A Case Study of Relationships Forged Through a Freshman Outdoor Orientation Program

Abstract

A case study was conducted at a mid-size, Midwestern Campus to explore the nature of interpersonal relationships formed during a pre-college outdoor orientation experience among a group of three first-year students. This study also investigated how the friendship served the group during their first semester at college. Three semistructured group interviews were conducted during the course of the first semester and revealed for this group of students, a close-casual relationship existed and the relationship has helped them socially, emotionally, and with self-identity development. The results of this study parallel other studies that were done on the significance of precollege transition programs.