Where Are the Instructors?Where Are the Instructors?Benefits of Unaccompanied Program Benefits of Unaccompanied Program

ComponentsComponents

Wilderness Risk Management ConferenceWilderness Risk Management Conference

Durham, NC, USADurham, NC, USA

Friday, October 16, 2009Friday, October 16, 2009

Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph. D.Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph. D.

Kenneth R. Kalisch, M.S.Kenneth R. Kalisch, M.S.

Dave Sperry, M.S. Dave Sperry, M.S.

Montreat College Outdoor Education DepartmentMontreat College Outdoor Education Department

Montreat, NC, USAMontreat, NC, USA

Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

• Small Group Discussions on Risks/Benefits of Small Group Discussions on Risks/Benefits of Solo and Final Expedition Course Components Solo and Final Expedition Course Components

• Large Group Sharing of Risks/BenefitsLarge Group Sharing of Risks/Benefits

• Research Summary of BenefitsResearch Summary of Benefits

• Large Group Discussion of Best PracticesLarge Group Discussion of Best Practices

• Available ResourcesAvailable Resources

Small Group DiscussionSmall Group Discussion

• What are the risks and benefits What are the risks and benefits involved in programming involved in programming unaccompanied student experiences unaccompanied student experiences on wilderness courses (Solo & Final on wilderness courses (Solo & Final Expedition)?Expedition)?

Research Purpose OverviewResearch Purpose Overview

The purpose of these The purpose of these two studies was to two studies was to understand students’ understand students’ perceptions of their perceptions of their Solo or Final Solo or Final Expedition Expedition experience during a experience during a wilderness wilderness experience program.experience program.

Why Investigate the Solo and Final Why Investigate the Solo and Final Expedition?Expedition?

• The Solo and Final Expedition have been found to The Solo and Final Expedition have been found to be one of the most memorable and significant be one of the most memorable and significant course components over the participant’s lifetime course components over the participant’s lifetime (Daniel, 2003; Gassner & Kahlid, 2006)(Daniel, 2003; Gassner & Kahlid, 2006)

• Solo is one of the most influential components of a Solo is one of the most influential components of a wilderness experience program wilderness experience program (Daniel, 2003; Fredrickson & (Daniel, 2003; Fredrickson & Anderson, 1999; Griffin, 2000; McFee, 1993; Price, 1999; Sibthorp, 2000; Anderson, 1999; Griffin, 2000; McFee, 1993; Price, 1999; Sibthorp, 2000; Stringer & McAvoy, 1992; Williams & Kalisch, 1995).Stringer & McAvoy, 1992; Williams & Kalisch, 1995).

• There is very little data that can provide meaningful insight from the participants’ perspective regarding a) their expectation of the program componentb) their experience of the program component c) what influenced their experience during the particular component of the program (McKenzie, 2000)

Solo Data Collection OverviewSolo Data Collection Overview2002

Participant’s Perceptions - Pilot Study

Solo

2003Participant’s Perceptions- Dissertation

Solo

2004In-House

EvaluationSolo

2005Intentional

Design StudySolo

2006NCOBS Pilot

StudySolo

2007NCOBS

Participant’s Perceptions

Solo

Pre-Program Survey(n=134)

Pre-Program Survey

(n = 126)

Solo Survey(n = 134)

Solo Survey(n = 126)

Solo Survey(n = 95)

Solo Survey (n = 85)

Solo Survey(n = 174)

Solo Survey(n = 335)

Focus Group Interviews

(n = 33)

Focus Group Interviews

(n = 30)

1:1 Interviews 3 ½ Months

Later(n = 16)

Final Expedition Data Collection Final Expedition Data Collection OverviewOverview

2008Youth and Adult

Participants’ Perceptions of the Final Expedition

2009Youth and Adult

Participants’ Perceptions of the Final Expedition

2009 - 2010Adult

Participants’ Perceptions of the Final Expedition

Final Expedition Survey

(n=335)

Final Expedition Survey

Final Expedition Final Expedition SurveySurvey

Solo CharacteristicsSolo CharacteristicsResearch Question:Research Question:

““What are three lessons you learned during your Solo What are three lessons you learned during your Solo experience that you want to apply to your life at experience that you want to apply to your life at home?”home?”

