The role of outdoor recreation in family enrichment

Abstract

The family is the fundamental unit in society and perhaps the oldest and most important of all human institutions. Several studies have indicated a positive correlation between strong, successful families and family participation in outdoor recreational activities. This paper addresses the role of structured outdoor recreation programming in family enrichment. Findings from two studies based in the United States are presented: one on the effect of a one-day family outdoor adventure program on parental and child perceptions of family functioning and the other from a qualitative inquiry into the meaning of family residential camping experiences. The first study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 24 families who participated in an 8-hour outdoor adventure program. The second study utilized structured interviews with 11 families participating in a residential camp experience. Findings from both studies demonstrate that structured outdoor family recreation programming has a strong positive relationship with family strength. Furthermore, findings indicate that the type of outdoor adventure activities being used in the treatment of dysfunctional and maladaptive families is also effective in providing family enrichment experiences.     

‘Salting’: preserving,seasoning, savouring,purifying and transforming through ‘marine adventuring’

ABSTRACT

This article explores, from a personal perspective, ageing and adventure in the context of the outdoor environment. Employing an autoethnographic sensibility, and drawing on fields of positive psychology, life course development, Outdoor and Adventurous Learning, and leisure studies, the paper discusses a range of motivations that contribute to my personal pursuit of a ‘fulfilled life’ now and in the future through ‘marine adventuring’. Adventuring is used to refer to my engagement with challenging physical outdoor activities; but also to my pursuit of learning; and, moreover, in my ‘existential’ quest for meaning. The specific activities under consideration are: seakayaking, SCUBA-diving and sailing.     

Motivational predictors of young adolescents' participation in an outdoor adventure course: A self-determination theory approach

Abstract

Outdoor education is emerging as a compulsory component of the school curriculum in Singapore. As more and more young people are involved in outdoor education programmes, the motivational factors that influence students' participation in outdoor activities is an important area of study. The purpose of this study was to use the self-determination theory framework to examine post course satisfaction level among young adolescents. A total of 314 secondary school students aged from 12 to 16 years took part in the survey. Results showed that external regulation negatively predicted self-reported satisfaction whereas intrinsic motivation positively predicted participants' satisfaction levels of the course. It is highlighted that young adolescents should not be coerced into outdoor education programmes. They should be provided with a meaningful rationale for participation, given some autonomy for decision-making and to have a positive and enjoyable experience during the programme.     

An evaluation of an outdoor education programme for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties

Abstract

A case study examined the value of outdoor education for two groups of pupils from Year 9 and 10 with severe behavioural difficulties placed in an independent residential school. The methods included systematic observations of their behaviour and recording of their academic performance over the duration of the programme; participant observation field notes kept by the researcher; and interviewing of all participating pupils and staff to elicit their perceptions of the utility of the programme. The analysis suggested that the programme was successful in promoting positive behaviour and academic gains for most pupils, and that by the end both pupils and staff held a positive perception of outdoor education. Although outdoor education may not form a solution to dealing with 'problematic' behaviour, it represents a powerful, albeit underused, tool for reducing disaffection, promoting inclusive practice and decreasing the risk of permanent exclusion for this vulnerable group of pupils.     

Connecting to the Good Life through outdoor adventure leadership experiences designed for Indigenous youth

Indigenous voices are largely silent in the outdoor education and adventure therapy literature. The purpose of this research collaboration was to understand how a 10-day outdoor adventure leadership experience (OALE) may promote resilience and well-being for Indigenous youth through their participation in the program. The process was examined through a community-based participatory research project that sought insight from the perspectives of one First Nations community in Canada. The OALE was implemented with six different groups for a total of 43 youth participants (ages 11.9–18.7 years) from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve in northeastern Ontario. Field data were collected from multiple sources including participant interviews, journals, focus groups, and talking circles. Using a critical ethnographic lens, we analyzed the data inductively to understand how the OALE promoted resilience and well-being. We listened to Indigenous voices, adhered to principles of Indigenous coding for thematic content and respected Indigenous ways of knowing for interpreting results. The process of connecting to the Good Life (Anishinaabe Bimaadziwin) or waking up (nsidwaaswok) to the Good Life emerged as the dominant theme. Connecting to the Good Life may offer a simple yet compelling way to understand the net impact of the OALE.     

