Why outdoor learning should get real

I have previously likened trends in outdoor learning to the McDonaldization of Society, a phrase used by Ritzer in the title of his book on globalisation. My point is that, like Ritzer, I see trends that seek to make everything the same wherever it is experienced. Ritzer used the burger to make his point. I think the ropes course, skiing, rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking and many more activities lend themselves to this globalised treatment, 'adventure in a bun'. I view this as something that is counterproductive to effective outdoor learning wherever it is practised. My concerns are that an ‘off the shelf’, commodified approach to providing adventure experiences is counter to the organic and emergent nature of experiential learning outdoors as people respond to the rich mix of environments, individuals, groups, cultures and activities involved. I also think this approach develops values that are counter to those educators should be developing in our students in a world of social and environmental injustice.