Leisure Studies Commons^™

Motives For Participation In College-Based Outdoor Adventure Programs, Andrew G. Bentley

Research in Outdoor Education

This study identified important motives for participation in coliege-based outdoor adventure programs. In addition, significant differences were determined across experience, participation levels, and credit allocation. By understanding motives important for outdoor adventure programs, this research provides empirical evidence for the management decision making process regarding course offerings and marketing strategies.

A Mixed-Method Investigation Of The Solo In A Wilderness Experience Program, Andrew J. Bobilya, Kenneth R. Kalisch, Leo H. Mcavoy, Jeffrey A. Jacobs

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the participants' perceptions of an organized solo within a wilderness experience program and the influence that the participants themselves and the environment have on their perception. The literature suggests that many factors influence one's ability to experience wilderness solitude and to engage in meaningful reflection that may lead to personal growth (Daniel, 2003; Fredrickson & Anderson, 1999; Hammitt,1982; Hendee & Brown, 1988; Koch, 1994; McIntosh, 1989; Norris, 2001; Richley, 1992; Stringer & McAvoy, 1992). Two of these factors can be categorized as the participant(s) and the environment; both are considered key program …

The Impacts Of Satellite Phone Technology On A North Carolina Outward Bound School Experience, Tommy Holden

Research in Outdoor Education

Over the last 20 years, adventure-based programs have flourished resulting in additional use of wilderness areas. One of the many factors contributing to this growth is the development and use of new technologies. "New technology ... has allowed backcountry users to greatly expand their reach ... " (McKay, 2000, pg. 150). Adventure-based programs are no exception to the use of this technology. For example, many programs now carry cellular or satellite phones into the backcountry, required as part of their risk management plans. However, the effects of this communications technology on the participants' wilderness and adventure-based experience have yet to …

Environmental Sensitivity And Experience Preferences In Outdoor Recreation Participation, Tinelle Bustam, Anderson B. Young, Sharon L. Todd

Research in Outdoor Education

In the past 30 years, a number of researchers have attempted to understand what makes people care about the environment or what underlies "environmental sensitivity." Most of this research is rooted in the theory that environmental sensitivity (ES) is the first step in a developmental process that.leads persons in the direction of feeling what Chawla (1998) calls "ownership" and "empowerment" (p. 11) regarding protection of the environment· Some early researchers focused on.individuals' self-claimed influences on environmental sensitivity based on "significant life experiences" (Peterson, 1982; Tanner, 1980}; while others attempted to find an association between outdoor participation and environmental concern (Dunlap …

An Exploration Of Meaningful Involvement In Ropes Course Programs, Kathy Haras, Camille J. Bunting

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to: 1) determine if there was a measurable difference in meaningful involvement between the Challenge by Choice (CbC) and Inviting Optimum Participation (IOP) approaches to ropes course program design and delivery; and 2) identify and compare the linkages among program attributes,outcomes, and values with each approach.

Sense Of Community On Integrated Wilderness Trips: A Pilot Study, Timothy S. O'Connell, Mary C. Breunig

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to examine sense of community on integrated wilderness trips. First, differences in perceived sense of community and perceived sense of group cohesion were analyzed from the viewpoint of the group as a whole to determine if there was any significant change over the course of a wilderness trip. Second, differences, if any, in perceived sense of community and perceived sense of group cohesion between people with disabilities and people without disabilities were determined.

The Relationship Between Summer Camp Employment And Emotional Intelligence, Jeffrey A. Jacobs, Leo H. Mcavoy, Andrew J. Bobilya

Research in Outdoor Education

Camping professionals have long claimed that summer camp employment provides camp staff with a number of benefits. The summer camp staff experience has been shown to have a positive effect on the staff members' personal, social and emotional growth (Bialeschki, Henderson, & Dahowski, 1998; DeGraff & Glover, 2002). Yet, some influentia. others such as parents and human resources professionals have questioned the wisdom of a college student spending a summer of "fun in the sun", working at a summer camp for low pay.