Leader anxiety during an adventure education residential experience: An exploratory case study

Abstract

Research in outdoor and adventure activities has frequently focused on participant outcomes but has seldom sought to understand the experiences of the leader. This case study evaluates changes in the anxiety of a leader during an eight day residential experience for 30 Physical Education students, based in the Langdale Valley (English Lake District). A one way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the self confidence scores of the leader measured using the CSAI-2 for the time prior to the group completing a ridge walk supervised by members of the teaching team, and prior to the group's self contained two day expedition (p=0.048).

The data also supports a general trend of higher cognitive and somatic anxiety before the group activities commenced in the morning and last thing at night. Qualitative information in the form of field diary entries supported that increases in anxiety and a reduction in self-confidence were symptomatic of instances where the leader felt that they could not directly influence event outcomes.

This study recognises a potential need for leaders to consider the implementation of strategies to manage stress levels during extended residential periods, although further research is required to more fully understand the phenomenon of leader anxiety.     

The Communicator's Role in Resource Decision–Making

Abstract

The experience of 8 teenage participants of a 12-day adventure trip was investigated through participant observation and semistructured posttrip interviews. The teen participants conceptualized nature as a place out there—a reality fundamentally different and removed from their home reality of civilization. The teens understood nature as undisturbed, natural, unfamiliar, without people or human material development, relaxing, not busy, and with a sense of freedom. The teens strongly suggested nature does not exist at home. It appears that, with this construction of nature, the teens felt diminished motivation to take care of their home environment.     

Learning to be a group facilitator in outdoor education: using self-awareness to overcome fears and be fully present

ABSTRACT

Facilitating groups in outdoor education can sometimes be very challenging, and self-doubt and the fear of facilitating inadequately add to difficulties that facilitators must sometimes manage. In this paper, I will explore some of the ways by which facilitators contribute to the difficulties they experience and, furthermore, to explore some solutions. Negative self-talk can sabotage our best intentions as facilitators, by reducing the levels of free attention that are needed to facilitate well. I draw on the findings of a naturalistic inquiry conducted with 7 facilitator educators and 104 graduates of facilitator education programmes. Data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation and qualitative surveys were analysed using the constant comparison method. . Based on my research findings, I contend that outdoor education programmes do not need perfect facilitators. Rather, facilitators who can be authentic, self-aware and fully present for their groups will improve outdoor education programs.     

Qualitative research and making meaning from adventure: A case study of boys' experiences of outdoor education at school

Abstract

This article details the process and analysis of a case study, conducted over a six week period, involving an outdoor education class in an all-boys Catholic, New Zealand secondary school. The questions explored by the case study were the subjective meanings of adventure experiences in outdoor education and the benefits of qualitative research for assessing the value of outdoor education. The methodological techniques used were observation, involving some researcher participation, and in-depth interviewing. Subsequent data analysis was based upon theories of experiential education and adventure education, and concepts of leisure and human agency. The results of the study suggest that the meanings participants make of their experiences, and the value they derive from them, exceed those that may conventionally be sought and measured as an improvement in self-concept. These findings suggest that learning through adventure is potentially valuable as a holistic and life-long form of activity that enhances the capacity to enjoy and engage in living. This is an important extension beyond its often limited and compartmentalised applications, which are rationalised by specific outcome based objectives. A qualitative methodology was indispensable to an inquiry of this kind and warrants further attention in the process of understanding the meanings of adventure and learning.     

