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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. Harper is a professor and healthcare practitioner with extensive experience as an outdoor educator, guide, and trainer specializing in outdoor adventure leadership and group facilitation. He is also a registered clinical counsellor who integrates outdoor therapy into his practice, combining physical activity, nature connection, and lifestyle wellness principles. Dr. Harper remains actively engaged in several national and international organizations focused on outdoor leadership and therapeutic practice.

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.