The concept of emotional intelligence has been recently gaining favor in the human resource management arena, and …

The Effects Of Intentional Recreation Programming On Internalization Of Type 1 Diabetes Management Among Adolescents, Eddie Hill, Jim Sibthorp

Research in Outdoor Education

This study, with the help of the Utah Association of Diabetes Educators, attempted to determine the effectiveness of using self-determination theory (SDT) at an adolescent diabetes camp to increase internalization of diabetes management. Existing evidence indicates that adolescents manage less than 20% of their diabetes, far less than needed (Anderson, 1985). Failure to manage and internalize behavior for regulating glycemic levels can lead to a number of very significant problems (Bryden, Peveler, Stein, Neil, Mayou & Dunger, 2001). This limited internalized behavior·may be explained by SDT. Self determination theory provides a basis for creating an autonomy supportive. environment while fostering …

Understanding The Role Of Spirituality And Theology In Outdoor Environmental Education: A Mixed-Method Characterization Of 12 Christian And Jewish Outdoor Programs, Gregory E. Hitzhusen

Research in Outdoor Education

This paper examines the role of spirituality in some explicitly religious outdoor environmental programs. As fitting for such a complex research topic that is not yet well understood, a mostly descriptive and narrative mixed methodology is used to characterize a set of Christian and Jewish outdoor programs that demonstrate an original combination of outdoor and environmental education within their spiritual context. Such analysis can help broaden the base of outdoor education spirituality research, can increase awareness of traditionally religious perspectives operative in outdoor education and environmental education and can suggest models for. outdoor educators within religious traditions. Finally, it can …

Using Experience Sampling Method To Understand The Environment For Reflective Learning, Taito Okamura

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to identify the appropriate learning environment for reflective learning during a five-day wilderness adventure program by measuring participant's perception of "yutori", which was a similar concept to "leisure as a state of mind" using Experience Sampling Method (ESM). This study was conducted under the assumption that a learning environment where participants· perceive "yutori', is appropriate for spontaneous reflective learning, based on Nishino's studies that positive mood appears when perceiving "yutori" (Nishino & Chinen, 1998) and that perception of "yutori" relates to intrinsic motivation and freedom of choice for the behavior (Nishino, 1999).

Focusing In: Using Photo Elicitation To Explore The Meanings Of Outdoor Experiences, T. A. Loeffler

Research in Outdoor Education

This exploratory qualitative study utilized photo-elicitation interviews to investigate the· inner significance of structured outdoor experiences for participants. Photo-elicitation provides a model for collaborative research in that the researcher becomes a listener as the subject interprets the image for the researcher. In the present study, photographs taken by the participants during their outdoor adventure experiences formed the foundation of the photo-elicitation interview.

Exploring The Role Of Reflection In The Pedagogy Of Outdoor Education, Tony Rea

Research in Outdoor Education

This paper seeks to examine the veracity of claims that Kolb's (1984) cycle of experiential learning can be applied to outdoor pedagogy and can help to explain the efficacy of outdoor educational programmes.

Photovoice: Capturing Campers' Perceptions Of The Outdoor Experience, Jennifer Johnston

Research in Outdoor Education

Photovoice encourages participants to reflect on their life experiences by taking photographs, writing about, and discussing their work. It is based on Paulo Freire's empowerment education, which uses discussion to foster critical consciousness about one's life experiences. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Photovoice methodology and illustrate its application in a camp setting.

Analyzing Student Journals To Identify Themes From A Summer Field Study, Amy L. Sheaffer

Research in Outdoor Education

Student joumal entries were analyzed from a two-week field study offered as a college-level course through a natural resource and environmental management program. The course content for the field course incorporated natural resource management, park management, and environmental history with the western United States. Students enrolling in the course were from a midwestem unlversity, and, for many, it was their first experience in the western states. Students were required to maintain a journal throughout the two-week field study. They were also required to read texts for the course and to make presentations to the group as experts on specific topics. …