Higher learning: impacts of a high-altitude adventure-based field school on college student development

ABSTRACT

Student learning can be enhanced through applied experience of theoretical knowledge. The purpose of this study was to identify and articulate personal and educational impacts experienced by students during a mentally and physically challenging international adventure-based field school. Nineteen students and two faculty members participated in a three-week applied course exploring the effects of altitude on human health and performance through an adventure sport expedition in the Andean Mountains of Bolivia, South America. The field school design was intended to optimize student learning through cross-disciplinary applied curriculum and research. Written journal assignments, data from physiological and psychological measures and researcher observations were included in the analysis. Findings suggest that altering environmental conditions and applying ‘real-world conditions’ can promote student growth and learning. Implications for field school design, pedagogical considerations and college administration of field schools are discussed.     

The ‘outdoor industry’ as social and educational phenomena: Gender and outdoor adventure/education

Abstract

This paper discusses social and cultural theory and tracts the ways in which gender has been conceptualised. It argues that the ‘outdoor industry’ in its various manifestations constitutes an aspect of society that can not be ignored. It suggests that outdoor adventure/education, like other dimensions of society, can usefully be subjected to critical examination. Having discussed perspectives surrounding the social construction of gender, the paper draws attention to classic work that has explored ideologies of femininity and the implication for women and men. The paper then goes on to argue that the more recent interactionist theories and cultural studies offer less deterministic and more insightful approaches to exploring people's experiences of outdoor adventure/education. The concept of hegemonic masculinity is drawn upon to examine ‘the outdoor industry’ in light of the current ‘crisis of masculinity’. Finally, the paper raises further questions regarding outdoor adventure/education as a site of alternative femininities and masculinities and as counter-culture.     

Can communitas explain how young people achieve identity development in outdoor adventure in light of contemporary individualised life?

In contemporary life, young people’s identity development is a popular topic for investigation. This includes better understanding their development and their participation in outdoor adventure. From ancient times to modern days, literature conveys the benefits of outdoor adventure on their identity development and more recently there is a growing focus on understanding how and why it occurs. This article discusses the author’s doctoral research conducted on the Western Australian Leeuwin II tall ship that explored the relationship between trainees’ personal development and their participation on this ocean-bound vessel in light of an individualised contemporary life. The study recognised the Leeuwin II tall ship as communitas contributing to trainees’ personal development. The article considers communitas explaining how and why outdoor adventure benefits young people’s personal development, which has implications for young people’s development in the twenty-first century.     

Between safety and risk: A model for outdoor adventure decision making

Abstract

The quality of outdoor leadership is an important factor in providing safe and enjoyable adventure education experiences for participants. A framework model of outdoor adventure decision making is described and proposes ongoing decisions by expert leaders is about finding an ideal balance of challenge (the interaction of risk and competence). The model draws on naturalistic decision making (NDM) processes and emphasises the importance of situational recognition and prior experience as the basis for sound decision making. The complexity of the socio-cultural environment is recognised with key information being drawn by the leader from the natural environment, people and goals. The model predicts that if situations of over or under-challenge exist then steps are taken to increase or reduce the challenge level accordingly. Failure to recognise or act on critical information leads to crisis situations. Two case studies are presented in support of the model.     

Ours to reason why

Abstract

This is a story of what happened on the Aiguille du Grepon. It is based on fact and designed to reveal both the appearance and reality of motivation in climbing, a combination that is often difficult to express in a traditional academic style. The story differentiates motivation along two dimensions, a goal dimension with intrinsic and extrinsic rewards at opposite ends and a relational dimension with exclusive and inclusive rewards at opposite ends. These polar opposites are integrated in the experience of outdoor adventure through the story. They are further reflected in the attitudes of a previous generation of climbers. It is suggested that these motivations define the games of outdoor adventure in general, and that we should be self-conscious of them both in education and in play.     

