The Czech approach to outdoor adventure and experiential education: the influence of Jaroslav Foglarʼs work
Abstract
While key personalities often connected with the roots of outdoor education and experiential learning, like Dewey, Seton, Hahn or Naess, are well known internationally, Jaroslav Foglar, a Czech outdoor and experiential educator, is mostly unknown to the international audience. The article adds to the literature related to Czech outdoor experience and focuses on introducing Foglar, his personality and work to a wider audience.
Foglarʼs principles of boyhood are taking risks, active lifestyle, honest behaviour and learning in nature with others in a small group. Foglar's specific outdoor adventure characteristics include timelessness, place, romance, mystery and challenge, and traditions with rituals.
All these factors together point to Jaroslav Foglar being not only an important Czech writer and educator, but also potentially influencing the field of outdoor adventure and experiential education internationally.