Learning Styles Of College Students Enrolled In An Exeerience-Based Outdoor Leadership Program, Amy Shellman, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to further the understanding of factors that may influence learning and, more specifically, how certain learning environments may affect individual learning style preferences. As is often the case with many outdoor programs, the emphasis is placed on experiential learning, or learning by doing. This is in contrast to more traditional college learning, which often relies heavily on didactic teaching where the instructor spends much of the time teaching in a lecture format. For this study, the learning style preferences of college students enrolled in an experientially-based outdoor leadership program were compared with those of …

Self-Determination And The Adventure Experience: A Study Of Female Adolescents, Sydney L. Sklar, Heather Gibson

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the self-determination characteristics of at-risk adolescents entering a therapeutic wilderness program and to determine the effect of the program on participants' self- determination.

Editors' Introduction And Acknowledgements, M. Deborah Bialeschki, Karla A. Henderson, Anderson B. Young, Robert G. Andrejewski

Research in Outdoor Education

An introduction to the journal "Research in Outdoor Education," volume 6 is presented by the authors on behalf of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Committee.

Front Matter, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors (Ceo)

Research in Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors initiated a Research Task Force in 1990 with the purpose of supporting the conduct of research in the field and the dissemination of the results. The symposium at Bradford Woods and these Proceedings offer evidence of the success of this task force. At the first symposium in 1992, there was general agreement that the symposium be a regular occurrence. The 2002 Symposim and these Proceedings are indicators of the Coalition's continued support of research in outdoor education. Information on future events will be available through the Coalition office.

This article includes the Editors, …

Milestones In Outdoor Education, Anderson B. Young

Research in Outdoor Education

A preface to the journal "Research in Outdoor Education," volume is presented by the author on behalf of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Committee.

Reynold E. Carlson: A Distinguished Pioneer In Outdoor Education, Joel Meier

Research in Outdoor Education

A tribute to Reynold E. Carson, a pioneer in outdoor education, is presented by the author.

Effective Practices And Participant Outcomes For Youth: Inclusive Camps And Outdoor Schools, Steve Brannan, Joel Arick, Ann Fullerton

Research in Outdoor Education

This research project investigated resident camp and outdoor school programs and em­ployed validated instrumentation to help deter­mine the effects of inclusive practices on the growth and development of youth with and without disabilities (Brannan, Fullerton, Arick, Robb, and Bender, in press).

Qualitative Outcomes For Youth Who Participate In Inclusive Programs: A Multi-Case Analysis Across 14 Camps And Outdoor Schools, Ann Fullerton, Steve Brannan, Joel Arick

Research in Outdoor Education

As the number of inclusive programs grows, an important question arises: What are the out­comes of participation in an inclusive camp or outdoor school where children live, learn, and play with peers of varying abilities. Residential camps and outdoor schools and their research partners are striving to develop effective meth­ods to examine the outcomes for program par­ticipants (Dworken. 2001). Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to examine outcomes such as changes in skill levels, self-perceptions, attitudes, social interaction, and infonnant or self-reported growth in various ar­eas of development. Qualitative research may help us describe the scope, depth, and …

Leader Integration Competencies And Staff Training, Leo Mcavoy, Jim Roehl, John Rynders

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to test that competencies about inclusion were learned in staff training. Specifically, the study sought to identify the leadership competencies necessary for leaders in integrated outdoor adventure pro­grams and to measure the effectiveness of a staff training addressing one of these competencies (the ability to apply integration strategies). This study was exploratory in nature and centered on one agency, Wilderness Inquiry, Inc. (WI) of Minneapolis, which is recognized as the fore­most integrated outdoor adventure program in the country. The study focused on current staff of Wilderness Inquiry and on the approximately 30 new program …

Using Means-End Theory To Understand The Outdoor Adventure Experience, Marnie Goldenberg, Leo Mcavoy, David Klensosky, Tom Holman

Research in Outdoor Education

According to Ford (1981), outdoor educa­tion is "education in, about, and for the out­doors, implying a place, a topic, and a reason" (p. 14). Another working definition stated that outdoor education is "an experiential method of learning which takes place primarily through sensory involvement with the out-of-doors" (Priest & Gass, 1997, p. 17). Priest and Gass also defined outdoor adventure programs as those. that use challenging experiences in the outdoors to promote personal and group devel­opment.

