The Intersection of Community and Place in an Outdoor Orientation Program

Authors

  • Mathew L. Austin Ohio University
  • Bruce Martin Ohio University
  • Aiko Yoshino Ohio University
  • Kevin Schanning Northland College
  • Derek H. Ogle Northland College
  • Robin Mittelstaedt Ohio University

Keywords:

college orientation, outdoor orientation, sense of community, sense of place, wilderness orientation

Abstract

This study investigated outcomes of a college outdoor orientation

program that utilized 3, 4, 5, and 12-day adventure based trips. Sense

of community and sense of place were measured using a one-sample

pre/post-test design (n = 118). Paired sample t-tests were implemented

to explore differences and, in general, students reported significant

changes following participation. Students demonstrated increases

in the number of their friends, trusted individuals, and 6 of

the 7 factorial components measuring sense of community and sense

of place (p < .05). The importance of community and place is discussed,

highlighting suggestions and implications for future consideration

in outdoor orientation programming.

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Regular Papers