James Anthony Suro

LEI 4724
Activity E6: Snow Tubing
Source: Russell, K. C., & Hendee, J. C. (2000). Outdoor behavioral healthcare: definitions,
common practices, and a nationwide survey of programs (Idaho Forest, Wildfire, and Range
Experiment Station Rep. No. 26). Moscow, ID: University of Idaho.
Equipment: Sliding Tube
Activity Description:
1. Greet everyone with a hello
2. Participants will line up into 2 rows with each one assigned a tube.
3. They will go down the hill two at a time. There will be an assistant to the facilitator
waiting for them.
4. They will get back up to the hill and get in line to do it again.
Leadership Considerations:
Make sure that there is enough room at the bottom of the hill to give the tube time to slow
down. There must be no hills of snow just in case they are heading for them and they dont take
off like a ramp into midair. Also, make sure that the clients are hanging on to the tube.
Some clients, however, cannot hold onto the tube because of strength issues, like those
suffering from strokes. Their hands may not have good grip so they cannot hold the tube. We can
modify this to include a tube that will allow the client to strap in with a seat belt, putting them in
the greatest amount of safety possible. It is important, however, that the tubes (all tubes) are
counterweighted as to prevent them from flipping.
Those afflicted with Lupus will be able to enjoy this activity. The joint pain must be
managed to avoid any difficulties. This can be helped by making tubes that have some form of
suspension so that they glide through the snow without any bumps. The snow itself can be
smoothed over so there is no bumps or holes with certainty.