Girls in the Woods: An Exploration of the Impact of a Wilderness Program on Adolescent Girls\u27 Constructions of Femininity

Historically, the wilderness and outdoor recreational activities have been portrayed as a masculine domain. In spite of this, women\u27s participation in wilderness programs has increased, illustrating what research has proven-that women reap positive mental, physical, and spiritual outcomes from participating in outdoor experiences. Research on the benefits for female participants focuses primarily on women\u27s experiences; however, little research investigates the outcomes of girls\u27 participation. More specifically, the literature neglects the study of how participation in outdoor wilderness programs challenges conventional notions of femininity. The goal of this study was to 1) add girls\u27 voices to the research on the outcomes of participating in an all-female program, 2) expand the research on girls\u27 development, 3) examine how participation in a wilderness program challenged conventional notions of femininity for adolescent girls, and, 4) expand the research on poor and working-class girls\u27 constructions of femininity through the lens of their participation in an outdoor recreational program. Feminist and qualitative research methods were used to examine how participation in an all-female wilderness program challenged conventional notions of femininity for adolescent girls. Interviews, a focus group, public presentation, parent surveys, journal entries, applications, and trip reports were used to examine the ways in which girls, who participated in an outdoor experience, spoke about personal change and growth and how the experience challenged their constructions of femininity. The results of this study indicate that girls who participated in an extensive wilderness program challenged conventional notions of femininity in diverse ways. This includes: 1) perseverance, strength, and determination, 2) challenging assumptions of girls\u27 abilities, 3) elevated self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment and pride, 4) questioning ideal images of beauty, 5) increased ability to speak out (voice) and leadership skills, and, 6) building significant relationships with other girls. This study reveals the importance of including girls\u27 voices in the examination of wilderness programs and offers a clearer understanding of how participation in an outdoor program challenged conventional notions of femininity for adolescent girls

Influences of Resident Camp Experiences on Career Choice: A Case Study of Female Alumnae

Few studies have explored the long-term impacts of camp experiences on career choice, although there is a need to better understand how camp experiences may influence this decision to guide staff recruitment and retention efforts. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of camp experiences on future career paths for women. Twenty-two camp alumnae who attended an all-girls camp completed a retrospective online survey. Salient themes related to career impacts included human service career interest, outdoor career interest, leadership and interpersonal skill development, and social-emotional skill development. Considerations for future research include a national study of a more representative sample of camp alumni to shed greater light on occupational choice and career path for camp alumni

The Role of Camp in Shaping College Readiness and Building a Pathway to the Future for Camp Alumni

The purpose of this study was to examine whether attending camp promotes college readiness skills in camp alumni. A sample of 420 participants retrospectively reflected on their camp experience and how it helped them gain college readiness skills through an online survey. Quantitative results suggested that a variety of college readiness skills are impacted by the camp and differ slightly based on male and female respondents. Qualitative analysis indicated that camp influences academic pursuits by inspiring one’s academic interest, shaping where one studies, and motivating one to persevere and complete college. Supportive peers and adults within the camp setting influence of all these decisions

Life after the River: Long-term Impacts of Girls’ Participation in an Adventure Program

This study examined the long-term impacts of girls’ (now young women’s) participation in an extensive adventure program. Interviews conducted 6 months, 18 months and five years after participation investigated: a) what skills the girls gained through their participation; b) how they use these skills in their everyday lives; c) the impact the experience had on the girls’ lives; and d) what course components provided the most impact on the girls’ lives. Findings suggest long term impacts include: technical skill development; communication and teamwork; leadership; perseverance; environmental stewardship and improved family dynamics. Program practices that significantly influenced the girls’ experience included solos, the assignment and completion of daily roles, opportunities for leadership, and the act of recreating in and examining the natural environment

Breaking the mold: Impacts of adventure education on girls

Adventure education programs have been created to address the developmental needs of adolescent girls. Such programs must be evaluated to determine whether they are having their intended impact. The purpose of this evaluation was to examine whether Dirt Divas, a mountain bike and empowerment program for girls, accomplishes its goals. Using a three-point numerical rating scale and open-ended questions on post-program evaluations and qualitative interviews, the authors evaluated whether Dirt Divas was meeting its goals to: (a) strengthen girls’ physical activity and promote positive body image, (b) foster positive gender identity development and resistance to gender role stereotypes, and (c) support girls’ resiliency. Findings suggest Dirt Divas impacts girls in the following ways: increased confidence in physical activity, feelings of physical strength, confidence, self-esteem, perseverance, courage, resiliency, a connection with other girls and a sense of self. Less clear are impacts on gender identity development, gender role stereotypes and body image