Leisure Studies Commons^™

Let Safety Be Your Guide: A Risk Management Perspective On Challenge Course Programming And Instructor Training, Jon-Scott N. Godsey, Monica L. Godsey

Research in Outdoor Education

The introduction of challenge courses to the public and private education sectors ushered in a new focus on construction and safety standards. The Association for Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT) currently pro.vides a series of standards related to challenge course construction techniques and appropriate materials and is paving the way for national standardization of challenge course practices and instructor training programs. While challenge course safety has improved significantly in the past forty years, there are still "antagonists who have claimed these programs lack safety and quality control", (p.65), resulting in a number of potential and actual accidents (Leemon & Erickson, 2000).

Development And Application Of A Camper Growth Index (Cgi-C), Karla A. Henderson, Christopher A. Thurber, Leslie Schueler Whitaker, Margery M. Scanlin, M. Deborah Bialeschki

Research in Outdoor Education

Many people know about the value of organized camp experiences for youth, but few instruments measure camp experiences relative to positive youth development. Over the past century, most studies have found positive outcomes on a variety of dimensions, but these studies have used mainly convenience nonrandornized samples, different criteria, and a variety of instruments in their assessments. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence about the psychometric properties of a scale specifically designed to measure youth development outcomes through camp experiences.

Leadership Development Through An Outdoor Leadership Program Focusing On Emotional Intelligence, Aya Hayashi

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to identify how an outdoor leadership program experience impacts students' development of emotional intelligence and transformational leadership. Other critical information regarding development of emotional intelligence and leadership, such as the relationships between level of outdoor experience and development of emotional intelligence, and kinds of experiences that contribute to development of emotional intelligence were also investigated.

Factors Influencing Particpants' Trust In Outdoor Organizations And Outdoor Leaders, Karen Paisley, Jim Sibthorp, Wynn Shooter

Research in Outdoor Education

Trust plays a critical role in the field of outdoor education. The building of trust among participants is a common goal of outdoor educators (Honchalk, 1982; Smith, Roland, Hanes, & Hoyt, 1992; Fox & Mick, 1996) and 1s believed to influence learning outcomes (Rotter, 1967). The absence of trust in one's leader may result in unrealized goals and lack of productivity (Kramer & Cook, 2004 ). The purpose of the current study was to explore, through action research, how trust is established between consumers and outdoor organizations and between participants in outdoor programs and their outdoor leaders. The identification of …

Predictors Of Autonomy Support At Diabetes Summer Camp: A Self-Determination Theory Approach, Ron Ramsing, Jim Sibthorp

Research in Outdoor Education

Diabetes is considered to be one of the most psychologically and behaviorally demanding chronic illnesses facing adolescents (Cox & Gonder-Fredrick, 1992). To control the disease more effectively, adolescents must learn to undertake the management of their diabetes themselves (Mensing, et al., 2000; Ruggiero, et al., 1997). Self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) was used as a foundation to explore the mechanisms, within a summer camp, that led to increased perceptions of autonomy support. Research shows autonomy support to be a critical prerequisite for increased autonomous behavior.

With over 350 specialty camps serving youth with diabetes (Diabetes Education and Camping Association, …

A Modified Outdoor Adventure Program Serving Individuals With Cognitive Disabilities Who Present Serious Accommodation Challenges, Leo H. Mcavoy, John Smith, John Rynders, Jeff Jacobs

Research in Outdoor Education

When inclusive programming is to be offered in an outdoor adventure context, and attempts are made to welcome individuals who present disability issues that make accommodation unusually challenging, the obstacles to program success can begin to look insurmountable. Research indicates there are a number of benefits realized through participation in inclusive outdoor adventure programs (McAvoy, Schatz, Stutz, Schleien, & Lais, 1989; Anderson, Schleien, McAvoy, Lais, & Seligman, 1997; McAvoy, 2001). There has been a paucity of research focused on persons with cognitive disabilities in outdoor programs that typically go on camping excursions into wilderness or wilderness-like natural areas rather than …

