Outdoor adventure instructors' connections with nature foster others’ appreciation of the natural worldOutdoor adventure (OA) programs promote such activities as camping, canoeing, and bicycling. The focus of OA programs, however, goes beyond recreation. Other purposes include educational, developmental, and therapeutic goals. Because of the outdoor focus, OA programs can also play a key role in addressing the decline in positive human–nature interactions. The focus of this study was on how outdoor adventure instructors view nature and their work.
Twenty-one OA instructors from two outdoor adventure centers participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on how they experienced nature and how those experiences related to their current work. One of the adventure centers was located on a university campus in Nebraska; the other was an indoor-based facility in Michigan. The university-based program encourages outdoor adventure by (a) providing a rock climbing wall, (b) making outdoor recreation equipment available for students, faculty, and the community, and (c) sponsoring outdoor recreation trips for such activities as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and climbing. The Michigan facility features exhibits that simulate outdoor adventure experiences such as camping and fishing. While both the Nebraska and Michigan programs provide recreational, educational, and developmental opportunities, the Nebraska program has more of a recreational focus and the Michigan program more of an educational focus. Fourteen OA instructors from the Nebraska site and seven from the Michigan site participated in the interviews, which lasted from 15 to 40 minutes. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded.
Eight central themes emerged from the data: (1) Childhood Experiences with Nature; (2) Personal Connection with Nature; (3) Solitude and Connection with Others; (4) Nature as Part of Their Lifestyle; (5) Accessibility to Nature; (6) Awareness of Self, Behaviors and Values; (7) Personal Impacts on Others’ Values of Nature. Almost all of the participants reported memorable interactions with nature during childhood. Such interactions were often facilitated by a family member, sometimes by a nature program. A few of the participants, however, developed their connection with nature as young adults. Participants recognized the health and well-being benefits they received from engaging with nature. They also enjoyed working in a profession that gave them the opportunity to nurture others’ relationships with nature and empower them to care for the natural environment.
This research is consistent with a robust body of literature demonstrating the positive influence of nature on physical and psychological well-being. This research is also consistent with other studies that link positive nature experiences in childhood to a commitment to caring for the environment in adulthood. Findings from this study, however, also indicate that a positive connection with nature can be developed later in life. Outdoor adventure instructors can be instrumental in facilitating others’ relationships with nature and associated health and well-being benefits.
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