Revisiting the Six Declines of Contemporary Youth: Considering Adventurous Outdoor Learning as an Intervention

Abstract

This article discusses six declines of youth patterned after Kurt Hahn’s similar declines from a century ago. Outlined as a theoretical construct, the author describes the role of adventurous outdoor learning experiences as positively influencing youths’ emerging sense of “self.” After describing an underlying theoretical framework for the six declines, the background and rationale are discussed for each separate decline. A summary of the various “selves” is presented for the declines, progressing from empty, through social, to healthy self. Finally, adventurous outdoor learning is identified as a potential intervention for youth with the potential to remedy some of these declines.