What is Nature-Deficit Disorder (N.D.D.)

During the initial years of the L.E.A.D. program, one of its core values was to incorporate Outdoor and Experiential Education (O.E.E.) for students identified as ‘in-risk' of not graduating. Teacher candidates at the University of Windsor enrolled in the L.E.A.D. program were encouraged to embrace O.E.E. to assist students in building skills that promote overall personal and social development. A major component of the L.E.A.D. program was for teacher candidates to plan O.E.E. activities such as a 3-day overnight camping excursion and a retreat to the Ojibway Nature Centre and Ojibway Park. Embarking on these O.E.E. activities with selected secondary school students deemed to be ‘in-risk' accompanied by a group of caring adults provided the opportunity for rich outdoor experiences for all participants. This chapter highlights and explores the various O.E.E. activities experienced by L.E.A.D. teacher candidates and L.E.A.D. program students ‘in-risk', and shares research that describes the benefits of participation in O.E.E.