The Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group is committed to the development and promotion of adventure-based programming and the principles of experiential education in therapeutic settings. We are also committed to the professional development of our members and the profession as a whole.
Therapeutic Adventure is the professional group for those AEE members who use adventure-based practice and the philosophy of experiential education therapeutically within the fields of health, mental health, corrections, education, and other human service fields. Our primary mission is the networking of professionals within our various fields and the sharing of information, techniques, and concerns regarding the therapeutic use of adventure-based education. We define therapeutic as moving toward health change. Additionally we seek to represent the interests of our membership to the Board and larger professional communities through: newsletters, publications, articles, workshops, and pre-conference activities.
Our members are both individuals and organizations some of the fields involved include (but are not limited to):
- Hospitals and Social Service Professionals
- Recreation Therapists
- Wilderness/Outdoor Instructors
- Movement Therapists
- Drama/Improve Theater Professionals
- Psychologist
- Social Workers
- Counselors
- Community Youth Workers
- Ropes Course Professionals
- Art Therapists
- and many others
The professional group maintains several active and ongoing projects throughout the year and over the years. Some of the activities we are or have been involved with
- Quarterly Newsletter (INSIGHT)
- Pre-conference Workshops
- Regional Meetings & Pre-conferences
- Code of Ethics
- Advanced Practitioners Workshops
- International Adventure Therapy Conference
- Adventure Therapy Internet Discussion List
- Directory of Programs & Professionals
- Annotated Bibliography of Adventure Therapy
Book of Metaphor's I & II
Adventure Therapy: Therapeutic Applications of Adventure Programming
Exploring the Boundaries of Adventure Therapy: International Perspectives . (The latest text on adventure therapy a must for your library order it today through AEE, or in Australia from COEAWA. See the Table of contents online by clicking on the hperlink). Check out 10% off coupon in Spring, 99 issue of Insight.
The Professional Group is one of the oldest beginning in the late 70's) and most active in the Association with a membership of over 650. The Professional Group was originally known as Adventure Alternatives in Corrections, Mental Health, and Special Populations (or affectionately as A2. Developing out of the desire of AEE members who wished to network more closely with those engaging in similar work. The group changed it's name in 1992 to more accurately describe the nature of our work. We have continually pushed the development of the professional structure within the association and pushed our own professional development as therapeutic adventure professionals. We are always looking for new projects and ways to support the membership. We see our history as ever evolving and hope you will find a way to contribute to our history.
The Professional Group is structured to afford the most representation and help the TAPG achieve its mission and purpose. This is some information about the positions (if you want to volunteer) and how they might be of value to you as member of the PG.
Chair - This individual is elected by the membership to lead the professional group for one year, this person usually serves as the Vice-Chair prior to serving as Chair and as the Past-Chair, making this a three year commitment. This person must be an AEE member and active in the professional group for at least one year in addition to serving as Vice-Chair. In the event that the Vice-Chair does not fulfill the commitment to serve as Chair, an active PG member with 2 or more years of involvement may be elected or appointed. The chair is primarily responsible for ensuring that committees accomplish their task and that communication is maintained with the AEE.
Vice-Chair - This individual is elected by the membership to assist the Chair in running the professional Group. This person is expected to serve as Chair the following year and Past-Chair the final year, making this a three year commitment. This person must be an AEE member and must have been active in the professional group for at least one year. The vice-chair assists the chair in coordinating the tasks enabling the achievement of group goals.
Past-Chair - This person has served as the chair and stays on to provide consistency in leadership, acts as a support person to the Chair and Vice-Chair, and takes on leadership responsibilites as necessary.
Board Representative - This individual is elected by the membership to represent the needs of TAPG to the International Board of the AEE. This person is elected to a 3 year term, and must be an AEE member and an active TAPG member for at least 3 years prior to being elected.
Regional Representative - These individuals represent the regional geographic areas established by the AEE (or other regional areas we designate). These individuals serve as the primary link between regional groups and activities, and the professional groups. Regional Reps. are expected to attend Regional Conferences, and contribute to regional activities for the PG. These individuals are elected, appointed or self-volunteered and may serve multiple one year terms. These individuals must be AEE individual or organizational members. These individuals provide the best way to get involved with others at a local level and to find out what is happening at a local level.
State/Country Contacts - In an ever increasing attempt to develop grassroot networks and develop future leadership we have contact individuals in most the the fifty states in the U.S. and many countries throughout the world. The contact person is someone at a much more local level who is a member of the professional group and can help network individuals and programs. Contact your Regional Representative for the name of the contact person in your area.
Newsletter Editor - This individual is responsible for coordinating the production of the PG's quarterly newsletter. This includes soliciting submissions, layout, and editing the publication. If you have any items that you want to share with the TAPG, this is the person who can get it into the newsletter.
Journal Reviewer - This individual is responsible for reviewing submissions to the AEE Journal that pertain to TAPG programming or information. The person must be an AEE member and may serve multiple one year terms.
Pre-Conference/Conference Liaison - This individual is responsible for coordinating the pre-conference workshop for the International Conference. They handle registration and site considerations, as well as publicity. It is desirable for the person to be near the conference site, but is not mandatory. If you want to get involved in the pre-conference contact or be this person.
Being a member of TAPG means you are a member of the only professional association of therapeutic adventure professionals. Being an active member will contribute to your professional development. The leaders in the field of adventure therapy are involved in the professional group and as a member you have a connection to these individuals and organizations. You also will have access to all the activities of the professional group. In joining TAPG you also join the Association for Experiential Education which provides you with a membership directory for the over 3000 members (including organizational members), a quarterly Journal and Newsletter, member rates on publications and conferences, and access to peer review, peer accreditation and regional activities.
If you are already a member of AEE but not a member of TAPG just let the AEE office know that you want to join the TAPG. If your not a member AEE use an AEE Membership Application to join and check off the box Therapeutic Adventure. There is no additional cost to join a professional group, and you may join additional professional groups for an additional $15.
If you are a member and want to get more involved contact anyone in the professional group (chair, vice-chair, board rep. or, regional rep.). All you have to do is ask the question, there is always a way to get involved.
2002
TAPG pre-conference (updated 1/5/02)Adventure
Therapy/Therapeutic Adventure Internship and Training PageMany
Paths to Becoming an Adventure Therapist, by Christian M.
Itin, MSW, PhDCheck out the New TAPG
ForumINSIGHT
now online (read past issues of the TAPG newsletter
online)Spring,
2000 Issee (Volume 8, Number 1) is now online (summer 2001 issue coming soon)Lee Gillis & Jude Hirsch
have produced a new text and video FOOD
FOR THOUGHT: A WORKBOOK & VIDEO FOR DEVELOPING METAPHORICAL
INTRODUCTIONS TO GROUP ACTIVITIES. This package is an
excellent resource on introducing activities metaphorically and
featrues many TAPG members. Make sure to add this to your collection.Back to AEE Home Page (many resources about experiential education)
Back to Christian Itin's Home page (many resources related to adventure-based practice)
Back to The Adventure Therapy Web (good source for AT and the AT discussion list)
updated 1/5/02
Questions or suggestions about this page should be directed to AEE_TAPG@yahoo.com.