• Solo Timing During CourseSolo Timing During Course– Beginning 1/3 – 2%Beginning 1/3 – 2%– Middle 1/3 – 59%Middle 1/3 – 59%– Last 1/3 – 29%Last 1/3 – 29%

*10% non-response*10% non-response

• Length of SoloLength of Solo– 15 - 23 hours – 30%15 - 23 hours – 30%– 24 – 35 hours – 27.5%24 – 35 hours – 27.5%– 36 – 48 hours – 37.5%36 – 48 hours – 37.5%– Over 48 hours – 5%Over 48 hours – 5%

Summary of Solo Study Results Summary of Solo Study Results

Major ThemesMajor Themes

• Intended Transfer of Learning: Self Intended Transfer of Learning: Self and Lifestyleand Lifestyle

• Appreciation for Home and Outdoor Appreciation for Home and Outdoor ExperiencesExperiences

Intended Transfer of Learning - Intended Transfer of Learning - SelfSelf

Sub ThemesSub Themes

1.1. Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance

2.2. Self-WorthSelf-Worth

3.3. Perseverance Perseverance

4.4. Responsibility Responsibility

5.5. SimplicitySimplicity

Intended Transfer of Learning - Intended Transfer of Learning - SelfSelf

Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance““I am able to survive, I am able to survive, pleasantly even in situations pleasantly even in situations that might seem daunting or that might seem daunting or impossible at first. I am impossible at first. I am capable and resourceful.”capable and resourceful.”

““I can take care of myself, and I can take care of myself, and I don’t always need someone I don’t always need someone to help me do things.”to help me do things.”

Self-WorthSelf-Worth““I learned that I am worth I learned that I am worth sticking up for. I used to sticking up for. I used to always let people push me always let people push me around and now I know I don’t around and now I know I don’t need anyone to tell me I am need anyone to tell me I am good enough.”good enough.”

Intended Transfer of Learning - Intended Transfer of Learning - SelfSelf

Perseverance Perseverance ““Time and patience can give you the results you want.”Time and patience can give you the results you want.”

ResponsibilityResponsibility““I kind of feel like no situation can make you miserable without I kind of feel like no situation can make you miserable without allowing yourself to feel miserable. Basically I want to take the allowing yourself to feel miserable. Basically I want to take the concept (home) that every situation is all about attitude and concept (home) that every situation is all about attitude and how you view the situation. I really want to hold on to this how you view the situation. I really want to hold on to this lesson and keep it with me when I get back.”lesson and keep it with me when I get back.”

SimplicitySimplicity““The enormous difference between needing and wanting The enormous difference between needing and wanting something. I don’t need food to be content or a TV to be something. I don’t need food to be content or a TV to be entertained. Sometimes going without wants helps me to focus entertained. Sometimes going without wants helps me to focus on the important things to think about.”on the important things to think about.”

Intended Transfer of Learning - Intended Transfer of Learning - LifestyleLifestyle

Sub Themes:Sub Themes:

1.1. Personal TimePersonal Time

2.2. Physical NeedsPhysical Needs

3.3. Spending Time Spending Time OutsideOutside

4.4. Seeking New Seeking New ChallengesChallenges

Intended Transfer of Learning - Intended Transfer of Learning - LifestyleLifestyle

Personal TimePersonal Time““Having time alone is calming and it helps you to clear your mind. Having time alone is calming and it helps you to clear your mind. I definitely want something like this once a week.”I definitely want something like this once a week.”

Physical NeedsPhysical Needs““How crucial food is to awaken mental state and to a functioning How crucial food is to awaken mental state and to a functioning body. body. I want to not waste food and eat healthy so my body can perform I want to not waste food and eat healthy so my body can perform at its peak.”at its peak.”

Spending Time OutsideSpending Time Outside““Man needs to spend one to two days a week in nature to become Man needs to spend one to two days a week in nature to become less stressful.”less stressful.”

Seeking New ChallengesSeeking New Challenges““I thought a lot about future plans during solo and decided I I thought a lot about future plans during solo and decided I should push myself to try new things just like I did in Outward should push myself to try new things just like I did in Outward Bound.”Bound.”

Appreciation for Home and Outdoor Appreciation for Home and Outdoor ExperiencesExperiences

Sub ThemesSub Themes

1.1. FoodFood

2.2. PeoplePeople

3.3. ““Things”Things”

4.4. Outdoor Outdoor Experience Experience

5.5. Solitude / Time to Solitude / Time to ThinkThink

Appreciation….Appreciation….FoodFood

““Food is a precious thing that many people don’t have. I should Food is a precious thing that many people don’t have. I should appreciate it more and be thankful that I have it.”appreciate it more and be thankful that I have it.”

PeoplePeople““The friends I have, I have for a reason. They are good people. I The friends I have, I have for a reason. They are good people. I now know how lucky I am to have them (also my Mom).”now know how lucky I am to have them (also my Mom).”

““Things”Things”““Give thanks for simple things! Stop taking little pleasures for Give thanks for simple things! Stop taking little pleasures for granted, celebrate your comforts – dry underwear is a start.”granted, celebrate your comforts – dry underwear is a start.”

Outdoor ExperiencesOutdoor Experiences““Being outside with nature is fun!”Being outside with nature is fun!”

Solitude / Time to ThinkSolitude / Time to Think““Self-awareness and deep contemplation are the guides to Self-awareness and deep contemplation are the guides to success in your daily life. Without them, you will surely lose success in your daily life. Without them, you will surely lose yourself.”yourself.”

“You cannot harvest the lessons of life except in aloneness and I go to the length of saying that

neither the love of man nor the love of God can take deep root except in aloneness” – Kurt Hahn

Final Expedition Research Final Expedition Research QuestionsQuestions

• ““What did you enjoy the most about your Final What did you enjoy the most about your Final Expedition experience?”Expedition experience?”

• ““What was the most difficult part of your Final What was the most difficult part of your Final Expedition experience?”Expedition experience?”

• ““How did the freedom from instructors on your Final How did the freedom from instructors on your Final Expedition most contribute to your personal growth Expedition most contribute to your personal growth and/or group development?”and/or group development?”

Final Expedition Characteristics Final Expedition Characteristics

Length of Final Expedition (# of groups)Length of Final Expedition (# of groups)

• Under 24 hours:Under 24 hours: Youth-6Youth-6 Adult-0Adult-0

• 24-47 hours: 24-47 hours: Youth-20Youth-20 Adult-1Adult-1

• 48-71 hours: 48-71 hours: Youth-5Youth-5 Adult-1Adult-1

Instructor Positioning During Final ExpeditionInstructor Positioning During Final Expedition

• Travel with Group: Travel with Group: Youth-8Youth-8 Adult-0Adult-0

• Shadow within sight & sound:Shadow within sight & sound: Youth-13 Youth-13 Adult-1Adult-1

• Shadow within sight OR sound:Shadow within sight OR sound: Youth-10Youth-10 Adult-Adult-00

• Unaccompanied:Unaccompanied: Youth-0 Youth-0 Adult-1Adult-1

Final Expedition: Most Difficult Final Expedition: Most Difficult CharacteristicCharacteristic

Preliminary ThemesPreliminary Themes(by rank order)(by rank order)

1.1. Physical ChallengePhysical Challenge

2.2. Group DynamicsGroup Dynamics

3.3. NavigationNavigation

4.4. AutonomyAutonomy

Final Expedition: Most Enjoyable Final Expedition: Most Enjoyable CharacteristicCharacteristic

Preliminary ThemesPreliminary Themes(by rank order)(by rank order)

1.1. AutonomyAutonomy

2.2. AccomplishmentAccomplishment

3.3. CommunityCommunity

4.4. TeamworkTeamwork

How Did the Freedom from Instructors Most How Did the Freedom from Instructors Most Contribute to Your Personal Growth and/or Contribute to Your Personal Growth and/or

Group Development?Group Development?

Preliminary ThemesPreliminary Themes(by rank order)(by rank order)

PersonalPersonal

1.1. Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance

2.2. Self-AwarenessSelf-Awareness

3.3. Leadership Leadership DevelopmentDevelopment

GroupGroup

1.1. Group RelianceGroup Reliance

2.2. Group ResponsibilityGroup Responsibility

3.3. Group CohesionGroup Cohesion

ConclusionsConclusionsSoloSolo• Times of intentional solitude provided a powerful, positive, and Times of intentional solitude provided a powerful, positive, and

countercultural experience that many intended to practice when countercultural experience that many intended to practice when they when they returned home.they when they returned home.

• Participants’ self-perceptions changed by seeing themselves as Participants’ self-perceptions changed by seeing themselves as more self-reliant and more capable of handling uncertain situations.more self-reliant and more capable of handling uncertain situations.

• Solo enhanced participant’s self-understanding and self-worth.Solo enhanced participant’s self-understanding and self-worth.

• Being alone and without certain comforts offered participants the Being alone and without certain comforts offered participants the opportunity to discriminate between their needs and wants.opportunity to discriminate between their needs and wants.

Final ExpeditionFinal Expedition• The Final Expedition encouraged participants to take increased The Final Expedition encouraged participants to take increased

responsibility for themselves and others and to experience clearer responsibility for themselves and others and to experience clearer consequences for personal decisions.consequences for personal decisions.

• The group dynamics and autonomy afforded by the Final Expedition The group dynamics and autonomy afforded by the Final Expedition were both the most enjoyable and most difficult aspects for many were both the most enjoyable and most difficult aspects for many students. students.

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions What decision-making process does your What decision-making process does your

organization go through to weigh the risks vs. organization go through to weigh the risks vs. benefits of facilitating Solo or Final Expedition benefits of facilitating Solo or Final Expedition components?components?

What is the relationship between course purpose, What is the relationship between course purpose, length, location, etc. when deciding whether to length, location, etc. when deciding whether to offer an unaccompanied student experience?offer an unaccompanied student experience?

What are the “best practices” for framing, What are the “best practices” for framing, management and debriefing of these management and debriefing of these unaccompanied experiences? unaccompanied experiences?

““A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.” not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd, Salt John A. Shedd, Salt

from My Attic, 1928 from My Attic, 1928