Common Adventure Model -- please explain in plain English

[djlewis]

OK, the "Common Adventure Model" has come up a couple of times in the context of SnGs and/or Private (not official NSPN) trips.

http://www.nspn.org/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID5/474.html#9

http://www.nspn.org/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID3/6348.html#3

The papers referenced (and the other material on the web) sound like presentations at a dull academic conference, with 16 references and hypothermic passages like...

> In an article entitled, "A Model Theory of Outdoor Program Approaches,"

> I argued that Blaesing's delivery systems

> could be more completely described through model theory.

> I used Blaesing’s original concept of a continuum,

> and suggested that where models were placed on the continuum

> was determined by the amount of organizational control inherit in each model.

Could someone explain the "Common Adventure Model" simply, in plain English, and especially its relevance to NSPN, its members and fellow paddlers. Seems like, with a lot more SnGs than official trips these days, this might be very useful.

In particular, is there some substantive value in the concept that we could learn and apply to improve things? Or is it simply naming what we already mean by "private trip", "show-n-go", "not official NSPN trip", etc.?

Thanks. --David.

[rick stoehrer]

the short definition is included in the first link...."A common adventure trip is two or more individuals working cooperatively for common goals, and sharing expenses, decision making, and responsibilities as equitably as possible."

you operate under the model in an effort to limit your personal liability in the event of a accident / misfortune to another member of the group, club, etc....the idea is that if everyone has the same info, an equal stake in the trip and are working towards the same goals with an equal voice in the decisions that led to an event, then it would be difficult to find a specific person in the group personally liable.

it's a model to run outdoor adventures in such a way that you limit your liability.

at least, that's my undersanding.

[eneumeier]

We are all in this adventure together, and are equally responsible for ourselves, each other and the group, even if we contribute different skills to our common adventure.

Liz N.

[Bill Gwynn]

I understand your desire to get a feel for the "Common Adventure Model" in a simple statement. But, I do think it is necessary to read through the whole paper to really understand the concept. Part of what makes CAM work is that the Trip Initiators have a complete understanding of the model. I have found the following:

http://www.isu.edu/outdoor/CADefine.htm to be a long, but pretty understandable read.

As far as how it relates to NSPN... it doesn't. It only applies to Private Trips. Private Trips have absolutely nothing to do with NSPN. NSPN has gone to great efforts to make sure that everyone is clear on that point. It was even recommended that we remove S&G's from the website completely. The BOD decided that was not what they wanted, and instead changed the name from Show & Go's to Private Trips, and included the anchored "Disclaimer of Responsibility" at the top of the forum.

I feel that anyone that participates in Private Trips and especially Trip Initiators should read and understand the CAM.

Also, a personal liability umbrella insurance policy is not a bad idea just in case. One small mistake either on the water or driving to the water, or walking down the street can result in a law suit that can ruin your life and all you have worked for. As Kathy Bates said in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes as she smashed her car repeatedly to get a parking spot. "Face it girls, I'm older and have more insurance."