"To develop an excitement for living, and to help us see the inseparable relationship between the real happiness of the human race and the health of the world it is in, and thus to understand the responsibilities incumbent on each one of us - this is the purpose of the experience of adventure."
On BBC television recently the legendary Sir Chris Bonington commented that the UK is becoming a nation of "couch potatoes" and that the spirit of adventure is being lost. Without doubt this is correct. People are far more concerned with owning a house than experiencing the world. But there is a serious consequence. Governments, organisations, institutions and many of the worlds largest companies are making claims to be "environmentally friendly", "third world friendly" or "a force for good" and the like, denoting a concern for the planet we occupy. However it is the people that work for these bodies that are the real character of them, and genuine commitment to these issues can only occur as the people themselves become genuinely committed. A nation of couch potatoes will never amount to this.
Bouken is the Japanese word for "Adventure" and The Bouken Project is the name that has been assigned to that part of our work that is concerned with promoting and supporting Adventure Training. The usual promotional spin about Adventure Training is that it can help with team building, build trust and instill self confidence, improve problem solving and communication skills and, for the executive, leadership skills. It is then touted that this will result in improved productivity in the work place. Well, maybe - but if the result is simply that a few extra paint cans roll off the end of the production line then it wasn't adventure.
"True adventure felt at the hands of nature isn't simply just an experience, it has a purpose, and can change a person forever"
Without a doubt these are the sort of people we need in our governments, our armed forces, as teachers of our children, as executives of companies and as leaders of our institutions. If we are to survive into another time we need our civilizations and societies to be led by these people.
This then is the purpose of The Bouken Project.