This research developed a better under­standing of the linkages between outdoor adven­ture program (Outward Bound) experiences and outcomes using means-end analysis. Previously the means-end …

Difficulty And Ability: Staff Member Perceptions Of Seasonal Staff Training, Gwynn M. Powell, Robert D. Bixler, Deborah M. Switzer, Karen P. Hurtes

Research in Outdoor Education

The process that camp directors use to plan and implement their staff training and continu­ing education may be affected by understanding seasonal staff-member perceptions of the diffi­culty and ability of camp-specific skills and knowledge. The purpose of this study was to investigate staff perceptions to provide a base­line of information for practice and future re­search.

The Adventure Model: A Replication Study To Determine If Different Adventure Skills Support The Model, Ken Gilbertson, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

The Adventure Model uses the theory of specialization (Bryan, 1977; Ditton, Loomis, & Choi, 1992) as a developmental framework by suggesting that participants become specialized in their adventure activities, implying that individuals have differing needs and expectations based on skill and activity type. In addition, as suggested by Scott and. Shafer (2001), speciali­zation implies a developmental process involving behavior, attitudes, and preferences. Thus, the Adventure Model suggests that as partici­pants become more skilled and specialized, a number of attributes, such as frequency of par­ticipation and locus of decision making, change in a predictable manner (Anderson, Anderson, & Young, 2000; Ewert …

Multidimensional Self-Concept And Outdoor Adventure Education With Adolescents, Timothy S. O'Connell

Research in Outdoor Education

This study focused on the changes in self-concept of adolescents enrolled in· out­door adventure education courses offered at a traditional· college preparatory high school and explored how gender influenced changes in specific domains of self-concept.

An Analysis Of Outdoor Leaders' Ethics Guiding Decisions, Denise Mitten

Research in Outdoor Education

Up to 70,000 people a year may participate in wilderness experience programs in the United States (Friese, Hendee, & Kinziger, 1998). Many more people participate in non-wildemess outdoor programs. Over 700 programs offer wilderness opportunities for personal growth in the United States with a predicted increase of 15 percent a year (Ewert & McAvoy, 1999). During these trips, the behavior modeled and the infor­mation shared by the outdoor leaders influences a large number of people, including people with many diverse needs. Garvey (1999) stated that outdoor leaders model what they hold to be the most appropriate behavior in a situation: …

If The Dress Fits, Wear It.: Uncovering Meaning In Gender Stereotyping In An Australian Outdoor Education Program, Katherine J. Pinch

Research in Outdoor Education

This study is part of a larger project that ex­amined the significance of the gender system working within and through an outdoor adven­ture education program for adolescents. Al­though the categories female and male were used to describe the claimed and ascribed identi­ties of the participants, the study was designed to explore the implications of the gender system with reference to agency and empowerment for adolescent girls, not to differentiate between "essential" female and male experiences. The data was not analyzed to make statistical infer­ences about girls and boys as homogeneous groups. It was viewed in terms of how different ranges …

Developing Outdoor Leaders: Paul Petzoldt's Perspective, Mark Wagstaff, Christine Cashel

Research in Outdoor Education

Paul Petzoldt, an early pioneer in outdoor education, saw the need for trained outdoor leaders. Petzoldt spent his professional life edu­cating outdoor leaders to lead safe, enjoyable outdoor adventures without harm to the envi­ronment (Bachert, 1987, Ringholz, 1997). Pet­zoldt, who died in 1999, left a legacy of organi­zations, books, students, and controversy that have helped shaped the outdoor leadership pro­fession. After his death, boxes of papers and handwritten journals were given to the authors to use for research purposes. Some of Petzoldt's unpublished ideas are presented in this paper. Key concepts and meth­ods utilized by Petzoldt to train outdoor leaders …