The Effect of a Canoe-Based Wilderness Immersion Experience on Young Adolescents' Connectedness to Nature

Abstract

Wilderness areas can be very impactful places for young adolescents and experience in them has documented positive effects on their development. They may also be a means for increasing young adolescents' connectedness to nature. Participants in this study were young adolescents who took part in a canoe-based wilderness immersion experience. Prior to the experience, their level of connectedness was measured using the Connectedness to Nature Scale-Revised as well as two open-ended questions (Frantz, Mayer, & Sallee, 2015). Following their experience, their level of connectedness was measured again using the same instrument as well as focus group interviews at 2 of the 3 camps surveyed. The results of the study indicate that a canoe-based wilderness immersion experience has a positive effect on young adolescents' connectedness to nature. The results can be used to support existing and develop new wilderness programming for young adolescents. While the results are significant on their own, they also raise additional questions and directions for further research.