Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure

Adventure Based Learning Programme Development Training

SAQA US 252188 | NQF 5 | Credits 8 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to design and develop adventure-based learning programmes that foster personal and group development. Participants will learn to integrate experiential learning principles with safety management to create impactful outdoor learning experiences.

Learning Outcomes

  • Design an adventure-based learning programme aligned with specific developmental objectives.
  • Apply risk management principles to ensure participant safety during adventure-based activities.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of adventure-based learning experiences using appropriate assessment tools.
  • Demonstrate facilitation techniques that promote reflection and transfer of learning.
  • Analyze the role of adventure-based learning in fostering teamwork and leadership skills.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for trainers, facilitators, and educators involved in adventure-based learning, outdoor education, or team development programmes.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Adventure Based Learning

Objectives:
• Understand the theoretical underpinnings of adventure based learning
• Identify key principles of experiential education
• Recognise the role of the facilitator in adventure based programmes
• Differentiate between adventure based learning and other educational approaches

Topics:
• Introduction to adventure based learning (ABL)
• Theoretical foundations: Kolb, Dewey, and experiential learning cycle
• Key principles: challenge by choice, full value contract, sequencing
• The facilitator's role: guide, observer, debriefer
• Comparison with traditional classroom learning

Day 2: Programme Design and Risk Management

Objectives:
• Design a basic adventure based learning programme
• Conduct a risk assessment for outdoor activities
• Apply safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Select appropriate activities for specific learning outcomes

Topics:
• Programme design framework: needs analysis, objectives, activities, debrief
• Risk management principles: hazard identification, risk assessment matrix
• Safety protocols: equipment checks, emergency action plans
• Activity selection criteria: group size, environment, objectives
• Legal and ethical considerations

Day 3: Facilitation and Debriefing Techniques

Objectives:
• Demonstrate effective facilitation skills for ABL activities
• Use various debriefing models to enhance learning transfer
• Adapt facilitation style to group dynamics
• Manage challenging behaviours during activities

Topics:
• Facilitation styles: directive, non-directive, and collaborative
• Debriefing models: Outward Bound plus, 4-Fs (Facts, Feelings, Findings, Future)
• Group dynamics: stages of group development, roles, and norms
• Handling resistance, fear, and conflict
• Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment

Day 4: Advanced Programme Development and Evaluation

Objectives:
• Develop a comprehensive adventure based learning programme
• Integrate assessment and evaluation strategies
• Customise programmes for diverse populations
• Incorporate environmental and sustainability education

Topics:
• Advanced programme design: sequencing, progression, and transfer
• Assessment strategies: formative and summative, direct and indirect
• Evaluation methods: participant feedback, observation, outcomes measurement
• Customising for youth, corporate, and special needs groups
• Integrating environmental awareness and sustainability

Day 5: Implementation, Review, and Professional Practice

Objectives:
• Prepare for real-world implementation of ABL programmes
• Review and refine programme design based on feedback
• Understand professional ethics and continuous improvement
• Develop a personal action plan for future practice

Topics:
• Implementation checklist: logistics, equipment, staff, communication
• Review techniques: after-action review, peer feedback
• Professional ethics: confidentiality, boundaries, duty of care
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Action planning: goals, resources, timeline

Practicals

16 hours of practicals To be conducted online or on-campus or in-house
Overview

Practical sessions allow learners to apply programme design and facilitation skills in real or simulated outdoor settings. Learners will practice risk assessment, lead a short adventure activity, and conduct a debriefing session, receiving immediate feedback.

Practical Activities
  • Risk Assessment Walkthrough — Learners conduct a risk assessment of a selected outdoor area, identifying hazards and proposing control measures. (4h)
  • Facilitation of a Low-Ropes Activity — In small groups, learners facilitate a low-ropes or team-building activity, including instructions, safety check, and debrief. (6h)
  • Programme Design and Peer Review — Learners design a half-day ABL programme for a given target group, present it to peers, and receive constructive feedback. (6h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) 100% 30%
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 50%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Practicals 30% + Daily Average 20% + Final Test 50%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Sep 2026 Fri 02 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Oct 2026 Fri 23 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Dec 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 11 Jan 2027 Fri 15 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Feb 2027 Fri 19 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Fri 05 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Jun 2027 Fri 11 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Fri 23 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Sep 2027 Fri 10 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Sep 2027 Fri 01 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 18 Oct 2027 Fri 22 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Dec 2027 Fri 10 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Fri 21 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 533 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Mombasa, Kenya Winter 2026 $3,834 Register
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Mbabane, Eswatini Winter 2026 $2,916 Register
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Nairobi, Kenya Winter 2026 $3,834 Register
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Maseru, Lesotho Winter 2026 $2,916 Register
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Windhoek, Namibia Winter 2026 $3,078 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 22 Jun 2026 Fri 26 Jun 2026 Your Premises Winter 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Fri 18 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Fri 09 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Oct 2026 Fri 30 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 18 Jan 2027 Fri 22 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Feb 2027 Fri 26 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Jun 2027 Fri 18 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Jul 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Jul 2027 Fri 30 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Fri 17 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 04 Oct 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 25 Oct 2027 Fri 29 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 03 Jan 2028 Fri 07 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 24 Jan 2028 Fri 28 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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