS is certified in mountaineering with
AMGA or IMGA certification. Depending on the ability and skills of the participants, the staff to
participants ratio should be 1:6. Before mountaineering experience it is necessary to hold a class
reviewing safety measures and rules with participants. Therapists should receive training in client
medications prior to the activity (e.g., medications affecting heat regulation, hydration or
conditions that are difficult to handle in environment to be discontinued). Staying hydrated is
really important, so have drink and bring a good amount of water. Have participants pack
backpack with different things such as water, nutrition, medication, etc. Participants will also
need to bring supplies to protect them from the sun including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. It is
important to have proper shoes as it will make the mountaineering experience easier.
Adaptations: Participants with little mobility such as participants with Paraplegia are able to
participate in these outdoor activities. With space age- technologies, assistive devices are able to
be lighter, stronger, and more flexible for the outdoor terrain. Powered wheelchairs for hiking are
able to safely go through steep slopes. (Carroll & Edelstein, 2006)
Participants with Limb Amputation are able to wear adaptive prosthetic devices that are feasible
for mountaineering. Wearing prostheses with very short pylons and all-terrain feet gives the
participant a lower center of gravity, stability and ability to make quick movements. (DePauw &
Gavron, 2005)

References
Carroll, K., & Edelstein, J. E. (2006). Prosthetics and patient management: A comprehensive
clinical approach. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK.
DePauw, K. P., & Gavron, S. J. (2005). Disability sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Facilitation Technique Category: Sailing Therapy Activity

Title: Navigating the waters: Steering
Source: US Sailing: Adaptive Sailing (2014) Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation,
Chapter 6
Equipment: Sailboat
Description: Sailing as a therapy serves as an intervention that offers the experience of
adventure, mobility, and freedom. Steering of the sailboat without question enhances motor
skills, coordination, self-confidence, and pride through achievement. It also reinforces
communication, comprehension, concentration, problem solving in a different environment. The
purpose of this activity is to teach basic sailing skills and steering techniques in order to navigate
through the waters. With this activity participants are able to cognitively exercise their
knowledge by traversing around the waters and sensory integration by hearing the flaps of the
sail, and hearing, seeing and feeling the wind direction. It also serves its purpose socially as it
pushes for community integration and participation with others.
Before boarding it is important for instructors to explain the basis of sailing to participants. The
wind is what pushes and drives the boat and the direction of the wind plays a part in that
movement. Have participant acknowledge and observe the direction of the wind by looking at
the trees (if near), flags or the sail. After the briefing, have participant board the sail boat.
(Hoyers and hoists may be used if necessary). Instruct and guide the participant to turn the
sailboat after it is released from the dock. This will allow the wind to blow against the back of
the sail to rotate the boat to move forward. Have participant navigate through the waters by
pushing the boats tiller. Guide participant in steering the boat moving the tiller to the right to
turn the boat to the left and vice versa. Instruct participants to observe navigation aids in the
water. Buoys and or markers are placed to provide a sense of direction.
Leadership considerations: Instructors are required to be first aid and cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation certified. Also, it is required to have a United States Sailing Level 1 Small Boat
Instructor certification. These are necessary in order to experience quality activities. Trainings in
sailing offers risk management, learning strategies, on shore and offshore safety.
For conditions that may be a safety concern for the participant, it may be best to have an
instructor present for one on one attention. This helps maintain order on the boat and will protect
not only the participant from harm, but others as well. Environmental effects such as
temperatures may pose as a health concern. Instructors should be alert of symptoms of
dehydration, hypothermia, and heat exhaustion especially if participants may not be aware of the
dangers or not have sensory feeling. It is important to have sunscreen, hats, and proper clothing.
Adaptions: Participants with spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia and paraplegia are able to
participate by using joysticks to assist in steering. Electronic joysticks allow participants to use
foot/toes or hand/fingers to control the tiller. (Frenkel, D., & Alison, B., 2016) Electronic chin

controlled joysticks are also used for the same purpose and are especially made to accommodate
those with quadriplegia.
Participants with cerebral palsy are able to participate using paddle switches.( Frenkel, D., &
Alison, B.,2016) They are especially helpful to those with severe cerebral palsy. and the like who
have difficulty with fine finger movements and tremors.
References:
Adaptive Sailing Resource Manual. (2016.). Retrieved September 09, 2016, from
http://www.ussailing.org/education/adaptive-sailing/manual/

Dattilo, J., & Mckenny, A. (2016). Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (3rd ed.).