Course: Wilderness therapy and adventure sports activities

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Course title Wilderness therapy and adventure sports activities
Course code USS/UTDS
Organizational form of instruction Course
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Růžička Michal, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Valenta Milan, prof. PaedDr. Ph.D.
  • Kvapil Petr, Mgr.
Course content
The course is focused on providing experiential activities based on the wilderness therapy method and adventure sports activities aimed at supporting personal development, teamwork, and emotional stability of participants.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
Learning outcomes
The course is focused on providing experiential activities based on the wilderness therapy method and adventure sports activities aimed at supporting personal development, teamwork, and emotional stability of participants. The course is based on the methodology of wilderness therapy, which has been methodologically validated (De Mille, 2023), and long-term research demonstrating the effectiveness of this method. Experiential activities are designed to stimulate interaction with nature, teamwork, and personal reflection. Course participants will engage in various experiential activities in nature, including mindfulness techniques, working with silence, team cooperation games, and adventurous nature-related activities. The course aims to provide participants with space to leave their comfort zone and experience direct interaction with nature, which can accelerate processes of personal development and changes in behavior and emotional experience. At the same time, it offers inspiration and tools for further work with this method in one's own practice.
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will be able to: Explain the basic principles and methodology of wilderness therapy and understand its relevance for personal development and mental health support. Actively participate in experiential outdoor activities that promote personal growth, emotional stability, and work with the comfort zone. Develop self-reflection skills through experiential techniques, mindfulness practices, work with silence, and reflective exercises. Apply teamwork and communication skills in the context of experiential and adventure-based activities. Recognise and regulate personal emotional responses in challenging or unfamiliar situations. Use direct interaction with nature as a means of supporting psychological well-being and behavioural and emotional change. Identify opportunities to apply wilderness therapy and experiential methods in their own professional practice.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Dialog

Knowledge will be verified through a discussion of the analysis of specific examples demonstrating orientation in the topic.
Recommended literature


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Education Study plan (Version): Special needs education: drama therapy (BB22) Category: Pedagogy, teacher training and social care - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Education Study plan (Version): Special needs education: drama therapy (BB21) Category: Pedagogy, teacher training and social care - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer