Outdoor Orientation Program Effects: Sense of Place and Social Benefits

More than 200 schools currently use some form of the Outward Bound-adapted model of outdoor orientation (OO). Assisting students with the transition to college is a primary goal of these programs (Bell, Holmes, Vigneault, & Williams, 2008). This study was conducted at a small Midwestern liberal-arts college with a strong environmental mission. Participation in an OO program is required of all new students. In the fall of 2006, 186 freshmen went on 19 trips. This research explores two program outcomes pertinent to the goal of assisting students in their transition to college. First, it explores the degree to which the Outdoor Orientation (OO) program fosters sense of place among new students. Second, it explores the social benefits of participation in OO programs.