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School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education

Nevin Harper

Profile photo of Dr. Harper

Professor; Acting Director; Recreation and Health Education Program Leader

Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education

Contact:
Office: MCK 122, MCK 195b 250-721-8382
Credentials:
BA (Oregon), MA (Royal Roads), PhD (Minnesota)
Area(s) of expertise:
Adventure recreation, Outdoor education and therapies, Leadership, Outdoor risky play

Dr. Nevin Harper is a professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education. Nevin has been a career outdoor educator, guide and trainer in outdoor adventure leadership and group facilitation. He is also a registered clinical counsellor who practices outdoor therapy—bringing outdoor physical activity, mindfulness, and ecological wellness principles together. He remains active in a number of national and international outdoor leadership and adventure therapy organizations.

Research interests

  • Health, wellness, and therapeutic potential of outdoor activities and interventions
  • Child and youth development through unstructured play, risk and place-based learning
  • Adventure expedition concepts and characteristics
  • Leadership and group facilitation

Selected publications

Dobud, W., & Harper, N. J. (2025). Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health. New Society Publishers.

Harper, N. J., Dobud, W. W., & Magnuson, D. (2024). Adolescent wilderness therapy: The relationship of client outcomes to reasons for referral, motivation for change, and clinical measures. Youth, 4(1), 382-394.

Harper, N. J., Gabrielsen, L., & Fernee, C. (2021). Nature’s role in outdoor therapies: An umbrella review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5117.

Harper, N. J., & Dobud, W. W. (Eds.). (2020). Outdoor therapies: An introduction to practices, possibilities, and critical perspectives. Routledge.

Harper, N. J., & Obee, P. (2020). Articulating outdoor risky play in early childhood education: Voices of forest and nature school practitioners. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 21(2), 184-194.

Harper, N. J., Rose, K., & Segal, D. (2019). Nature-based therapy: A practitioner’s guide to working outdoors with children, youth, and families. New Society Publishers.

Harper, N. J. (2018). Locating self in place: Expedition-style study abroad in Bolivia and the global awareness of emerging adults. Journal of Experiential Education, 41(3), 295-311.


Harper, N. J. (2017). Wilderness therapy, therapeutic camping and outdoor adventure in child and youth care literature: A scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 83, 68-79.