Much of the literature on outdoor programs for young people focuses on extended wilderness trek experiences in the style of Outward Bound. The programs profiled dispel the myth that all outdoor programs for young offenders must conform to this design. The book aims to provoke thought and inspire informed action for those interested in designing an outdoor program for young offenders in custody; it does not purport to provide any definitive answers for determining the proper role and effect of outdoor programs, only to be a tool in this process. The issues addressed include the definition of an outdoor program, evidentiary findings of research, the subsequent limitations of this research, a summary of the proposed benefits of outdoor programming for young offenders, and a compilation of the most recommended components of effective outdoor programs. Further, it presents some models and strategies that explore how to conduct various outdoor programs for young offenders and discusses adapted outdoor programs for special populations of young offenders. Also included are examples of Australian outdoor programs for offenders and an overview of evaluation mechanisms for outdoor programs. The book concludes with recommendations for existing and future outdoor programming. The recommendations focus on development; documentation; participation; preparation, follow-up, and transfer; the selection of participants; the dynamics of outdoor challenge; integration; staff; ethics; and further research. 126 references