Adventure-Based Service Learning: University Students' Self-Reflection Accounts of Service with Children

Abstract

The need to provide alternative and exciting community service-learning experiences with university students has been a challenge to institutions of higher education. One institution was able to capitalize on an idea of integrating challenge and adventure-based activities as a form of community service. This article focuses on undergraduate university students' self-reflections, and outcomes regarding their learning experiences as facilitators in a challenge and adventure-based team-building, low ropes community service-learning course. Three emerging themes were analyzed regarding views of community service, and perceptions of the influences the course had on both university and elementary school students. Suggestions for future research on adventure-based community service-learning courses are discussed.