Power Plays: Nerdy Boys And Influential Girls "Playing" In The Outdoors, Katherine J. Pinch

Research in Outdoor Education

A major premise of this study is that gender is a system as well as a part of individual actions. Giddens (1999) described systems as "reproduced relations between actors or collectivities, organized as regular social practices" (p. 127). If one does not see gender as a category, but as a process that structures identity, behavior, and social norms, Giddens' definition of a system may easily be applied to gender. The study was begun with this understanding and a desire to look inside the gender system, as it operated within and through an outdoor adventure program for adolescents, and to explore …

Connectedness In The Wildernes Experience: Interpretation Of Sense Of Place During A National Outdoor Leadership School Instructor Course, Garrett Hutson

Research in Outdoor Education

This study explored the concept of sense of place during a 30-day National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) extended wilderness experience in a mountain range in the western United States. Sense of place is not a fixed concept, but may be best understood as a moving force that touches people's emotions on a variety of levels through the bonds they form with places (Tuan, 1974). The term has been utilized in such fields as geography and architecture since the early 1970s (Williams & Stewart, 1998). Scholars of leisure, recreation, and outdoor education are increasingly utilizing this concept because it holistically captures …

Predictors Of Perceived Development On Courses From The National Outdoor Leadership School, Jim Sibthorp, Karen Paisley, John Gookin

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to examine some of the potential mechanistic variables related to participant growth and development on courses at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The NOLS Outcome Instrument (NOI) was a retrospective pretest posttest created to measure perceived gains in six universal course outcomes targeted by NOLS courses: Communication Skills, Leadership, Expedition Behavior, Judgment in the Outdoors, Outdoor Skills, and Environmental Awareness. Participant level predictors included age, sex, previous expedition experience, and sense of personal empowerment. Course level predictors included were course length, challenge level of the course terrain, group's level of functioning, and the …

Developing Sustainable Access To Bouldering Areas, Dan Pronsolino, Marni Goldenberg

Research in Outdoor Education

Bouldering is a branch of rock climbing that has introduced unique impacts and concerns for land managers and local climbing organizations. The Access Fund, a climbing advocacy organization, is currently working on an initiative called The Boulder Project to educate boulderers on how to collaborate with land managers and maintain bouldering areas. There is currently a lack of research on the concerns of land management agencies regarding the behavior and impact of boulderers. The purpose of this study was to determine the best practices for minimal impact development and maintenance of bouldering areas according to land management agencies in the …

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

Research in Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a network of institutions, organizations, agencies, centers, businesses, and associations linked and communicating in support of the broad purposes of education in, for,and about the outdoors. The Coalition assists in identifying the needs of its affiliates in meeting their various constituent needs, as well as advancing the mission of outdoor education globally. A Research Task Force was initiated by the Coalition in 1990 with the purpose of supporting the conduct of research in the field and dissemination of the results. The symposium at Bradford Woods and this publication offer evidence of the …

Editor's Introduction And Acknowledgments, Karen Paisley, Anderson B. Young, Camille J. Bunting, Kelly Bloom

Research in Outdoor Education

An introduction to the journal "Research in Outdoor Education," volume 7 is presented by the authors on behalf of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Committee.

The Effect Of Outdoor Experiential Programs Upon Environmental Beliefs: Do They Make A Difference, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

This study examined the effect of a semester-long, outdoor leadership course upon the environmental beliefs and attitudes of participants. Embedded within this study is a three-week field expedition as part of the curriculum for the treatment group. Two research questions were examined. First, are there initial differences in demographic variables between the treatment and control group students? Second, after using the data generated. at the beginning of the semester from both groups as a covariate, are there differences in response to the statements contained in the modified NEP between the stated environmental beliefs of students in the treatment and control …

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.