The role of outdoor recreation in family enrichment

The family is the fundamental unit in society and perhaps the oldest and most important of all human institutions. Several studies have indicated a positive correlation between strong, successful families and family participation in outdoor recreational activities. This paper addresses the role of structured outdoor recreation programming in family enrichment. Findings from two studies based in the United States are presented: one on the effect of a one-day family outdoor adventure program on parental and child perceptions of family functioning and the other from a qualitative inquiry into the meaning of family residential camping experiences. The first study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 24 families who participated in an 8-hour outdoor adventure program. The second study utilized structured interviews with 11 families participating in a residential camp experience. Findings from both studies demonstrate that structured outdoor family recreation programming has a strong positive relationship with family strength. Furthermore, findings indicate that the type of outdoor adventure activities being used in the treatment of dysfunctional and maladaptive families is also effective in providing family enrichment experiences.     

A sociocultural investigation of pre-service teachers’ outdoor experiences and perceived obstacles to outdoor learning

Abstract

This study utilizes a sociocultural approach to explore how pre-service elementary teachers’ experiences in both outdoor and formal school settings have contributed to their intentions for taking their students outdoors and perceived obstacles to doing so. The participants were pre-service elementary teachers (N?=?95) enrolled in an elementary science education methods course at a public university in the Midwestern United States. This study builds on the qualitative research methodology established in a prior research study, whereby after reading Richard Louv’s book entitled Last Child in the Woods, pre-service teachers completed written essay responses to prompts about their past outdoor experiences, their intentions for taking their students outdoors, and additionally in this study, perceived obstacles to doing so once they become teachers. Analysis of the data indicates the importance of participants’ youth experiences in the outdoors and positive intentions for taking students outside. In addition, findings describe major obstacles discussed by pre-service teachers, and we use sociocultural theory to analyse the context of these findings. Implications for teacher educators working to better equip pre-service teachers to overcome these perceived obstacles are discussed.     

Motivations of older adults to participate in outdoor adventure experiences

Abstract

As the number of adventure based programs has increased in the past 40 years, the opportunities for older adults to participate in outdoor adventure experiences has increased steadily. A previous study determined that information was lacking on the reasons why older adults participate in this programming area. The current study (n=782) sought to answer this question using a survey derived from the Recreation Experience Preference (REP) Inventory. Data from the study indicated that the most important motivations were: 1) being in a natural environment; 2) being physically active; 3) learning about outdoor skills and the environment; and 4) being in a group of people with similar interests. The data also indicated that these motivations were more significant for women than for men and for participants younger than 65 years old.     

Factors that influence women's technical skill development in outdoor adventure

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical foundation for understanding women's technical skill development (TSD) in outdoor adventure. An examination of societal and biological factors influencing women's TSD focuses on gender role socialization, sense of competence, technical conditioning, sexism, spatial ability, and risk-taking. The article suggests leadership and instructional strategies for facilitating technical skill competency for women in outdoor education.     

Looking Backward at Science Writing

Abstract

Different environmental education programs (field trips, hiking, camps, adventure activities) aim to develop pupils' affective relationship to the natural environment, their environmental sensitivity, and outdoor behavior, as well as their social relationships, through personal experiences. This study discusses the results of experiences from outdoor activities involving 11- and 12-year-old pupils in Rovaniemi and Vaasa, Finland. The qualitative research methods comprised case studies involving questionnaires, individual interviews, drawings, photographs of landscapes, and participant observations during camps. Nature experiences developed the pupils' self-confidence and feelings of safety, in particular, which in turn increased their willingness to participate in future outdoor activities. In this way, nature began to have new meanings for them on a personal level. Comparing pupils who were experienced in outdoor activities with pupils who were not, it was found that the former seemed to have a strong and clearly definable empathic relationship to nature. They also exhibited better social behavior and higher moral judgements. The reasons for conflicts between environmental attitudes and action, still observable in some experienced boys of the Vaasa group, are discussed in terms of conscious vs. unconscious action and applied knowledge. The role and possibilities of outdoor education in environmental education and natural studies are emphasized for schools as well as for teacher education.